FEBRUARY 4, 2021
WASHINGTON – In response to the introduction of the Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act of 2021, introduced by Representatives Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA), The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, issued the following statement:
Statement by Julia Gustafson, vice president, government relations, CRN:
“CRN applauds Representatives Schrader and Griffith for their introduction of the Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act of 2021. This critical bi-partisan legislation will promote a safer and stronger dietary supplement marketplace, as it will direct FDA to provide a legal pathway to market for dietary supplements containing hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), while still assuring FDA’s stringent requirements for manufacturing, labeling and marketing of other dietary supplements apply to these new ingredients. CRN especially appreciates that the legislation includes CBD along with other hemp-derived cannabinoids for potential inclusion in dietary supplements.
“Since the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted, CRN has repeatedly called on FDA to exercise the statutory discretion provided to it in the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act that would allow CBD to be marketed as a dietary supplement and impose the legal and regulatory requirements that currently exist for other supplements. During this time, the CBD marketplace has experienced heightened consumer interest, increased sales and expanded product innovation, all with no action taken by the agency to legalize this ingredient in dietary supplements. We call on FDA to constructively engage with the bill sponsors and other stakeholders to address any reservations it may have and to help craft legislation that protects public health while fostering a new category of supplements.
“Products containing hemp-derived CBD have been proliferating in the marketplace. Due to continued FDA inaction, more consumers are at risk every day of unsafe or illegal products that are poorly manufactured, incorrectly labeled, or illegally deliver THC or other adulterants. Concurrently, responsible CBD companies that adhere to federal regulations and produce and market safe and beneficial CBD dietary supplements are forced to share the shelf with disreputable companies that compromise public safety for profit.
“For the benefit of FDA, industry, retailers, and ultimately consumers, CRN urges Congress to pass this legislation and open the marketplace to CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoid dietary supplements. CRN joins a coalition of dietary supplement and hemp industry trade groups in support of the Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act of 2021 and will continue to work with bill sponsors and other lawmakers to help advance this legislation to protect the health and safety of consumers.”
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing 180+ dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies providing services to those manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to complying with a host of federal and state regulations governing dietary supplements and food in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, quality control and safety, our manufacturer and supplier members also agree to adhere to additional voluntary guidelines as well as to CRN’s Code of Ethics. Visit www.crnusa.org. Follow us on Twitter @CRN_Supplements and LinkedIn.