New York will be among the first states to establish a grading program for cannabis-derived extracts assuring consumers some degree of quality control.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Monday authorizing the Department of Agriculture and Markets to adopt standards for cannabidiol, or CBD, which is gaining wide acceptance among the public for offering relief from a variety of ailments.
As it gains in popularity, however, product quality still remains questionable in terms of potency and uncertain science about the long-term impacts of the drug.
So by establishing “official grades,” the effect of the legislation will be to distinguish New York-produced CBD products from generic forms not subjected to state control, supporters said.
“The hemp industry in New York is exploding and with that growth comes a responsibility to regulate the industry in a way that helps ensure its long-term viability and protects consumers,” Cuomo said in a statement.
“By establishing a regulatory framework for producing and selling hemp and hemp extract we can set the industry on a path to continued growth in a smart, safe way that empowers both farmers and consumers.”