New law recognizes hemp-derived products as foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics

American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has published an update to its Guidance on California Proposition 65 and Hemp Products to recognize the impact of the passage of California AB 45 Industrial hemp products, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on Oct. 6, 2021.

The AHPA document provides guidance to the hemp industry about the regulatory and liability implications of Proposition 65 for hemp and hemp-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD), sold in the State of California. Following the passage of AB 45, certain hemp-derived products are now recognized as lawful foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics, and may now be able to utilize Proposition 65’s provision for naturally occurring constituents that are Proposition 65 listed chemicals, such as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and β-myrcene. This provision recognizes that if a listed chemical is naturally occurring in food, human consumption of that food does not constitute an “exposure” for the purposes of Proposition 65.

“AB 45 is a big win for the hemp and CBD industry,” said Chris Lackner, co-founder of Colorado-based jeng CBD beverages. “It provides much-needed clarity for retailers and producers in the country’s largest marketplace. It is also a win for consumers, as it will allow for more clarity and transparency in labeling. And since California is known for setting trends, we hope other states will follow suit with similar legislation.”

AHPA president Michael McGuffin presented on this topic during his recent participation on a panel titled “Implications of Prop. 65’s Proposed Regulations Regarding Cannabis and THC Products” during the Prop65 Clearinghouse’s Annual Conference held on Sept. 27, 2021. He reviewed the history of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) practice of identifying in chemical listings the presence of naturally occurring constituents in various botanicals, such as those for pulegone and β-myrcene. He also noted the small number of instances in which private plaintiffs have seemingly ignored this provision and filed notices of violation for naturally occurring chemicals in foods products. In July 2021, two notices of violation were filed against products identified as “full-spectrum CBD oil,” but these filings preceded the completion of the AB 45 legislative process.

Consumer goods sold in the State of California are generally subject to Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. The regulations place specific warning requirements on marketers of products sold in the State of California if the product contains chemicals listed by the State as carcinogens or reproductive toxicants. Failure to provide such warnings can result in action by the California Attorney General or by “any person in the public interest.”

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Sheldon Baker

Sheldon Baker, The 420 Area Code show host, possesses more than 30 years of creative and media experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and broadcasting from Columbia College in Chicago, the premier marketing, media, and arts educational institution in the U.S., and has developed and directed a wide range of corporate marketing programs, celebrity promotion, and product branding for the natural products industry. More info here.

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