Experts share about hemp regulations, farm bill challenges during NASDA Policy Committee Meeting

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS - The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture discussed "Regulatory Landscape Surrounding Hemp and Hemp-Derived Products" during the Plant Agriculture and Pesticide Regulation Committee meeting at NASDA's 2024 Annual Meeting. The session featured the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Senior Public Health Advisor Norman Birenbaum, and Cannabis Regulators Association Executive Director Dr. Gillian Schauer, who provided perspectives on the current regulatory challenges in state and national markets and current and potential policy concerns in the evolving hemp industry.

"This is an important regulatory topic that has posed unique challenges to state agencies," Dr. Schauer said. "Part of CANNRA's mission is to ensure that agencies within and across states are sharing information and lessons learned and NASDA's Annual Meeting provided a wonderful opportunity to continue those discussions."

Dr. Schauer and Birenbaum provided insights into the current regulatory landscape and discussed potential solutions to address these challenges.

"The FDA has concluded that a new regulatory pathway for these products is needed that balances individuals' desire for access to CBD and other certain hemp-derived products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks," Birenbaum said. "The agency is prepared to work with Congress on this matter. The FDA will continue to take action against CBD and other cannabis-derived products to protect the public, in coordination with state regulatory partners, when appropriate. We will remain diligent in monitoring the marketplace, identifying products that pose risks and acting within our authorities. The FDA, as always, works with Congress at their request. There is a significant opportunity to develop a cross-agency strategy for the regulation of these products to protect the public's health and safety."

NASDA supports hemp regulation which provides flexibility and opportunities to learn in the future. Hemp continues to be a growing industry in agriculture, and since its inclusion in the 2014 Farm Bill, NASDA continues to see market development and interest at the state and national levels. Collaborative work amongst state, industry and federal agencies is crucial for the continued growth of this industry.

###

NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.