The idea of forming a self-regulating organization (SRO) for the hemp industry was born in 2016 when the leadership of the Kentucky Hemp Industry Coalition-KHIC, realized that for the industry to thrive, there was need for a strong certification entity to be created in order to ensure that high standards, best practices and self-regulation were enforced. This would ensure that the plant’s association with marijuana doesn’t stifle the growth of the hemp industry. The U.S. Hemp Authority has since been formed and certifications have been issued under Guidance Plan 1.0.
In July this year, the authority released Guidance Plan 2.0 to improve its certification standards for both hemp growers and processors. Upon the release of version 2.0, the authority invited members of the public and hemp industry players to submit their comments about the contents of the Guidance Plan. This comments period runs until September 15, after which the technical committee of the authority will evaluate the feedback.
Once the public input is incorporated into the plan, the board of the U.S. Hemp Authority will meet to approve the certification program and the resultant plan will be the basis of any certification issued from January 1, 2020.
Some of the major changes that have been included in version 2.0 include a requirement to indicate the country of origin of any hemp product that will be certified by the authority.
Any GMO ingredients that meet the USDA definition of genetically modified organisms (GMO) are also required to be declared on the label of any product for which certification is sought.
It is also important to note that the guidelines indicate that no hemp product that contains synthetic cannabinoids will be approved for certification by the U.S. Hemp Authority. This provision was included after the consultation done during the drafting process revealed that there was widespread concern about those synthetic ingredients.
Version 2.0 of the U.S. Hemp Authority Certification guidelines recognizes Tribal governments as legitimate entities which can oversee the hemp industry within their jurisdictions.
The guidelines cover all aspects of the hemp industry value chain, so one needs to read the entire document and point out any aspect that has been left out or needs to be modified. Comments on the plan can be sent to David Bossman, the private consultant who has been involved with the authority from its inception. Comments can also be submitted directly using a page on the website of the authority.
Analysts believe that hemp industry players, such as Golden Developing Solutions Inc. (OTC: DVLP) and Geyser Brands Inc. (TSX.V: GYSR), welcome the work being done by the U.S. Hemp Authority since these efforts will nurture the industry so that it grows in a way that inspires public confidence and conforms to the highest possible standards.
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