The Four Pillars and the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA)
An exciting milestone was reached today with the introduction of the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). This bill, developed in close collaboration with the hemp industry, embodies broad support for our four-pillar approach to address genuine market concerns, while cultivating innovation for American farmers and small businesses.
For over two and a half years, the Midwest Hemp Council (MHC) has been educating stakeholders on this four-pillar strategy, as reflected in our response to the joint Request for Information issued last summer by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The four pillars call for Congress to establish minimum safety standards for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including uniform testing, labeling, packaging and a 21+ age restriction.
MHC President Justin Swanson applauds the approach in the CSRA: “The CSRA prioritizes consumer health and safety while giving hemp farmers and small businesses the regulatory clarity they need to rebuild a robust domestic supply chain for hemp products.”
This CSRA represents a critical first step in a longer legislative process. While it is unlikely to pass during the current session of Congress, the hemp industry will have ample time to address any concerns with the bill in the next session. Senator Wyden and his staff have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to consumer safety without stifling the growth of the hemp marketplace. We extend our sincere thanks to Senator Wyden for championing legislation that balances consumer protection with the economic potential of the hemp industry.
Key highlights of the bill include:
1. Consumer Protection and Product Safety
The CSRA enforces strict safety guidelines for labeling and manufacturing cannabinoid products. It establishes a Center for Cannabinoid Products within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tasked with overseeing product quality and safety. The intent of the Center is to ensure that hemp-derived cannabinoid products are free from harmful additives, mislabeling and unsafe manufacturing practices. Non-compliant products will face recalls and enforcement actions, ensuring that consumer safety is the top priority.
2. Clear Path to Market for Hemp Farmers and Small Businesses
The CSRA provides a streamlined process for hemp farmers and small businesses to bring products to market without regulatory confusion. Hemp-derived products will be subject to the same rigorous safety and manufacturing standards as other consumer goods. This regulatory clarity ensures that hemp products can be marketed safely and responsibly, offering a predictable path forward for farmers and producers alike.
3. Public Health and Underage Use Prevention
The CSRA invests in public health initiatives by funding programs aimed at preventing underage cannabis use. These initiatives include educational campaigns targeting youth and high-risk communities, as well as public health surveillance systems to track cannabis use and its effects. Additionally, the bill funds research into cannabis-impaired driving, reflecting a strong commitment to public safety as the hemp industry continues to grow.