As the CBD market (both hemp and marijuana derived products) continues to expand globally and in the U.S. there is still confusion over the difference between the two. Consumers are confused between the difference. Both are federally regulated under the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp is legal in the U.S., but there are restrictions regulated by the USDA in regard to growers, locations and production for licensing and regulation in cooperation with the states.
Marijuana based CBD products are considered a controlled substance which brings it under the DEA and FDA. CBD derived from marijuana cannabis is limited to states that allow it for medical, or personal enjoyment purposes and governed differently than CBD derived from industrial hemp. The difference between the two is the level of THC present. CBD from industrial hemp contains minute amounts less than (0.3%) of THC while products derived from marijuana contain higher amounts that result in a high.
There are several boards and marketing groups with which professional hemp growers can affiliate to insure guidelines, quality and safety regulations in regard to growing, production, promotion and distribution. The largest to date are:
- The U.S. Hemp Authority
- The U.S. Hemp Roundtable
- Hemp Industries Association
- The National Hemp Association
These associations and groups are not exhaustive by any means, but growers, producers and distributors seeking affiliation are showing their desire to be compliant, responsible, and accountable for best practices, safety, and to be regulated. For example: In early 2019 the U.S. Hemp Authority established guidelines for hemp farmers, growers, processors and distributors. The U.S. Hemp Authority’s Certification Program established much needed guidelines for the largely unregulated, new burgeoning industry. Board President, Dr. Marielle Wieintraub: “There are too many unsafe or mislabeled products on the market, particularly in the CBD space, and the hemp industry has joined to ensure consumer confidence that products featuring our label are safe for their families.”
The U.S. Hemp Authority™ Certification Program is the hemp industry’s effort to establish high standards, regulations and best practices by its members to provide assurances of safety and legal recognition for consumers and law enforcement that hemp is safe and legal.
CBD labeling is regulated just as other products for consumption by U.S. consumers. Whether you are printing labels for marijuana, or hemp derived CBD there are requirements for each. Whether it is through the FDA, or USDA there are certain criteria that must be met.
Dietary supplements like CBD Oil/Tincture are required to include:
- An identity statement (“dietary supplement, etc.)
- A net quantity of contents statement
- An ingredient statement
- A responsibility statement
- A nutrition statement
Reputable CBD producers, growers and distributors typically include the following on their labels:
- Batch #
- Ingredients
- Bottle Size
- Serving/dosing information
- Amount of CBD
Some states, like Indiana, now require QR codes and independent lab analysis results in addition to the information above. Label integrity and quality is extremely important whether the product is for humans, pets, etc.
CBD labels need to be high performing due to oil spillage. Century Printing and Packaging has experience in producing high quality, high performing labels.
Ben Waldrop, President
Century Printing & Packaging
Greer, SC 29651
800.344.7509