The Present & Future of CBD Regulations

Across the entire spectrum of cannabis products, we seem to be in the center of a rising wave. More choices are available on a nation-wide scale, but there are also plenty of flaws and limitations still in place. CBD alone has grown from an unknown supplement to a predicted $22 billion industry by 2020. With that much money at stake, plus high demand for better access and quality control, the CBD regulations continue to change. The hope is that because so many people have invested interest in CBD, it will become safer and easier for consumers. 

The Status of CBD Regulations: Now & Future

The good news is that the freedom to buy, sell, and use CBD has grown substantially. However, there are still plenty of restrictions and other problems holding it back. Nationally, CBD remains a prohibited substance, while also considered perfectly legal to purchase, sell, and transport under certain conditions. CBD’s legal status seems to be constantly changing, but as of 2020, access across the country has never been greater.  

Where CBD Is at in 2020

At present, the 2018 Farm Bill remains the most prominent form of CBD regulation we have. Essentially, this bill allows hemp to be grown legally, and purchased, sold, and transported across all 50 states. That said, CBD still falls into a bit of a gray area. CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are technically allowed under these laws, but CBD itself is still labeled as a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA. That means CBD is technically a prohibited substance. The good news is that the federal government has not cracked down on CBD sales. Thus, it’s generally ok to buy and sell, but there are some exceptions. 

Another important part of the 2018 farm bill is that it gives states the right to regulate hemp and hemp-products as they choose. There are essentially two categories for CBD regulation across the 50 states. There are states where it is fully legal and states where it is conditionally legal. You can essentially buy CBD anywhere in the country and have it shipped to your personal address. However, some states may have additional requirements or restrictions in place. 

What to Look For on the Horizon

According to current laws, CBD’s legality at the federal level is determined by the Food and Drug Administration. According to a statement issued by the DEA, CBD products may fall from Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 5 drug if they can get approval from the FDA. So far, the FDA has only approved one drug containing CBD, a treatment for epilepsy called Epidolex. However, the FDA has not made any definitive statement about CBD itself. 

While there’s no clear indication of how the FDA will decide to regulate CBD, the organization has shown they’re paying attention. They’ve already been clear that mislabeling CBD products or making any unproven medical claims about them could lead to serious trouble. Ultimately, any future regulation is likely to include stricter rules about labeling, testing, and advertising CBD products across the board. Hopefully, this would weed out misleading products and provide a safer and easier experience for consumers. On the other hand, there’s no telling how soon any new regulations will be approved. While it’s expected to happen eventually, the FDA may take their time before deciding anything.

What Does the Future Have in Store for CBD Regulations?

At the federal level, the rules and regulations remain uncertain, but there is still reason to be optimistic. Lawmakers and the public have become increasingly aware of CBD over the last decade, and since then, freedom and access have consistently grown. With the FDA getting involved, we can still hope for this trend to continue, though companies that make and sell CBD may face stricter rules and restrictions. If things go well, we should have a better market with products that are clearly defined, thoroughly tested, and more honest. 

CannaBiz Depot is proud to be a community-focused and customer-driven leader in the hemp market. Feel free to visit our store or order from us online, and be sure to contact us here with any questions or concerns.