Congress to FDA: We need CBD answers by Friday

(This article has been updated to include a response from the FDA.)

Saying that states need “immediate leadership” on CBD in food, drugs and cosmetics, 12 members of Congress have asked the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to release updated guidance by Friday.

The letter, first posted Tuesday by Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree, claims that recent CBD crackdowns in New York City, Maine and Ohio have “spread a tremendous amount of confusion” among hemp entrepreneurs.

The members of Congress warn that the FDA’s silence has created the “patchwork of state regulations” that make it confusing to CBD manufacturers and retailers.

Specifically, the lawmakers are asking:

• When the FDA plans to give the industry “guidance on lawful pathways” on CBD food, suggesting that existing FDA standards on ingredients considered safe would be one possibility.
• If the agency advised New York, Maine or Ohio about CBD in foods.
• When a public hearing on CBD will be held, as FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottlieb promised in December.

A spokesman for the FDA told Hemp Industry Daily late Tuesday that the agency would not comment on the letter, preferring to respond to members of Congress first.

He did not say if the agency response would be ready by Friday.