Top Alcohol Industry Association Gives Congress Advice On Regulating Hemp Derivatives Such As CBD And Delta-8 THC – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

As Congress considers creating a framework to oversee the nation’s cannabis market, a major alcohol association is offering federal lawmakers advice on regulating hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBD and delta-8 THC.

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA)—which came out in support of federally legalizing marijuana earlier this year—sent a letter to House and Senate committees on Friday in response to the panels’ recent requests for information on navigating CBD and other emerging cannabinoids.

“The transition from Prohibition to legal status for alcohol has been an American success story,” it says. “Since the 21st Amendment’s enactment, a safe, consumer-centric and economically vibrant marketplace has developed, one serving the needs of both regulators and consumers. While individual regulations have evolved, the basic federal regulatory structure of permitting and tax collection continues to endure.”

“As Congress considers a potential regulatory pathway for intoxicating hemp products, America’s wine and spirits wholesalers believe it is important to share what our industry has learned over time and to encourage you and other legislators to pursue robust reform and regulation,” the letter continues.

One of the main reasons Congress is exploring regulatory models for CBD is because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said earlier this year that, following an extensive review, it believes it currently lacks the necessary authority to…