Disappointment across US after CBD language dropped from omnibus bill

CBD stakeholders hoping for clarity in US regulations were left disappointed by the passing of the $1.5tn omnibus spending bill earlier this month as some helpful language was dropped during the final negotiations.

Originally the US Senate Appropriations Committee incorporated sought-after language in its Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that would eventually form part of the so-called omnibus bill.

The language in the Senate’s version included a directive instructing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publish a policy outlining enforcement discretion, within 90 days of the bill becoming law. This would have brought clarity to the market and been welcomed by all sectors.