Trade association backs bipartisan legislation to allow CBD in dietary supplements.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Grocers Association (NGA) is backing bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this month to “eliminate regulatory confusion” in the CBD category and legalize CBD in dietary supplements.

“NGA members are experiencing significant consumer demand for CBD products,” says Chris Jones, senior vice president of government relations and counsel at the association. “The recent surge in the production and sale of CBD has shifted consumer actions and demands rapidly. Many independent food retailers have responded to this demand, but others are deterred because of the lack of legal clarity surrounding CBD products.”

The association is “actively” supporting H.R. 8179, introduced September 4 by Democratic Rep.  Kurt Schrader of Oregon and Republican Rep. Morgan Griffith of Virginia to “eliminate regulatory confusion and establish product manufacturing standards to support the growing market for CBD products.”

NGA, the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, cites consumer research from Nielsen suggesting that one-third of adults in the United States are interested in consuming legal cannabis products, mainly to treat ailments and promote general wellness.

“NGA supports common-sense FDA regulation of CBD products,” says Greg Ferrara, president and chief executive officer at NGA. “We appreciate efforts by Congressmen Griffith and Schrader to establish a clear regulatory framework for CBD and urge for swift passage so that Main Street grocers can continue to serve their communities across the nation.”

Retail CBD sales have been slowed by factors including coronavirus pandemic-related store closures, the U.S. economic contraction and inaction by the Food and Drug Administration in lifting the prohibition of the compound in food, beverages and dietary supplements, according to Brightfield Group, a CBD and cannabis consumer marketing firm.

Brightfield now expects a 14% year-on-year increase in U.S. CBD sales, to $4.7 billion. That is down from its earlier forecast of about $8 billion.