Hemp Access

Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act

Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act was introduced May 19, 2021 by Oregon’s Democratic senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky.

The FDA declared CBD a drug after the Farm Bill passed. CBD use in consumable products has to be approved on an individual basis with clinical trials. This hinders product development and makes CBD products vulnerable to FDA crackdowns.

“Every day that the FDA drags its feet to update its CBD regulations, hemp farmers are left guessing about how their products will be regulated, and real economic gains for workers and business owners in Oregon and across the country are left on the table,” Merkley said in a statement. “Hemp-derived CBD products are already widely available, and we all need the FDA to issue clear regulations for them just like they do for other foods, drinks, and dietary supplements.

The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act would remove uncertainty by explicitly exempting hemp and all its products from the FDA’s drug-based prohibition.

The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act:

  • Gives hemp-derived CBD products an opportunity to lawfully be used in dietary supplements, foods and beverages under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. 
  • Prioritizes consumer safety, requiring manufacturers to comply with all existing federal regulations for the products that contain CBD. 
  • Ensures that these products are properly labeled. 

For a one-page summary of the legislation click here. For the complete Bill text click here.

The Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act has support from: 

Dawson Hobbs, Executive Vice President, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America

Jen Daulby, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Consumer Brands Association

Jonathan Miller, General Counsel, U.S. Hemp Roundtable

Michael McGuffin, President, American Herbal Products Association

Scott Melville, President & CEO, Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Scott Melville, President & CEO, Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Derek Selznick, Executive Director, Kentucky Guild of Brewers

Eric Steenstra, Executive Director, Vote Hemp