New Bill Aims to Overhaul Federal Cannabinoid Regulations and Protect Youth

Sen. Ron Wyden proposes a significant legislative move to enhance federal regulation of hemp-derived products and protect youth.

At a Glance

The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act seeks to establish a federal regulatory framework under the FDA.
The bill sets a federal age limit of 21 for purchasing hemp-derived products.
Marketing to children and synthetic cannabinoids would be banned.
Producers must register with the FDA and conduct thorough product testing.
The act would allow hemp-derived CBD in dietary supplements, foods, and beverages.

Wyden’s Legislative Proposal

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the “Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act” to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The bill empowers the FDA and the Alcohol Tax Tobacco and Trade Bureau to oversee the safety and labeling of these products. This initiative aims to ensure that adults have access to safe, tested hemp products while preventing children from obtaining high-potency cannabinoid items like CBD gummies and vaping devices.

Key measures of the bill include a federal age limit of 21 for purchasing hemp-derived products. Additionally, it establishes strict testing protocols for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants, ensuring that consumers know precisely what they are buying. Importantly, the bill also prohibits the marketing of these products to children and bans synthetic cannabinoids altogether.

It’s past time for the government to listen to the will of the voters across this country and end the federal prohibition of cannabis once and for all. I’m fighting to do just that. https://t.co/14RaJqZByu

— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) July 15, 2021

Impact on Youth and Public Health

The legislation responds to concerns that the 2018 Farm Bill left a regulatory void, leading to increased youth access to potent cannabinoid products. This new bill seeks to close that gap by introducing comprehensive regulations. The measure defines “total THC content” to include all forms of THC, such as CBD, delta-8 THC, and THCA, ensuring that all variations are covered under the new rules.

“Cannabis prohibition has never kept cannabis out of the hands of kids,” Wyden said in a statement. “Robust regulation can give consumers a safe, reliable option while deterring unregulated markets and disallowing unsafe products.”

In addition to safety and age restrictions, the bill includes provisions to establish grant programs focused on underage cannabis use prevention and cannabis-impaired driving prevention. These initiatives will be supported by $200 million annually for CDC data collection and prevention programs, and $40 million for impaired driving initiatives.

This is good news, but there’s more to be done to rectify the harms of the failed War on Drugs. That’s why I’m continuing to lead the fight in the Senate with @SenSchumer and @SenBooker to deschedule cannabis once and for all. https://t.co/gd954fINJm

— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 30, 2024

Support and Future Outlook

The bill has garnered support from multiple organizations, including U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Oregon Farm Bureau, and American Herbal Products Association. These groups have praised the legislation for providing a much-needed regulatory framework and allowing safe access to hemp-derived products.

“Despite being legally grown in the United States for nearly five years, hemp and hemp-derived CBD are still in a regulatory gray zone that puts consumers at risk and holds producers back,” Wyden said. “The FDA says it needs Congress to act. We’ve got the bill to ensure equal and safe access to hemp-derived CBD.”

This bill is part of Wyden’s broader legislative efforts to reform cannabis regulations at the federal level. Alongside U.S. Senators Cory Booker, Charles E. Schumer, and others, Wyden has also reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, which aims to end the federal prohibition of cannabis and address the failures of the War on Drugs.