U.S. Hemp Authority announces Adult Use Hemp Product Certification Program

Photo © AdobeStock.com/anankkml

The U.S. Hemp Authority (USHA) has announced the launch of its Adult Use Hemp Product Certification Program in an effort to “reshape public policy around hemp, and to build confidence among retailers and consumers alike.” This certification program is designed for hemp derived extracts such as delta-8 and delta-9 THC, which have the potential to impair users. These products have surged in popularity but have raised concerns about their quality and safety, particularly if they fall into the hands of children. As a result, there have been state efforts to regulate or outright ban these cannabinoid products. The Adult Use Hemp Product Certification seeks to apply standards to this category of hemp extracts and build credibility around the products.

According to USHA, its current certification will serve as the baseline for the adult use certification. On top of ensuring good manufacturing practices, truth in labeling, and other measures required by FDA for dietary supplements, food, and beverages, the Adult Use Certification Program will require additional compliance points that promote safety and ensure that potentially impairing products will be kept out of the children’s hands. Detailed standards will be developed in the coming weeks, and USHA will ask all hemp stakeholders to weigh in with public comments.

A new leadership team is in place to develop the first draft, says USHA. That team will be led by new president Chris Fontes, who is the founder and CEO of High Spirits Beverages, and has led a number of entrepreneurial efforts, including rojan Horse Cannabis, Project Hemp Flower, and Hemp Exchange. Fontes has extensive knowledge of delta-9 THC products, having led the developing the industry’s first hemp-derived delta-9 THC products.