New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced yesterday the state’s Department of Health has filed proposed long-awaited regulations governing cannabinoid hemp products.

The State’s Cannabinoid Hemp Program will license cannabinoid hemp processors and retailers, and set quality control standards all products must adhere to.

“Establishing the State’s Cannabinoid Hemp Program to regulate production and sale of hemp and hemp extract will help protect both consumers and farmers,” said Governor Cuomo.

As the situation currently stands in New York and many other states, the cannabinoid hemp marketplace lacks basic consumer protections common in similar industries. This has led to product quality issues – such as too much or too little cannabidiol being in products compared to what is on the label, instances of contaminated products, or products containing unacceptably high levels of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC.

Extensive testing by the US FDA earlier this year revealed many cannabidiol products contained significantly less or more CBD than what was indicated on the label. A survey carried out last year found a significant proportion of Americans were disturbed by the fact the FDA is yet to implement consumer protection standards relating to CBD.

Under the proposed New York State regulations, cannabinoid hemp products must be manufactured using good manufacturing practices and include accurate labeling accompanied by warnings.

All products will also be required to undergo laboratory testing before appearing on the market, with testing for cannabinoid profile, heavy metals, microbial impurities, mycotoxins, pesticides and residual solvents. This information will need to be accessible to consumers via a QR code or link included on the product’s label.

“With the increased production and use of cannabinoid hemp products, New York State could not wait for the federal government to act to institute basic consumer protections to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers,” said Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.

The proposed regulations can be viewed here.

New York hemp farmers and all stakeholders have been encouraged to review the proposed regulations and provide feedback during a 60-day comment period. Further information on the Cannabinoid Hemp Program can be viewed here.