Hemp Industries Association Publishes Statement in Response to Misbranding of Cannabidiol Products as 'Hemp Oil'

WASHINGTON, July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hemp Industries Association, the non-profit North American hemp trade association, has published its position on the misbranding of cannabidiol (CBD) products as 'hemp oil.' The statement explains the difference between hemp oil and CBD extracts in terms of their respective uses and means of production; and furthermore, emphasizes the need for accurate language in the marketplace so that consumers are not misled.   

The position states, "Hemp oil is the common term for hemp seed oil, obtained by pressing hemp seeds that contain low levels of CBD, typically less than 25 parts per million (ppm). In contrast, CBD extracts are produced either directly from cannabis flowers that are up to 15% CBD (150,000 ppm), or indirectly as a co-product of the flowers and leaves that are mixed in with the stalks during hemp stalk processing for fiber." Read the entirety of the HIA position on CBD extracts misbranded and marketed as 'hemp oil' on the HIA website: http://www.thehia.org/PDF/HIA-position-CBD-FINAL.pdf.

The Drug Enforcement Administration attempted to ban import and commerce of hemp seed and oil food products in 2001, claiming these food products where controlled Schedule 1 substances. However, HIA successfully sued DEA, unequivocally establishing hemp seed, oil and protein as entirely legal to import, process, sell and consume in the U.S. Hemp oil is primarily consumed as a nutritional culinary oil, or used in body care products such as soaps, lotions and balms. Lauded for its high content of Omega 3 fatty acids, hemp oil is sold in natural product and health food retailers around the country, including Whole Foods, Costco and Sprouts grocers. 

"With hemp research and development pilot programs taking off this spring, and the hemp retail market growing at an incredible rate, it's crucial that consumers and retailers alike understand the difference between hemp oil and CBD extracts," says Eric Steenstra, Executive Director of Hemp Industries Association. "Our Hemp Industries Association position regarding this distinction calls on makers of CBD products to brand and market their products truthfully and clearly, so as to not further the confusion surrounding CBD products in the marketplace."  

To date, thirty-nine states have introduced pro-hemp legislation and twenty-two have passed pro-hemp legislation.  Sixteen states (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia) have passed legislation allowing them to take immediate advantage of the industrial hemp research and pilot program provision, Section 7606, of the Farm Bill. Nine states (California, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Vermont and Virginia) have passed resolutions. Finally, nine states (Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota and Vermont) have passed hemp study bills. However, despite state authorization to grow hemp, farmers in those states still risk raids by federal agents, prison time, and property and civil asset forfeiture if they plant the crop, due to the failure of federal policy to distinguish non-drug oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis (i.e., industrial hemp) from psychoactive drug varieties (i.e., "marihuana").

The Hemp Industries Association (HIA) represents the interests of the hemp industry and encourages the research and development of new hemp products. More information about hemp's many uses and hemp advocacy may be found at www.TheHIA.org and www.VoteHemp.com.

SOURCE Hemp Industries Association