United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) to establish national standards to protect public health and safety and keep cannabis products out of the hands of children. The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

According to Wyden, the CSRA would establish a national age restriction to prevent those under age 21 from purchasing hemp-derived cannabis products. The legislation would require all hemp-derived products are tested for safety and are manufactured during clean and safe processes. It would also require truth in labeling and would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall or ban cannabis products containing dangerous chemicals or additives.

“Just like the tobacco industry marketing cigarettes to young people, nobody should be slapping fun cartoons and glitzy candy wrapper packaging on cannabis products meant for adults,” Wyden said. “A federal floor for regulation of hemp products is non-negotiable to ensure that consumers aren’t put at risk by untested products of unknown origin. My legislation will ensure that adult consumers know what they’re getting, and that hemp products are never sold or marketed to children.”

The CSRA is endorsed by the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, National Cannabis Industry Association, National Industrial Hemp Council and various state hemp industry associations.

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) said it appreciates Wyden’s continued attention to the hemp industry. Over the last few months, AHPA has been actively communicating with Wyden’s office on the provisions of the bill and will be consulting with its members on the contents.

“Specific to dietary supplements, we are very pleased Senator Wyden included language in the CSRA that would give FDA the authority to remove from the market dangerous and illegal drugs that masquerade as dietary supplements, such as tianeptine tablets and liquids, while protecting the existing balance struck by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. The CSRA’s ‘Prohibited Act’ provision refines overly broad language that was introduced in Congress earlier this year,” said AHPA President Michael McGuffin.

To read the full bill, visit https://www.wyden.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/csra.pdf.