US Hemp Roundtable General Counsel testifies in front of House Oversight Committee

On Wednesday, April 9th, Jonathan Miller, General Counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, testified before the House Oversight Committee during a hearing titled "Restoring Trust in FDA: Rooting Out Illicit Products." Throughout the hearing, Jonathan highlighted the urgent need for federal regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoid products and urged lawmakers to hold the FDA accountable for years of inaction that have created a tumultuous marketplace for both consumers and responsible businesses.

In his opening remarks, Miller emphasized the widespread support within the hemp industry for commonsense regulations, contrasting it with the current "Wild West" environment. He expressed frustration that, more than seven years after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, the FDA still has not established a clear regulatory path for CBD and other cannabinoids. The turmoil in this industry can be blamed, in large part, due to contrasting statements and indecision by the agency.

One of the more notable exchanges came when Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) asked Miller to clarify the difference between hemp and marijuana. Miller explained that while both come from the cannabis plant, hemp is defined by federal law as containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Miller continued his remarks that we need to get the FDA engaged to help keep hemp products containing THC out of the hands of minors.

Later in the hearing, Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who chairs the full Oversight Committee, pressed Miller on the FDA's refusal to regulate cannabinoids. In his remarks, Rep. Comer asks "Despite the FDA having the existing authority to regulate, and despite leading organizations representing the credible manufacturers and producers, begging for them to regulate, why have they not done that". Jonathan noted that the agency's continued paralysis has forced states to fill the regulatory void, creating a confusing patchwork of rules that frustrates businesses and risks public safety. Comer echoed this concern, stating that Congress had intended for hemp to be a regulated, legitimate industry—not a free-for-all.

Throughout the hearing, Miller made clear that the hemp industry is not asking for a free pass—but rather the opposite. Responsible companies want strict rules to protect consumers, safeguards to keep these products out of the hands of minors, and a clear set of rules to play by. We need federal leadership to kick the bad actors of this industry.