The recently published U.S. Hemp Authority™ Guidance Procedures 2.0 provide more transparency to the hemp used in many CBD products. Specifically, the U.S. Hemp Authority certification means the following:
- Processors, manufacturers, and brand owners are now responsible for complying with all relevant FDA regulations for foods, beverages, cosmetics, and dietary supplements to ensure that product safety is the highest priority.
- Genetically engineered hemp is prohibited from the program, and genetically engineered non-hemp ingredients must be identified on the product label.
- Product labeling must include country of origin of the hemp biomass from which the product was derived.
- Synthetic and biosynthetic CBD and other synthetic and biosynthetic cannabinoids are prohibited from the program, as are cannabimimetic phytochemicals.
- The terms “broad spectrum,” “full spectrum,” and “isolate” have been defined for use in labeling to help avoid consumer confusion:
- Full Spectrum is the total extract of the hemp flower and leaves, including THC and other cannabinoids, terpenes, omegas, and plant matter. Full spectrum retains the natural profile as seen in nature with THC present at its natural levels without tampering or mitigation
- Broad Spectrum is the total extract of the hemp floral material present in the finished hemp product that contains at least two cannabinoids derived from hemp and a minimum of one terpene.
- Isolate is the confined molecule and most pure form of the cannabinoid such as CBD.
See the U.S. Hemp Authority Certification Program, Guidance Procedures 2.0
