INDUSTRY UPDATES

July 25, 2019

We want YOUR Comments on the U.S. Hemp Authority’s Guidance Plan 2.0

The time is now for public comment on the US Hemp Authority’s Guidance Plan 2.0.

The U.S. Hemp Authority’s Certification Program is the product of a years-long industry effort to promote high standards, best practices and self-regulation for hemp farming, processing and product manufacture and marketing in the dietary supplement, food and cosmetic spaces. Products that feature the Certification Seal will signal to consumers that products are safe and will comfort law enforcement that the products are legal. The effort initially culminated in Guidance Plan 1.0, released in November of 2018. (Read a brief history of the developments to date.)

The program is, and will always be, a work in progress and improvement. For the program to succeed, the U.S. Hemp Authority has opened up its processes and deliberations to include all individuals, firms and organizations in the U.S. hemp industry.

With that mission, the U.S. Hemp Authority launched Guidance Plan 2.0 on March 1, 2019. The effort was aimed at applying the lessons of the initial launch of the program and taking even greater input from stakeholders on how to improve the program’s standards. The U.S. Hemp Authority held in-person meetings and, with the assistance of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, the Hemp Industries Association and the American Herbal Products Association, it reached out via email and social media to the entire hemp industry.

Several hundred comments were received from over 70 different individuals and organizations. These comments were weighed carefully by the U.S. Hemp Authority’s Technical Committee, a group of experts from across a variety of disciplines in the hemp industry.

From this extensive work, we present Version 2.0 of the Guidance Plan for public comment.Some highlights of the changes in the program that were made because of strong public support:

  • Country of Origin Labeling will be required for all certified products.
  • GMO ingredients, as defined by the USDA, will be required on product labeling.
  • Products made with synthetic cannabinoids will not be eligible for U.S. Hemp Authority Certification.
  • Tribal governments are formally recognized in the guidance.

Between now and September 15, members of the U.S. hemp industry are asked to review and share their comments on Version 2.0 with our independent consultant, David Bossman, at [email protected]. The Technical Committee will once again review and make their final recommendations to the U.S. Hemp Authority Board which will approve the 2.0 Certification Program, to be final and available for use on November 1, 2019 for certification by January 1, 2020.Thanks in advance for your input and suggestions.