Wendy future of retail top

NGA supports regulating CBD as a dietary supplement

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ARLINGTON, Va.  The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, offered support for bipartisan legislation that would allow hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) to be regulated as dietary supplements.

Introduced Sept. 4, the Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act of 2020 (H.R. 8179) is sponsored by U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5). The proposal would eliminate regulatory confusion and establish product manufacturing standards to support the growing market for CBD products.

Removal of CBD and hemp-derived products from the Controlled Substances Act has led to the quick growth in business and consumer interest, and CBD products have flooded the marketplace in a variety of forms, such as tinctures, pills, lotions and oils.

“NGA members are experiencing significant consumer demand for CBD products,” said Chris Jones, senior vice president of government relations and counsel, NGA. “The recent surge in the production and sale of CBD has shifted consumer actions and demands rapidly. Many independent food retailers have responded to this demand, but others are deterred because of the lack of legal clarity surrounding CBD products.”

Nielsen reports that 34% of U.S. adults (age 21+) are interested in consuming legal cannabis products, and the top reasons for this interest is tied to ailment treatment, prevention and general wellness.

To help retailers fulfill this demand for CBD products without legal ramifications, NGA actively supports the regulation of CBD and urges Congress to approve this legislation to classify CBD as a dietary supplement.

“NGA supports common-sense FDA regulation of CBD products,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO, NGA. “We appreciate efforts by Congressmen Griffith and Schrader to establish a clear regulatory framework for CBD and urge for swift passage so that Main Street grocers can continue to serve their communities across the nation.”


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