This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was busy with reports in the cannabis sphere: Its report on clinical cannabis research was released to the public, while its report on cannabidiol enforcement is currently under review. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved new hemp plans for several states.
Here are this week’s headlines you might have missed.
- National: The FDA publicized its “Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Compounds: Quality Considerations for Clinical Research, Draft Guidance for Industry” report, which covers sources for clinical research, information on quality considerations and other recommendations for those pursuing investigational new drug (IND) applications and new drug applications (NDAs) for both cannabis and hemp-derived compounds. Read more
Meanwhile, the FDA has also submitted a document titled “Cannabidiol Enforcement Policy” to the White House for review, leaving industry participants speculating what the document may be until it’s released to the public. Read more - Florida: According to state law, industrial hemp seeds must be certified by an agent of the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA), so farmers in the state are turning to Sunbelt Hemp for its Goliath variety, which has been certified by an AOSCA agent. Read more
- Michigan: MHR Brands, a Michigan-based hemp product manufacturer, recently recalled dozens of hemp oil tinctures after learning that the products were contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Read more
- Minnesota: Minnesota joins the growing cast of U.S. states with approval from the USDA to embark on a new hemp program. The application window will open in October. Read more
- Oregon: East Fork Cultivars, a small, family-owned and operated craft hemp and cannabis farm in Takilma, has started raising money via Steward, a crowdsourcing fundraising website made specifically for small, sustainable farms. Read more
- Tennessee: The USDA approved Tennessee’s hemp program for the 2021 season earlier this month, bringing one of the early adopter states into the new era of industrial hemp. Read more
- West Virginia: Beginning last month, West Virginia University professor Michael Gutensohn was tasked with learning more about how the hemp plant goes “hot” and crosses the 0.3% THC threshold with a grant from the USDA. Read more
