Finding a trustworthy hemp industry certification

In a recent op-ed, Marielle Weintraub, PhD, president of the U.S. Hemp Authority, warns stakeholders of the hemp and CBD industry about the importance of using trustworthy certification programs that are rigorous, transparent, and ethical. Weintraub explains that since the prohibition of hemp has been lifted by the 2018 Farm Bill, numerous certification programs have emerged to fill a much-needed vacuum. However, some of these programs offer nothing of substance to stakeholders or end-consumers who want assurances about the products they buy. Instead, these certification programs may potentially undermine the consumer confidence in the hemp industry.

In her piece, Weintraub explains what to look for in a certification body, and their importance to the hemp and CBD industry. They are particularly important considering the category’s lack of regulatory clarity and the proliferation of synthetically derived ingredients such as delta-8 THC, which make for a confusing and potentially dangerous marketplace. Using certification bodies with rigorous standards help consumers navigate the marketplace and give them confidence in the industry, says Weintraub.

Read more from Weintraub here.