COGR Submits Response to Congressional RFI on Federal Regulation of CBD Products

COGR submitted comments in response to a federal Request for Information regarding cannabidiol (CBD). COGR’s letter emphasizes the importance of continued research into the safety and effectiveness of CBD and other cannabinoids, noting that ambiguous and restrictive federal regulations currently hinder scientific advancements in this area. The organization describes the difficulties that researchers face in navigating different regulatory requirements, particularly those stemming from the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) controls, which can create significant delays and prevent research on products widely available to consumers. COGR calls for the federal government to streamline and clarify the regulatory process for CBD research. Specifically, it recommends permitting researchers to obtain, synthesize, and study CBD products without requiring a DEA Schedule I registration, irrespective of whether the CBD is derived from hemp, marijuana, or is chemically synthesized. This, COGR argues, would better align federally sanctioned research with the reality of consumer access and use, facilitate a deeper understanding of both risks and benefits, and inform more effective regulatory oversight, approval processes, and product labeling. The letter concludes by underscoring the urgency of these reforms to advance public health knowledge and regulatory soundness.