Mixed Messages on CBD at FDA Hearing
Conflicting claims on cannabis uses, safety as Illinois is set to become 11th state to legalize recreational use.
Jun 04, 2019
ALEXANDRIA, Va.— Late Friday, the Illinois state legislature approved the use of recreational marijuana by adults, making it the first U.S. legislature to legalize marijuana. All other states that have approved marijuana use did so following voter referendums.
The legislation becomes official when it receives the promised signature of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. That will permit the state’s 55 medical dispensaries to apply to sell recreational marijuana and to request opening an additional location. By the beginning of next year, more than 100 dispensaries in Illinois could be selling marijuana.
The Illinois vote came the same day that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration held a lengthy public hearing on the safety and effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) products, as it tries to determine how to best regulate the hemp-derived compound.
CBD and Cannabis News Update
Each week, NACS brings you a roundup of news and information on cannabis and CBD to help update you on the fast-moving products and their legality. Here are the topics in the news for the week of May 27–31:
U.S. Federal Activity
- FDA Holds Hearing on CBD, Stakeholders Urge Agency to Release Regulations. On May 31, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a public hearing on cannabidiol (CBD) that requested scientific data and information about products containing the substance. Although there was not consensus on how the FDA should regulate CBD, testimony from the stakeholders urged the FDA to promulgate regulations quickly. (Source: Washington Post, The Hill)
- Authors of SAFE Banking Act Consider Expanding Legislation. As House lawmakers consider a vote on the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, a banking bill that would enable financial institutions to service cannabis businesses, the sponsors of the legislation are considering expanding its jurisdiction to hemp in order to win Republican votes and give the bill a better chance in the Senate. (Source: Politico)
- House Appropriations Bill Includes Cannabis Banking Provision. The draft House Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill contains language that would prohibit the IRS from punishing financial institutions that service cannabis businesses. The language, however, does not apply to Department of Justice enforcement actions. (Source: Forbes)
- USDA Releases Legal Opinion on Hemp Production. On May 28, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) released a legal opinion that indicates hemp is no longer a controlled substance and states cannot prohibit the transportation or shipment of hemp that is lawfully produced. (Source: USDA)
- Illinois Legislature Approves Recreational Marijuana Legislation. On May 31, the Illinois House approved a law that paves the way for the state to become the eleventh state to legalize recreational marijuana use. Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who advocated for legalization, has pledged to sign the bill. (Source: Chicago Tribune, WQAD)
- Cuomo Says Recreational Marijuana Isn’t Feasible This Year in New York. On June 3, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters that he doesn’t believe recreational marijuana legislation can pass the state Senate in 2019. Despite general support for legislation, lawmakers are town over how to regulate the industry. (Source: Washington Post)
- Colorado Allows Home Delivery and Tasting Rooms for Marijuana. Beginning in 2020, localities can opt to allow recreational marijuana to be delivered to consumers. In addition, cities can establish tasting rooms to allow people to use cannabis socially. (Source: Denver Post)
- eBay Announces Global Prohibition of CBD Products. In a tweet on May 23, eBay said it will prohibit items containing cannabidiol (CBD) from its platform. Citing regulation from FDA and other law enforcement agencies, eBay said the policy will be enforced globally. (Source: Marijuana Moment)
