Bill Restoring CBD to Store Shelves Advances in Maine

Maine lawmakers have advanced a bill to re-enable the sale of edible CBD products in the state following a sudden crackdown by health inspectors in January, the Portland Press-Herald reports.

Maine inspectors with the Department of Health and Human Services in January ordered that any product containing CBD must be removed from store shelves except in licensed medical cannabis facilities — even the dog treats. The action resulted from statements made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that said there can’t be legal CBD sales until the federal agency writes rules regarding CBD as a food additive.

This, despite the fact that the 2018 farm bill federally legalized industrial hemp and it’s derivatives.

LD 630, the bill in question, would be the fastest way to re-open the CBD market to Maine farmers, processors, and retailers. Many businesses have already had to lay off employees while the ban is in place. The bill would change the status of CBD in Maine to match the FDA’s definition, which would allow the products to be sold again as long as distributors do not make health-related claims.

The Maine legislature’s agriculture committee voted unanimously to advance the bill. It’s now bound for the full Maine legislature, where it will hopefully be approved in time for farmers to be able to plan for the 2019 growing season.