NYS CBD Regulation in Limbo as People Wait for Governor’s Signature

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) finally released its regulations on CBD to give more explicit federal guidelines on hemp cultivation that produces CBD.

In New York, however, lines are still blurry as the bill approved by the State Legislature that aims to regulate CBD across the state is yet to be enacted upon by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Wild West in CBD Market

Jen Metzger, the Senate bill sponsor, expressed her hope that the NY Governor will sign the bill soon. She sponsored the proposed legislation to regulate cannabidiol, a compound derived from the hemp plant variety of Cannabis sativa L.

It’s the same source plant as marijuana, which has high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of the illegal substance.

According to Metzger, who is Hudson Valley Democrat, it’s the Wild West in the CBD market since there is no regulation of the said product.

The bill proposes routine testing for CBD products sold across New York and observance of proper labeling to prevent confusion and misunderstanding about the product’s ingredients and additives. It also includes guidelines for New York farmers regarding hemp cultivation and profit share.

Risks of unregulated CBD

CBD is currently in a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill essentially legalized hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% of THC content and is also federally allowed for sale.

However, CBD-containing beverages and food are still illegal for the market. The New York City Health Department stopped restaurants and eateries in the state from selling CBD edibles and drinks since consumables with CBD have not yet been approved as a safe food additive.

Recently, a mysterious THC-related illness affected thousands across the country and claimed dozens of lives due to the use of a particular vape product. Metzger stated that CBD is not a common vaping ingredient. She relayed her concerns about the lack of regulation causing more illnesses since products may bear unfounded claims in the packaging.

Metzger pointed out that worrying about CBD might be necessary due to a lack of quality standards.

CBD is commonly used to relieve stress and help in insomnia and anxiety. It has more claimed therapeutic benefits, and the FDA has approved a CBD-containing drug used to treat seizure disorders in children.

Calls for more CBD studies

Metzger encourages more research on cannabidiol and its alleged effects, whether positive or negative.

Metzger and co-legislator Donna Lupardo presented the measure during a 2019 legislative session as soon as they realized that the comprehensive bill being worked on was not winning an approval. This bill was supposedly for the legalization of adult recreational marijuana use.

Metzger and Lupardo are the chairperson of their respective agricultural committees.

Gov. Cuomo has allied with three neighboring states to work on a comprehensive bill about vaping and cannabis use, which could be up for voting in 2020. However, Metzger said a concrete CBD regulation on or before the year ends still necessary.