Lawmakers harshly criticized the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during a hearing on April 9, 2025. They claimed that the agency’s “bureaucratic red tape, inefficiencies, and weak oversight” have allowed the intoxicating hemp industry to flourish without adequate regulation. This oversight has led to a surge in hemp-derived products that may pose risks to consumer safety.
The US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform conducted the hearing titled “Restoring Trust in the FDA: Rooting Out Illicit Products.” The committee aimed to address the FDA’s failure to protect American consumers from the influx of new hemp-derived products that have emerged in a largely unregulated market. Lawmakers also pointed fingers at China, accusing it of importing counterfeit pharmaceuticals and synthetic cannabinoids, further complicating the regulatory landscape.
Jonathan Miller, General Counsel for the US Hemp Roundtable, emphasized that the FDA’s inaction has created an uneven playing field for businesses. He noted that responsible companies are being undercut by bad actors, particularly due to the influx of synthetic cannabinoids from China that are not derived from hemp. These products often lack proper labeling, third-party testing, and in some cases, have been marketed toward children, raising alarms among industry stakeholders and state regulators.
Despite ongoing calls from Congress for a regulatory framework, the FDA has yet to establish guidelines for hemp-derived compounds, including psychoactive substances like Delta-8 THC. Miller warned that this regulatory vacuum is not only stifling industry growth but is also eroding consumer trust in what was once considered a promising sector of American agriculture.
Several lawmakers expressed concern that the FDA’s sluggish response reflects a broader dysfunction within the agency. Committee Chairman James Comer stated that the FDA has not effectively collaborated with US Customs and Border Protection to address the influx of illicit products, including pharmaceuticals, food, tobacco, and CBD.
While the hearing was marked by sharp criticism of the FDA, Miller expressed cautious optimism about the new leadership at the agency. He mentioned that there is hope for a shift in action, suggesting that the new FDA administration could take steps to robustly regulate hemp products moving forward.
