US Congressman Probes FDA Over CBD Regulation

Apr.19.2023
US Congressman Probes FDA Over CBD Regulation
An investigation conducts into FDA's decision not to regulate CBD products by US Congressional Committee chair, James Comer.

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On April 18, according to Marijuanamoment, James Comer, the chairman of the US Congressional Committee, has requested that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) release documents related to its decision not to regulate CBD products.


Cuomo criticizes FDA for inadequate reasons not taking action.


On April 17th, the Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Congressman Cummings, wrote a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf announcing an investigation into the agency and criticizing the CBD regulations for lacking sufficient justification for inaction.


James Comer | Photo source: WJLA


In January of this year, the FDA stated that after years of review since the legalization of cannabis and its derivatives (such as CBD) under the 2018 Farm Bill, they have determined that there is currently no feasible regulatory pathway to enforce provisions allowing the marketing of CBD, which has no psychoactive effect, as a food or dietary supplement.


Before this announcement, Cuomo had promised to confront the FDA about the lack of regulation surrounding CBD as the chair of a supervisory committee.


Governor Cuomo wrote in his letter to Kalief, "CBD is a product that is increasingly popular among adults, and its usage has risen in recent years." He also added that the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated.


The requested "documents and information" should be provided.


Cuomo listed the "documents and information" he is requesting the FDA to provide to the committee by May 1st.


All documents, correspondences and drafts related to the January 26th announcement titled "FDA recognizes existing food and supplement regulatory framework as not applicable to CBD, will work with Congress to find new way forward," as well as all documents and correspondences related to FDA evaluation of existing regulatory framework for CBD. Also, all scientific data, reports and studies related to the safety of CBD product consumption held by the FDA. Calls for full regulation of CBD.


Andy Harris, as seen in the photo from wmar2news.


Another Republican congressman, Andy Harris, has also criticized the FDA for a lack of regulations regarding CBD.


In March, he told Calif that this inaction was "eroding the public's confidence in their ability" during a committee hearing.


2022 House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Califf admitted that his organization's progress in developing rules for CBD in the food supply has been slow. He also noted that there has been little improvement since his first appearance before the committee.


As for our current position, the situation appears to be almost identical.


He said that the FDA has taken measures to study the safety of cannabinoids and provide information for future regulations.


For further reading:


Marijuana derivative product testing organizations must comply with regulatory requirements.


Exclusive Interview with the Founder of a CBD Brand: Discussing the Legalization of Marijuana in the United States [Includes a History of Marijuana's Regulatory Development in the US]


Reference:


A congressional committee has initiated an investigation into the decision made by the FDA to not regulate CBD.



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