Local policy developments currently have had more influence on hemp production than federal hemp policy. States manage their programs differently from one another, but ultimately control cultivation, as well as laws governing hemp and hemp extracts.  Only a handful of states have comprehensive hemp or CBD regulations, at the expense of public safety in some cases.  Florida’s discovery of elevated lead in a finished retail product was a wakeup call for states that have no such testing in place. 

Many states simply echo the FDA on CBD, and while not facilitating explicit policy to allow CBD in food, beverage, dietary supplements or beverages, there is generally little appetite for enforcement.  New York and California’s policy moves are noteworthy.  Both are among the top 3 economies in the US and represent massive markets for cannabinoid products.  One significant difference…