U.S. Hemp Authority Develops Adult Use Product Certification Program
The United States Hemp Authority (USHA), based in Kentucky, has announced it created the Adult Use Hemp Product Certification Program. The Adult Use program is designed for the manufacturers and sellers of products containing delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids extracted from hemp. The USHA, as a third-party certification body, is committed to promoting consumer safety and quality control in the hemp industry.
Recognizing the lack of federal oversight and the resulting patchwork of state regulations, the U.S. Hemp Authority has stepped in to fill the regulatory gap. The Adult Use program is a direct response to this challenge, aiming to establish quality control standards that will benefit consumers and the industry as a whole.
As new hemp products are developed, there has been a proliferation of intoxicating hemp products appearing in the marketplace. They include products with Delta-9 THC and Delta-8. Due to a lack of federal or state regulations, there is a concern that children and teens can easily access intoxicating hemp products because the products are inaccurately identified or marketed or the retailer does not ask for proof of age. There is also a significant concern about a lack of product quality control.
The US Hemp Authority is committed to upholding the highest standards in the industry. As part of this commitment, it will comply with current FDA requirements for dietary supplements. The new certification standard, which defines the baseline requirements for earning the right to use the Adult Use seal, includes the following.
- Compliance with the ASTM International standards for packaging and labeling legal cannabis products.
- Must use child-resistant packaging.
- Must be 21 years old to purchase the products with the retailer responsible for implementing age verification policies and procedures.
- Be free of novel cannabinoids like THC-O, delta-10 THC and HHC (hexahydrocannabinol).
- Will only certify Adult Use products containing Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC but non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBN remain certifiable under the original (classic) USHA program.
- Must adhere to purity standards and disclose chemicals and compounds used during the extraction process.
- Must follow the U.S. FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CMPG).
- Product must be tested by a third-party laboratory accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for potency and purity.
“ASTM, a third-party, non-profit, industry-run organization, has worked closely with the hemp industry to create these standards. Adoption of these standards will increase consumer education and confidence,” writes the USHA in the new standard.
Hemp product manufacturers and sellers can apply for the U.S. Hemp Authority Adult Use Product Certification online on the USHA website. Given the lack of federal regulations concerning the quality of hemp products, this certification gives people an important source of information for making good choices and may help keep intoxicating hemp-based products inaccessible to children.
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