UNPA Announces Hemp Extract/Cannabinoids New Member Policy Guidelines

The United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) has announced a new policy that for the first time allows companies engaged in the growing, manufacture, sale and/or distribution of hemp extract/cannabinoids^*ingredients and finished goods labeled as dietary supplements, food, beverages, and cosmetic products to become executive members of the 27-year-old alliance.

The quality and compliance criteria laid out in the new policy form the basis of UNPA’s membership criteria for both new and current executive-level members.

“While efforts at the state and federal level to clarify the legal status of hemp extract and cannabinoid products continue, UNPA believes it is in the interest of consumers, health professionals and relevant industries to establish a framework of practices and compliance standards for hemp extract/cannabinoid products,” said Loren Israelsen, UNPA president.

“After months of development and review by our Hemp Extract/Cannabinoids Committee, UNPA completed and received executive committee approval to accept new executive members in the hemp extract/cannabinoids category,” he added. “We’ve established strict criteria to assess such companies’ compliance, quality, executive capabilities, adverse event reporting systems and other requirements to assure such members are best in class in this emerging category.”

Companies in the hemp/cannabinoids business that qualify for Science & Technology Services and Associate-level memberships may join the organization under UNPA’s current general membership policies.

*Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) above 0.3 percent is excluded.

For more information, visit http://www.unpa.com/uploads/1/2/1/1/121199161/unpa_he_cbd_new_member_policy_2019_10_09_v21_final.pdf.