Alliance to Congress: TTB should regulate THC
(DENVER) — Low-dose, hemp-derived THC beverages should be regulated by the Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), according to the Hemp Beverage Alliance.
In response to Congress' request for information about regulating CBD as a food and dietary supplement, the Alliance suggests two separate pathways for hemp-derived CBD and THC:
CBD is a non-impairing compound and should be allowed to be incorporated into food and dietary supplements and be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
THC has the potential to impair. Beverages containing potentially impairing levels of THC legally derived from hemp should be regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
While CBD is a valuable cannabinoid with tremendous potential, it is the low-dose, hemp-derived delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and full spectrum products that truly are in demand by the American consumer.
Since its legalization in the 2018 Farm Bill, low-dose hemp-derived full spectrum beverages have been embraced by adult consumers seeking relaxation and relief.
This is where the hemp marketplace is poised for significant growth, and this is where Congress has the opportunity to support farmers, small businesses, veterans, seniors, and countless others who benefit from the production, distribution, sale and consumption of regulated, hemp-derived products.
The Alliance also encourages Congress to:
Appropriate funding to TTB to develop a regulatory framework for beverages infused with THC derived from legal hemp.
Appropriate funding to TTB to develop programs to educate distributors, retailers, state regulators and the general public about hemp-derived THC beverages. Educational programs should emphasize safety, responsible consumption, and the restriction of products to adults aged 21 years or older.
Develop a framework to tax hemp-derived THC beverages in a manner similar to alcohol. This will benefit taxpayers and provide funding for market regulation and oversight.
Encourage uniformity in labeling requirements among the states. This will empower consumers and free beverage companies from onerous, state-by-state requirements.
Work with the hemp beverage industry to create a sensible, thriving, safe industry. Together, we can create a strong hemp beverage marketplace that protects children, creates jobs, stimulates local economies, and provides adult consumers with products they enjoy and demand.
"Adult consumers throughout the country want low-dose THC products that are safe, effective, age-restricted, and available where they buy alcohol," said Christopher Lackner, executive director, Hemp Beverage Alliance. "TTB is the right agency to create a sensible framework that grows the industry and keeps these products away from children."
Click here to read the full response to Congress' RFI.
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The mission of the Hemp Beverage Alliance is to create a safe and thriving industry through education, advocacy, best practices and partnership. We achieve this by providing consumers, retailers, and distributors with the information they need to better understand the industry; developing best practices to create consistency in labeling and manufacturing, boosting consumer confidence; working with elected officials and regulators to encourage common-sense regulation; and collaborating with cannabis and alcohol industries to create a marketplace that benefits everyone. More at hempbeveragealliance.org.
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