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The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Washington, DC. The mission of CFCR is to legitimize cannabis by assisting the federal government, its regulatory agencies, and industry to rethink, develop, and implement evidence-based cannabis regulations. We do this by bringing together the stakeholders of the cannabis industry and the federal government to create a safe and accessible marketplace.
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Bringing together the stakeholders of the cannabis industry and the federal government to create a safe and accessible marketplace.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 6, 2023)
A pair of major media outlets that actively cover the cannabis industry recently lauded the efforts of the Council for Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) for the role the non-profit hopes to play in support of a nationwide effort to encourage the US Food and Drug Administration (FDAs) to expand its discretion on enforcement and issue specific policy guidelines relative to federal cannabinoid hemp regulations.
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Benzinga, a daily online platform that provides articles on cannabis and hemp stocks and news about CBD, psychedelics, business and culture, praised CFCR for its 26-page response to a Federal Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from qualified, interested industry players.  In its submission, CFCR described a marketplace that has metamorphosized significantly since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.
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Benzinga writes: This bill, while an important step forward, opened Pandora’s box, allowing some unscrupulous businesses to peddle poorly regulated CBD products. As a result, consumers are confronted with a bewildering assortment of options, some of which may not be safe. CFCR is candid in its depiction: a terrain marred by &#8220;bad actors&#8221; and &#8220;false labeling,&#8221; where consumers are left clueless about which products to trust.  Consumers have no ability to differentiate between a safe and unsafe product.” 
 
Cannabis Business Times acknowledged the association’s push to encourage the FDA to act swiftly to do its part to reform the marketplace, an action that is desperately needed to both improve the state of the cannabis industry and advance consumer protection.
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Marijuana Moment, another influential online outlet, noted CFCR’s support for an industry-wide push to the FDA to adopt universal labeling of cannabis and CBD products.
 
For CFCR Founder and Board Chair Sheri Orlowitz, the coverage certainly adds credibility to the organization’s mission.  “I’m very excited about the position we are suggestion and I’m grateful that a few extremely influential media outlets also recognize the merits,” she said.  “On the back end of this, we&#8217;re going to go to Congress and explain to them what FDA has been doing with regards to regulation and also what more they could be doing to regulate.”
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Links to all three articles can be found here:
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<a href="https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/news/council-federal-cannabis-regulation-cbd-fda/">https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/news/council-federal-cannabis-regulation-cbd-fda/</a>
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<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/08/33967676/congresss-big-hemp-and-cbd-debate-safety-or-profit-at-stake">https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/08/33967676/congresss-big-hemp-and-cbd-debate-safety-or-profit-at-stake</a>
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<a href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-groups-push-regulators-to-adopt-universal-label-for-cannabis-products/">https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-groups-push-regulators-to-adopt-universal-label-for-cannabis-products/</a>
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For additional information, please visit <a href="https://uscfcr.org/">uscfcr.org</a>.
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Major Cannabis Industry Media Outlets Recognize CFCR’s Efforts to Support FDA Regulation of CBD

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 21, 2023)
The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) responded to a formal Request for Information (RFI) dated July 27, 2023, on federal cannabinoid hemp regulation from the U.S House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the U.S. Senate Committee of Health Education, Labor and Pensions.
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CFCR’s 26-page response addresses the questions posed by Congress and is consistent with FDA’s and Congress’ work on CBD and hemp cannabinoids. However, CFCR explained in its response, an immediate solution for FDA is for the Agency to expand its enforcement discretion and issue policy guidance.
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CFCR, in its response to the RFI, writes:
 
“Based on the experiences of CFCR members, the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill significantly changed the marketplace for CBD products and has not only allowed bad actors to participate in a market that is infrequently regulated but created confusion for consumers. Moreover, because of this intense competition, good faith manufacturers have been challenged to engage with consumers in a standardized way and are competing with inefficacious products and false labeling that creates mistrust. As a result, consumers have no ability to differentiate between a safe and unsafe product.”
 
William Garvin, CFCR’s Science &amp; Regulatory Affairs Committee Chair and a Shareholder in the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll &amp; Rooney PC, said “Our approach is most flexible, allows for FDA to act immediately to help reform the market, requires no further Congressional legislation, and is sorely needed to improve commerce and protect consumers.&#8221;
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The CFCR continues to support this process and the conversations with cannabis industry stakeholders and government agencies, as they develop federal policy on these important and urgent issues. “The CFCR thanks all responding contributors for their leadership and recognition of the need for a uniform federal framework for hemp-derived CBD products that prioritizes consumer access and safety, while providing certainty to the U.S. market,” said CFCR Chair and Founder, Sheri Orlowitz.
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CONTACT: Barbara Gilmore, <a href="mailto:barbara@uscfcr.org">barbara@uscfcr.org</a>, 727.340.3229
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The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation Proposes to Congress a Framework for FDA to Regulate CBD Immediately  Under Existing Law.

The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation Proposes to Congress a Framework for FDA to Regulate CBD Immediately Under Existing Law.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 14, 2023)
Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries reintroduced bipartisan legislation to better and immediately prepare the federal government for the inevitable end to cannabis prohibition. Titled the Preparing Regulators 
Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult Use Regulated Environment (PREPARE) Act, this bill creates a fair, honest and publicly transparent process for the federal government to establish effective regulations to be enacted upon the termination of its 86-year prohibition of cannabis.
Joyce and Jeffries designed the PREPARE Act to provide experts across the ideological spectrum the opportunity to engage on cannabis reform and best equip lawmakers with the information necessary to establish a safe and effective federal regulatory system. Without such engagement, it is unlikely Congress can establish the bipartisan consensus necessary to enact the federal 
cannabis policy change Americans across the country have called for.
“With nearly every state adopting its own set of cannabis reforms, an end to federal cannabis prohibition is inevitable,” said Congressman Joyce. “Now is the time for the federal government to respect the will of our constituents and begin the conversation on fair and effective cannabis regulation. The PREPARE Act will give lawmakers a bipartisan platform to legislate not only a fair and responsible end to prohibition but also a safer future for our communities.”
“Americans across the political spectrum recognize that now is the time for cannabis reform, and the federal government should be ready to embrace and lead this change. Since the failed war on drugs began over 50 years ago, the prohibition of marijuana has ruined lives, families and communities – particularly communities of color,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “The PREPARE Act is one of the bipartisan solutions that will lay the groundwork to finally right these wrongs in a way that advances public safety and boosts our economy. I am grateful to Congressman Joyce for reintroducing this important bill and his leadership to help the federal government be ready for the inevitable end to cannabis prohibition.&#8221;
The PREPARE Act would direct the Attorney General of the United States to establish the ‘Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis’ to advise on the development of a regulatory framework modeled after Federal and State regulatory frameworks with respect to alcohol. Specifically, the legislation would:
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<li>Direct federal regulators to develop a regulatory and revenue framework to ensure safe production and consumption of cannabis, which would account for the unique needs, rights and laws of each state, and present such a framework to Congress within one year;</li>
<li>Build upon the Obama and Trump Administrations’ efforts to remedy the unjust consequences of the war on cannabis, particularly those suffered by minority, low-income, and veteran communities;</li>
<li>Help grant medical professionals critical research access and training,</li>
<li>Develop protections for the hemp industry, including cross pollination prevention efforts.</li>
<li>Help ensure that absent the physician prescribed treatment of a minor, cannabis remain an adult-only product.</li>
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“The PREPARE Act would ensure that Congress thoughtfully approaches regulating the rapidly growing legal consumer marketplaces at a time when a majority of Americans live in a state that has legalized adult-use cannabis. With Congressional precedent to pass a bill to end prohibition and expunge prior marijuana charges, the biggest remaining unknown is how to properly and efficiently address labeling, advertising, public health concerns, and other post-prohibition regulatory aspects that have yet to be approached in a bipartisan way and this bill can be the vehicle to do just that,” said Justin Strekal of Better Organizing to Win Legalization.
“Once again Indian Country applauds both Representative David Joyce and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for their tremendous leadership in preparing the way for plant medicine to help heal the trauma of this nation. Central to this sacred effort is having the original healers of our country &#8211; it’s Indigenous people &#8211; at the genesis of this journey,” said Tom Rodgers, Acting 
President of the Global Indigenous Council and enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation.
“CFCR endorses the Prepare Act and is grateful to Representative Joyce for his work on propelling this needed legislation which is critical and needed for comprehensive and coordinated federal legalization,” said Sheri Orlowitz, Board Chair of the Council for 
Federal Cannabis Regulation.
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For additional information, please visit <a href="https://uscfcr.org/">uscfcr.org</a>.

Joyce, Jeffries Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prepare for Inevitable  End to Federal Cannabis Prohibition

Joyce, Jeffries Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prepare for Inevitable End to Federal Cannabis Prohibition

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2023)
With Federal rescheduling of marijuana seemingly on the horizon, potentially marking an end to 85 years of prohibition, the <a href="https://www.uscfcr.org/">Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation</a> (CFCR) announced today that the topic of this month’s upcoming webinar will focus on the overall role of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relative to that process.  The webinar will take place online on Thursday, April 27, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. ET.
“This month’s webinar will describe the process of reviewing the scheduling starting with FDA, and its subsequent referral to DEA and it will also touch on the treaty obligations imposed by the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotics,” said CFCR Founder and Board Chair Sheri Orlowitz.  “Another issue the webinar will address are the expected effects on the FDA rescheduling of marijuana on state programs, including a concern about stepped up enforcement.”  The 60-minute interactive session will also focus on the DEA Grows initiative, “and interesting piece to the rescheduling puzzle,” Orlowitz says. The DEA Grow element will focus on whether or not medical cannabis will be limited solely to products endorsed by that program, while also taking an in depth look at the status of DEA Grows; specifically how the new research bill – the first standalone cannabis bill signed into law by President Biden – emerges as part of the equation.
Co-hosted by CFCR Board Chair Sheri Orlowitz, along with Council Advisory Board Member Jack Jacobson, a cannabis, energy and education practices advisor for Thompson Coburn LLC; the webinar will feature Andrew J. Kline, Firmwide Co-Chair of the Cannabis Industry Group at the law firm of Perkins Coie, LLP; Eric P. Berlin, Partner and Co-Head of the Cannabis Group at the world’s largest law firm, Dentons US, and Richard Shain, Founder of Maridose LLC, an FDA-licensed bulk cannabis manufacturer.
CFCR’s monthly webinars take place on the last Thursday of every month (depending on holidays), with each one spotlighting a wide range of regulators, legislators and industry professionals with a focus on preparing to regulate today’s legal cannabis molecules and products. Each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A for a total run-time of approximately one hour.
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To register for the CFCR’s webinar series, please visit: <a href="https://uscfcr.org/events/announcements">https://uscfcr.org/events/announcements</a>
For additional information, please visit <a href="https://uscfcr.org/">uscfcr.org</a>.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) April Webinar to Focus on “DEA Grows” Initiative and Federal Rescheduling of Marijuana

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 2, 2022)
The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) today issued a statement widely applauding the enactment of the new “Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act,” H.R. 8454, signed into law by President Biden on December 2, 2022
“On behalf of 16 partner organizations, each of which is committed to various forms of research in their ongoing battles against life threatening and debilitating ailments, we congratulate Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Andy Harris (R-MD) for their bipartisan leadership in securing Congressional passage of this historic measure,” said CFCR Board Chair, Sheri Orlowitz.  “Passage of this bill will accelerate medical research into the risks and therapeutic benefits of this complex plant and its derivatives and ensure that physicians can discuss marijuana and CBD use with their patients.
“Without reservation, CFCR looks forward to working with the Biden Administration as it implements this important new law.”
Passage of this legislation is a major step forward in federal regulatory policy with respect to cannabis. CFCR Executive Director Deborah Johnson explained,“As the Biden Administration considers whether to change the Schedule I status of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA), it is crucial that federal regulators have available sufficient scientific evidence to inform the most appropriate classification for cannabis, if any is needed under the Controlled Substances Act. While the 2018 Farm Bill made important strides by de-scheduling cannabidiol (CBD), CBD is only one of more than 100 cannabinoids that scientists have identified in the marijuana plant, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid associated with intoxicating effects.”
In addition to the numerous cannabinoids found in the plant, scientists have identified a broad range of other chemical substances such as flavonoids and terpenes. “CFCR’s scientific experts have been working to advance regulators’ understanding of the risks and benefits of cannabis, and we’re incredibly pleased by the passage of legislation that will expedite much-needed research that can benefit patients throughout the country.”
Despite the fact that millions of people with disabilities and chronic conditions worldwide use medical cannabis to treat their symptoms, it’s common knowledge that both the risks and benefits vary greatly depending on both the nature of the product they consume and conditions they seek to treat. “This bill will facilitate long-overdue domestic research into the potential therapeutic benefits and harms of medical cannabis,” Johnson said.
CFCR supports breaking down the barriers to research to help the world better understand the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis as well as potential risks. This will allow research institutions to manufacture, obtain, store, process, and dispense cannabis for academic purposes on a more expeditious basis and without risking federal funding. It will also allow them to conduct research on a wider range  of cannabis, and encourages DEA to register more growers and increase efforts to ensure that researchers have an adequate and uninterrupted supply of marijuana for studies and clinical trials .. Finally, the bill  clarifies that physicians can discuss the potential harms and benefits of cannabis with their patients without violating the Controlled Substances Act.
In addition to CFCR, organizations that supported these reforms to federal law governing cannabis research s included the Epilepsy Foundation, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Heart Association, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Autistic Women &amp; Nonbinary Network, the
Brain Injury Association of America, the  Hemophilia Federation of America, the Lupus Foundation of America, the National Eczema Association, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Organization for Tardive Dyskinesia, the National Psoriasis Foundation, Research!America, The Arc of the United States and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson&#8217;s Research.
For additional information, please visit <a href="https://uscfcr.org/">uscfcr.org</a>.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR)  Praises Enactment of H.R. 8454, “The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act,”  Signed into Law By President Biden 

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Praises Enactment of H.R. 8454, “The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act,” Signed into Law by President Biden

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 17, 2022)
– Veteran cannabis industry executive and entrepreneurial VC / investment expert Deborah Johnson will take the reins of CFCR as Interim Executive Director as Sarah Chase transitions to a new leadership position.
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Chase helped guide the organization from infancy to its position today where the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) is recognized as a leading voice with FDA as the agency works to develop a regulatory framework for cannabis products.
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“It’s been my pleasure to work with Sheri Orlowitz, the founder and visionary behind CFCR, our Board, and our members to help develop CFCR’s expertise to become the ‘go to’ organization on regulation and a convenor that brings together regulators and stakeholders,” Chase said. “As evidenced by the sea change we are now seeing with federal agencies’ increasing receptivity to policy changes on medical and recreational cannabis use, federal research on the health and wellness potential of cannabis, and criminal justice reforms, CFCR has made a considerable impact by becoming a trusted advisor and guide to regulators.
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Johnson, previously CFCR’s “Director of Community”, sees the next phase of CFCR’s mission as elucidating and helping the cannabis industry understand and meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements to establish the safety of cannabinoids, followed by an expansion of CFCR’s focus beyond FDA, to the Small Business Administration (SBA). CFCR’s DEI initiative is to create opportunity for underserved community members and former non-violent felons by demystifying and guiding access to capital, services, mentorship, grants and more through SBA.
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“I&#8217;m honored to serve at CFCR, such a unique non-profit that has convened well-respected former government leaders, and science, policy, business and DEI experts from outside and inside the cannabis industry and committee members with rare skill sets to work with federal regulators.  As an umbrella organization, CFCR’s leaders from pharma, stock exchange listed companies, patient advocacy groups, technology leaders, cannabis industry leaders and more, provide the diversity of thought and perspective regulators need as they develop their strategy to facilitate a safe and accessible industry that maximizes the cannabis plant’s medicinal and wellness properties. It&#8217;s exciting to be at the helm of an organization that can truly influence the development and direction towards a healthy cannabis ecosystem.”
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Johnson brings to the CFCR leadership role extensive knowledge and far-reaching networks in the fields of entrepreneurship and early-stage investments in the technology, life sciences and consumer products industries with a focus on cannabis and hemp. Well experienced in program and partner development, Johnson has directed investor relations for angels, family offices and funds in both cannabis and traditional markets. In her prior positions, Deborah was the Investor Engagement Director for the Arcview Group &amp; Arcview Advisors and a Chapter President of the well-known Keiretsu Forum, an accredited angel investor network dispersed throughout 53 chapters on four continents.
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“On behalf of the Board, volunteer staff and members of CFCR it is my pleasure to welcome the steady focused hand of Deborah Johnson. I know Deborah to have exceptional integrity, and a can-do attitude that engenders confidence, commitment, and trust,” said Sheri Orlowitz, Board Chair and Founder of CFCR.
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The transition will formally take place on Tuesday, November 1.

Industry Veteran Deborah Johnson Takes The Reins at Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR)

Industry Veteran Deborah Johnson takes the Reins at Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 11, 2022) After a brief summer hiatus, the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) will resume its monthly webinar lineup with perhaps its most dynamic event to date – an in-depth conversation with two of the nation’s leading cannabis experts from the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA) focusing on the agency’s approach to cannabis science, policy, and regulation.
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Understanding that there is significant interest in the development of therapies and other consumer products derived from cannabis, including CBD and other heavily marketed products, the FDA has always recognized the potential opportunities that cannabis may offer and acknowledges the significant consumer, as well as medicinal, interest in these possibilities.  Through a panel consisting of Dr. Janet Woodcock Principal Deputy Commissioner, and Dr. Patrick Cournoyer, Lead for the FDA’s Cannabis Product Committee (CPC), the webinar will center on the agency’s approach to regulation, the challenges involved, and how the industry stakeholders and regulatory scientists can best work together to improve public health and safety through good science and policy.
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 “As FDA continues with their internal policy development regarding cannabis regulation, we hope that this webinar will help set the stage for future conversations,” said Sarah A. Chase, CFCR’s Executive Director. “FDA is tasked with bringing good science and policy together to protect our health and safety. Cannabis, in particular, is a new challenge that requires us all to substantially rethink a regulatory framework for the future. CFCR and FDA both understand the opportunity to get this right and to even serve as a model for other countries as we collectively tackle these same 21st century healthcare and public safety obstacles.”
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Chase will moderate the webinar alongside CFCR Advisory Board Member Jack Jacobson, a cannabis, energy, and education practices advisor for Thompson Coburn LLC.
CFCR’s monthly webinars take place on the second or third Thursday of every month (depending on holidays), each one spotlighting a wide range of industry professionals with a focus on preparing to regulate today’s legal cannabis molecules and products. This webinar will consist of a 40-minute presentation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A for a total run-time of approximately one hour.  <a href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3976996/114DAF332083863F1AC8C48A608A83BD">CLICK HERE</a> to register for this event.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Webinar Series Returns with a Focus on Understanding the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Approach to  Cannabis Science, Policy and Regulation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 20, 2022) After focusing extensively on legislation and regulatory issues over the past several months, the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) will explore a different issue during the June installment of their monthly webinar series.
A major issue during the early stages of the seed-to-sale journey for any cannabis product is the propensity for fraud during laboratory testing.  According to a March 28 article in the <a href="https://cannabisindustryjournal.com/column/how-fraud-is-proliferating-in-the-cannabis-testing-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cannabis Industry Journal,</a> while individual states mandate their own set of rules with regards to testing, in the absence of any Federal oversight whatsoever, consistency in laboratory testing from state-to-state is virtually non-existent.  As a result, “fraudulent labs provide higher THC numbers, which increases dollars to the growers/producers and state tax coffers fill up. It’s a multi-point problem that will require a multi-point solution.”
During this month’s webinar, CFCR will take a deep dive into the serious issue of lab testing fraud. “Until cannabis is federally legalized and given oversight, fraud in the laboratory setting is and will remain a persistent issue,” says Dr. Cindy Orser, Chief of Science at CLIP Labs, slated to appear as a panelist on the webinar.  “How that regulation protects the American consumer is up to the work of the industry and what we continue to prioritize.”
“As CFCR’s mission focuses on supporting smart regulation, we recognize that a critical part of the process begins during those early testing stages,” said CFCR Executive Director Sarah A. Chase, who will moderate the webinar with Council Advisory Board Member Jack Jacobson, a cannabis, energy and education practices advisor for Thompson Coburn LLC.  “As is the case with many elements within our industry, there is no simple, immediate solution to this issue … but there is a solution … and it all begins with public awareness of this propensity.
“Hopefully, this webinar is one step in the ongoing process of righting this wrong.”
Joining Chase, Jacobson and Orser for this webinar will be Dr. Scott Riefler, Chief Science Officer for SōRSE Technology and Maria McIntyre, Head of Cannabis at bioMérieux
Through their monthly presentations, which take place over the WebEx Video Conference Platform, CFCR has explored various facets of the cannabis industry and the legislative movements.  Last month’s seminar focused on the FDA’s Regulatory Impact on the Cannabis Industry.  Since its inception, more than 3,000 individuals have witnessed these groundbreaking presentations.
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Ongoing webinars will take place on the second or third Thursday of every month (depending on holidays), each to spotlight a wide range of industry professionals and focus on preparing to regulate and regulating today’s legal cannabis molecules and products. Each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A for a total run-time of approximately one hour.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) June Webinar Dives into the Issue of Fraud in Cannabis Lab Testing

​Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) June Webinar Dives into the Issue of Fraud in Cannabis Lab Testing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 18, 2022) Sarah A. Chase, Executive Director of Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR), will participate in an hour-long, virtual program entitled Alternative Therapies: Cannabis Panel, hosted by IAVA – The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization, this Wednesday, April 20, starting at 4:00 p.m. EST. The program will stream on Facebook Live.
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Headquartered in New York City with an advocacy arm in Washington, D.C. IAVA is solely and exclusively focused on connecting, uniting and empowering military veterans from the post-9/11 era, the predominance of whom served and fought in the Middle East conflicts over the past two decades.
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Among the dozens of other major issues on which the organization focuses, high among them is the matter of access to legal, medical cannabis products, to which thousands of veterans have turned as an alternative to opioids and other treatments for the lingering effects of military service, ranging from insomnia and anxiety to treatment of injuries, wounds and PTSD.
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“Nearly ninety percent of IAVA members have expressed just how important alternative therapies, like cannabis, have been in treating health conditions sustained during their service,” said Victor Bohm, US Air Force veteran and IAVA’s Senior Director of Digital Engagement. “Events like this are critical because they allow us to share pertinent information about the alternative therapies available to veterans and help explain what leaders like IAVA, the Balanced Veterans Network, and the Council on Federal Cannabis Regulation are doing to help increase access for our community.”
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According to both Bohm and others fighting this battle, the need for both expanded public awareness and actual, impactful legislation was never more vital than it is today.
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“In our community, we have thousands of veterans utilizing cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals,” said Ron Millward, founder and president of the Balanced Veterans Network, a 501(c)(3) organization created to provide a safe space for the education, advocacy, and empowerment of alternative therapies for veterans. “We have witnessed countless people 
take their health and wellness into their own hands and advocate for a better, more balanced way of living. Veterans deserve options and should not be penalized for how they choose to heal post-service.”
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Bohm and Millward will join CFCR’s Chase for a frank discussion about the potential future of federal legislation dedicated to this cause.
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“Access to safe and legal cannabis is critical for many veterans who return from service with physical or mental wounds,” Chase said. “We have the responsibility to work with the VA, veterans groups, patient advocacy groups, and the federal government to ensure that safe and legal products are available to help them, either as medicine or as therapy.
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“Our veterans have done their duty and it’s time the government does right by them. Now is the time for our government to make cannabis safe and legal for our veterans by decriminalizing and destigmatizing at the highest federal level.”

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) May Webinar to Focus on FDA's Regulatory Impact on the Cannabis Industry.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) May Webinar to Focus on FDA’s Regulatory Impact on the Cannabis Industry.

Sheri L. Orlowitz, Founder of CFCR, joins the American Marketing Association, Southern CT Chapter will host CannaCurious? Marketing, Regulations, and Social Equity on Thursday, May 19th at Earthplace in Westport, CT. The event will also be presented on a live streaming platform for those who prefer to attend virtually.

Sheri L. Orlowitz, Founder of CFCR, joins the American Marketing Association, Southern CT Chapter will host CannaCurious? Marketing, Regulations, and Social Equity on Thursday, May 19th at Earthplace in Westport, CT. The event will also be presented on a live streaming platform for those who prefer to attend virtually.

Sarah A. Chase, Executive Director of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) to Appear on 4/20 Virtual Common Sense Cannabis Legislation for Veterans Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 12, 2022) According to the National Institutes of Health, despite the increasing prevalence and acceptance of medical cannabis use among the general public, the evidence required by physicians to use cannabis as a treatment has been found to be generally lacking.
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“Research on the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids has been limited worldwide, leaving patients, health care professionals, and policymakers without the evidence they need to make sound decisions regarding the use of cannabis and cannabinoids,” is the Institute’s official position, released through a formal statement.
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On Thursday, April 28, as part of their ongoing monthly webinar series the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) will take an in-depth look at the current legislation in Congress and the various pathways forward for safe and legal access. The Council has gathered a dynamic collection of leading physicians and policymakers to discuss the future of medical cannabis use in the United States. The conversation will center around the pros and cons of medical use cannabis with a focus on what the latest research tells us about the future of cannabis and our ability to gain new insights from expanding research.
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The webinar will take place, online, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. EST.
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The program will be moderated by CFCR’s Executive Director Sarah A. Chase along with Council Advisory Board Member Jack Jacobson, a cannabis, energy and education practices advisor for Thompson Coburn LLC. The panel will consist of Rachel Patterson, Senior Director for Federal Relations and Policy of the Epilepsy Foundation; Dr. Jacqueline French, professor of Neurology at NYU the Grossman School of Medicine and Founder/Director of the Epilepsy Study Consortium; Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Primary Care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital; Amanda Kain, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Cannabis Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. David Joyce (R-OH)Co-Chair of the Cannabis Caucus and Reginald Babin; Chief Counsel to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
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Through their monthly presentations, which takes place over the ON24 Video Conference Platform, CFCR has explored various facets of the cannabis industry and the legislative movements. Last month’s seminar – which focused on Understanding Real World Evidence on the Effectiveness of Cannabinoid Products &#8212; drew nearly 100 attendees. Since its inception, more than 2,000 individuals have witnessed these groundbreaking presentations.​
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Ongoing webinars will take place on the second or third Thursday of every month (depending on holidays), each to spotlight a wide range of industry professionals and focus on preparing to regulate and regulating today’s legal cannabis molecules and products. Each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A for a total run-time of approximately one hour.

 Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) April Webinar to Focus on Providing a Safe and Legal Pathway for Medical Cannabis Use in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 22, 2022) Sarah A. Chase, Executive Director of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR), has been selected as the keynote speaker for the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s Masters of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, May 18, 5 p.m. at the Universities of Shady Grove (USG) in Rockville, Md.
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The focal point of Chase’s comments will underscore the burgeoning opportunities for “qualified graduates to advance the forward movement of this growing industry – both responsibly and for the betterment of society,” Chase says. A two-year graduate program based at USG, the School of Pharmacy’s program blends online instruction with face-to-face experiences to prepare graduates to respond to the increasing demand for medical cannabis with an understanding of the basic science and clinical uses of the plant. Launched in 2019, it is the first master of science degree program of its kind in the nation.
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Chase will speak to the program’s 215 graduates, a diverse mix of health care professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, cannabis industry experts, and advocates, all of whom share CFCR’s values and concerns about ensuring public health, safety, and good science.
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“The inaugural class of 2021 celebrated their graduation virtually, so this is the first time this program has staged their graduation ceremony in person since the inception of the program,” Chase said. Furthermore, the Council’s executive director will find herself in good company, as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Chief Medical Advisor to the President of United States, will serve as the keynote speaker for the University of Maryland, Baltimore the next day.
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In her role as CFCR’s executive director, Chase spearheads the agency’s overall mission to assist and encourage the government – and federal regulatory agencies in particular – to rethink, develop, and implement evidence-based common sense cannabis regulations. “Our overarching goal is the de-stigmatization, normalization, and legitimization of cannabis on behalf of the consumers, professionals, organizations, and businesses who support and serve them,” she said.
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&#8220;We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Chase as our keynote speaker for the 2022 MCST graduation ceremony,” said Chad Johnson, PhD, co-director of the School of Pharmacy’s MS in MCST program and faculty in the department of pharmaceutical sciences. “CFCR’s mission to partner with universities, industry, and research organizations in advancing the scientific understanding of cannabis aligns with our program’s goal to provide our students with an understanding of the basic science and clinical uses of the cannabis plant. Our graduating students will benefit from her words of wisdom and encouragement.&#8221;
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For Chase, the honor of delivering the keynote to such a vital and trailblazing educational audience serves to profoundly substantiate the vision and mission of CFCR, key among which is to further the Council’s key objective to support both scientific research and political legislation. “I’m deeply honored for the opportunity to enrich this community and to speak enthusiastically with the dedicated students graduating from this program,” she said. “These graduates are both the foundation and the future of our industry.”

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Executive Director Sarah A. Chase to Deliver Keynote Address to Graduates of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 8, 2022) The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) announced today the sixth episode of their monthly webinar series entitled Understanding Real World Evidence on the Effectiveness of Cannabinoid Products. Scheduled to take place Thursday, March 31, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. EST, this program will dive into the results of the recent Radicle ACES (Advancing CBD Education &amp; Science) study and highlight how the real world evidence (RWE) outcomes from the study are helping to better inform consumer perspectives on the effectiveness of cannabinoid-based products.
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The program will be moderated by CFCR’s Executive Director Sarah A. Chase along with Council Advisory Board Member Jack Jacobson, a cannabis, energy and education practices advisor for Thompson Coburn LLC. The panel will consist of Pelin Thorogood and Dr. Jeffrey Chen, the two co-founders of Radicle Science, a transformative health tech company that offers a scalable path toward predicting and validating the effects of health and wellness products for ailments or the enhancement of human function; and Tim Orr, Senior VP of R&amp;D and President of Charlotte’s Web Labs, a company that produced the now-legendary treatment regimen for six-year-old Charlotte Figi that helped to ultimately affect a seismic shift in public opinion toward the use of medicinal cannabis.
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In a uniquely “democratized” approach to academic research, the Radicle ACES study is the first multi-brand, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved study on CBD effectiveness across well-being, quality of life, pain, sleep disturbance, and anxiety. The results to be discussed on this webinar shall offer insights on the findings of this first-of-its-kind randomized controlled trial (RCT) that collected health outcome data on 13 participating CBD brands across nearly 3,000 participants throughout the U.S. over a period of four weeks.
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The event will take place over the ON24 Video Conference Platform, Thursday, March 31, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. EST.
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Through their monthly presentations, CFCR has explored various facets of the cannabis industry – including the regulatory impacts of a groundbreaking CBD study, as well as Federal and state cannabis policies. Last month’s focus on the Endocannabinoid System and its implications for research and regulation drew more than 300 attendees, pushing their total participation in these programs well past the thousand-person mark.
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Ongoing webinars will take place on the second or third Thursday of every month (depending on holidays), each to spotlight a wide range of industry professionals and focus on preparing to regulate and regulating today’s legal cannabis molecules and products. These virtual sessions can be viewed through the On24 platform. Each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A for a total run-time of approximately one hour.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) March Webinar to Focus on Effectiveness of Cannabinoid Integration into Commercial Products

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) March Webinar to Focus on Effectiveness of Cannabinoid Integration into Commercial Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 10, 2022) The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) announced today the fifth installment of their monthly web series. February’s virtual conversation, entitled The Endocannabinoid System: Implications for Research and Regulatory Science, is designed to educate the public, policy makers, and industry about the research and regulatory science surrounding the endocannabinoid system – including the cannabis-derived products that impact the human body and their current and potential future use when infused into everything from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics.
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Moderated by CFCR’s Executive Director Sarah A. Chase along with Council Advisory Board Member Jack Jacobson, a cannabis, energy and education practices advisor for Thompson Coburn LLC, the panel will consist of FDA Scientists Cassandra Taylor, Ph.D. and Dan Mellon, Ph.D., Dr. Vicki Seyfert-Margolis, Chairwoman of CFCR’s Science and Regulatory Affairs Committee, molecular geneticist Dr. Reggie Gaudino, also a member of that same committee and Mara Gordon, co-founder of Aunt Zelda’s, a pioneering, data-driven developer of cannabis-based plant medicines.​
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Offering in-depth subject knowledge of the still under-studied and often misunderstood endocannabinoid system, each of the three panelists will bring a uniquely varied area of expertise from molecular genetics, immunology, and patient advocacy. This webinar will help to unpack some of the complexity surrounding the long-term considerations for researchers and regulators.
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The event will take place over WebEx Video Conference, Thursday, February 24, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. EST.
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With roughly 125 monthly listeners already since debuting last September, CFCR has explored various facets of the cannabis industry in their monthly webinar series – including the regulatory impacts of a groundbreaking CBD study, as well as Federal and state cannabis policies.
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Ongoing webinars will take place on the second or third Thursday of every month (depending on holidays), each to spotlight a wide range of industry professionals and focus on preparing to regulate and regulating today’s legal cannabis molecules and products. These virtual sessions can be viewed on WebEx. Each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A for a total run-time of approximately one hour.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) February Webinar to Focus on Implications for Research and Regulatory Science

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, January 13, 2022) – Today, the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) announces Ted Thompson, JD, senior vice president for public policy at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) will join CFCR leadership as a member of their Board of Directors.
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Thompson brings more than 25 years’ experience in public policy, government relations and nonprofit management to CFCR’s overall mission to create a regulatory framework around the use of cannabis and MJFF’s goal of removing the barriers to research on cannabis as a possible therapeutic option.
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Increasing Access to Cannabis for Parkinson’s Research and Care
Cannabis — including marijuana and CBD products — has shown early potential to help treat and manage Parkinson’s disease (PD). But restrictions, including marijuana’s status as a Schedule I controlled substance, have blocked needed research that could advance it as a therapeutic approach to Parkinson’s.
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Today, an estimated 6 million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s, a number that by some estimates could double by 2040. Funding and enabling rigorous research into every potentially promising therapy for Parkinson’s is fundamental to The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s mission to accelerate better treatments and a cure for the benefit of these millions of individuals.
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“People and families living with Parkinson’s disease have the right to demand public and private support for research into every potential treatment, including medical cannabis, that could safely and effectively help manage the disabling motor and non-motor symptoms of PD,” Thompson said. “As a member of the CFCR Board I’ll work to help create momentum on legislative and other regulatory fronts for improved access to cannabis in Parkinson’s research and care.”
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A Background in Advocating for People and Families Living with Disease
Thompson served as president and CEO of the Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) from 2014 to 2016, at that time the unified voice of Parkinson’s advocacy in Washington, D.C. In 2016 Thompson joined MJFF and led the absorption of PAN by the Foundation. Today, the Foundation is the nexus of Parkinson’s advocacy on Capitol Hill and across the country, focused on securing increased investments in Parkinson’s research, building resources for secure and effective data collection in scientific research, defending research freedom to explore all possible paths to new treatments, and ensuring that people with Parkinson’s are able to access high quality, affordable care and services. Results of these efforts to date include the creation of a federal data collection effort and several state Parkinson’s registries; increased resources at the National Institutes of Health focused on PD; and ongoing work to prioritize research into environmental triggers of PD. The Foundation also works to organize and support a nationwide community of Parkinson’s patient advocates on the front lines of educating elected officials and policy makers about the needs of people and families living with Parkinson’s.
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According to CFCR Executive Director Sarah A. Chase, Thompson’s addition to the Board represents an important win for both organizations’ missions.
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“We look forward to working with Ted on strategies to encourage the federal government to pass legislation and implement regulations expanding the ability of independent entities to conduct meaningful, necessary research that will benefit people and families with Parkinson’s,” she said. “His background positions him well to help lay the groundwork for such activity.”
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Earlier in his career, Thompson was vice president of federal government relations at the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. In this role he led significant research into cannabis and coordinated strategic lobbying efforts to eliminate its research barriers. Eight years later, several U.S. states have legalized cannabis, but the federal piece is still missing. Thompson has also independently consulted for several nonprofits, for-profit companies and political entities.
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“Having learned about Ted’s background, and now that we are getting to know him personally, we could not have asked for a better person to be a part of CFCR,” said Board Chair Sheri Orlowitz. “Through The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Ted represents a strong, well-respected institution, whose vision and objectives are fully aligned with our own. The Board welcomes his guidance on our mission to create accessible and safe and therapeutic pathways for cannabis.”

Michael J. Fox Foundation Policy SVP to Join Board of Directors of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR)

Michael J. Fox Foundation Policy SVP to Join Board of Directors of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, January 6, 2022)  – The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) announced today that its next virtual webinar, “You Can’t Have Cannabis Without Equity, and You Can’t Have Equity Without Access to Capital,” will take place on Thursday, January 20, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST. Speakers will be: Wanda L. James, founder and CEO of Simply Pure Dispensary, Candace Gingrich, LGBTQ community advocate, and Bruce Linton, founder and former Chairman and CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC/WEED).
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Registration is now open for the complimentary event that is part of the CFCR’s regular webinar series offering sessions that feature informative and relevant topics covered by industry experts. Visit <a>https://www.uscfcr.org/events</a> to register for January’s event and to view past sessions.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation Announces January 2022 Webinar to Discuss Cannabis, Equity, and Access to Capital

(EMBARGO COPY – Embargo ends 9am EST on Tuesday, December 14, 2021)
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 14, 2021) The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation, (CFCR), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering common-sense federal directives and regulations applicable to cannabis, has called upon the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address an escalating public health and safety crisis in the US affecting children, vulnerable populations, and the general population.
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In a letter (READ HERE) delivered on Sunday, December 12th, to the Hon. Xavier Becerra, Secretary of HHS, CFCR Board Chair and former Department of Justice lawyer Sheri L. Orlowitz stated, “It is critical that this Administration work to overcome the Drug Exclusion Rule (DER) which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continuously points to as the regulatory barrier preventing it from regulating CBD and products containing CBD. The DER prohibits a molecule used in a drug to be sold as a food or dietary supplement unless the molecule was marketed as same before the FDA approved it as a new drug or began the IND investigation. The CBD molecule is the active ingredient contained in Epidiolex, a drug used to treat seizures. This is the required and critical first step to creating a national marketplace.
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The letter emphasized that:
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&#8211; This regulatory barrier has permitted psychoactive substances, including Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC (hemp derived), to be introduced into food, drink, tincture, and other products, and sold with no restrictions.
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&#8211; These products range from gummy worms that are virtually indistinguishable from other children’s candy to “soft” drinks, both containing psychoactive ingredients that produce intoxication. These can be found in convenience stores, gas stations, and many other storefronts, making these products easily available to children and other vulnerable populations.
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CFCR, whose Board, committee chairs and advisors, are a who’s who of leading industry experts, both domestic and international, as well as former federal agency leaders, has requested a meeting with HHS to amplify the concerns expressed in the December 12th letter and to share its strategies to support federal agencies and make this a ‘win-win’ for the Administration, the legal cannabis sector, and above all, the American public. CFCR also proposes to provide FDA access to ongoing confidential toxicology studies being conducted by a well-respected research organization to support safety requirements for CBD products in the European Union and the United Kingdom. CFCR believes this information can accelerate FDA’s ability and timeline to regulate CBD, but not without first obtaining an Administration waiver of the DER to allow the FDA to proceed.
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“Even though cannabis products are fully legal in some states and are regulated by those jurisdictions, there are still thousands of products shipped interstate every day that urgently require oversight,” said Orlowitz.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Urges Biden Administration to Free CBD from the Drug Exclusion Rule and Allow FDA to Regulate Multi-Billion Dollar US Cannabis Market

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 7, 2021) – Today, the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) announced the third installment of their monthly web series. December’s virtual conversation will discuss the topic of “Pros and Cons: What We’ve Learned from the Regulation of the US Hemp Industry.” Joining the discussion will be Executive Director of the National Hemp Association (NHA) Erica Stark, along with Herrick “Rick” Fox, CEO and Co-Founder of Meristem Farms and former senior policy staff with the USDA.
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Additionally, the webinar will feature Bill Richmond, Chief, U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, Specialty Crops Program, AMS, USDA and a regulatory expert from the FDA, who will be confirmed later this week.
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Hosts include CFCR’s own Executive Director Sarah A. Chase and Thompson Coburn LLP Advisor Jack Jacobson. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 16th, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. EST.
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With roughly 125 monthly participants already since debuting September 18th, CFCR has explored various facets of the cannabis industry in their monthly webinar series – including the regulatory impacts of a groundbreaking CBD study, as well as Federal and state cannabis policies. Ongoing webinars will take place on the second or third Thursday of every month (depending on holidays), each to spotlight a wide range of industry professionals and focus on preparing to regulate and regulating today’s legal cannabis molecules and products. These virtual sessions can be viewed on WebEx. Each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A for a total runtime of approximately one hour.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) December Webinar to Focus on Pros and Cons of Federal Cannabis Regulation 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 1, 2021) – The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) jointly announced today that the company’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Jim Esquea, will join the CFCR leadership as a member of their Board of Directors.
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Esquea brings to this role more than 25 years of policy experience, having previously served as Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Obama Administration, as a senior analyst for the U.S. Senate Budget Committee and budget analyst in the Office of Management and Budget in the Clinton Administration.
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“On behalf of ScottsMiracle-Gro I’m excited to join CFCR’s leadership team and their mission to assist the government, and its federal regulatory agencies, to rethink, develop, and implement evidence-based cannabis regulations,” said Esquea. “ScottsMiracle-Gro, through its subsidiary The Hawthorne Gardening Company, is a leading provider of nutrients, lighting and other materials used in indoor and hydroponic growing and have unique insights about the emerging cannabis industry. With 37 states having approved cannabis for recreational or medical use, the federal policy dialogue around cannabis will only intensify … and we look forward to contributing to the conversation and working with CFCR.”
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For CFCR, the connection with Esquea and ScottsMiracle-Gro has natural synergy.
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“We enthusiastically welcome ScottsMiracle-Gro and Jim Esquea to our ranks,” said Council Founder and Board Chair Sheri Orlowitz. “Jim is both brilliant and kind; very much CFCR values. Our mission – to destigmatize, legitimize and normalize cannabis through working as an objective third party with the federal agencies – aligns perfectly with Scotts’ perspective and Jim’s storied career that spans over two decades with the federal government. Having served as an HHS Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Jim will bring critical insight to our work with federal agencies, a key asset to helping both the FDA and HHS understand and embrace the cannabis industry.
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Named to his position in April of 2021, Esquea is the company’s first position based in Washington, DC. He leads the company’s day-to-day federal outreach on issues that range from cannabis and social justice reform to environmental regulation, consumer protection and corporate tax policies. He most recently served as the Senior Director of Federal Affairs for Juul Labs Inc. A graduate of Wesleyan University, Esquea also holds an M.P.A. from Columbia University.

Jim Esquea, VP, Public Affairs, for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Named to Board of Directors Of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 11, 2021) – Following the successful launch of its monthly webinar series in September 2021, the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) today announced “International Cannabis Regulation: Informing a Pathway for the US Agencies” as the topic for November’s virtual conversation. Joining the discussion will be seasoned policy advisor and current Managing Director of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) Lorenza Romanese, along with Dr. Palmer Orlandi, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Science Officer at AOAC International (formerly known as the Association of Official Analytical Chemists) and Oscar Hackett, CFO and President of Open Book Extracts. Hosts include CFCR’s own Executive Director Sarah A. Chase and Thompson Coburn LLP Advisor Jack Jacobson. The event is scheduled for Friday, November 19, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. EST.
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With roughly 125 monthly listeners already since debuting September 18th, CFCR has explored various facets of the cannabis industry in their monthly webinar series – including the regulatory impacts of a groundbreaking CBD study, as well as Federal and state cannabis policies. The Council has committed to organizing a webinar on the second or third Thursday of every month (depending on holidays), each to spotlight a wide range of industry professionals and focus on preparing to regulate and regulating today’s legal cannabis molecules and products. The virtual sessions can be viewed on WebEx and will feature a moderator accompanied by two-to-three panelists. Each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A for a total run-time of approximately one hour.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) to Offer International Cannabis Regulation Insight in Upcoming November 19 Webinar

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 18, 2021) &#8212; The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) today announced the next webinar in a series of monthly informative sessions titled “Cannabis Regulation: What the Federal Government Can Learn from the States.” It is set to take place on Thursday, October 28, beginning at 1 p.m. EST. The webinar will call upon two experts in the cannabis industry – Dr. Gillian Schauer, Executive Director of Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) and Toi Hutchinson, Senior Advisor to Governor JB Pritzker for Cannabis Control. The discussion will be hosted by Sarah A. Chase, CFCR’s Executive Director, along with Jack Jacobson, Advisor at Thompson Coburn LLP.
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CFCR launched its virtual webinar series last month with a discussion tackling the regulatory impacts of a groundbreaking CBD study. The Council will continue to host an educational webinar on the second or third Thursday of every month, depending on holidays. The sessions can be viewed over WebEx and will each feature a moderator accompanied by two-to-three panelists. Scheduled to run for approximately one hour, each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation followed by approximately 20-minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A.

Webinar to Examine Critical Federal and State Cannabis Regulation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2021) &#8212; The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) last Thursday launched its inaugural monthly webinar series in which regulators and industry professionals will participate in moderated conversations regarding responsible cannabis regulation. Last week’s webinar focused on the impact of a groundbreaking CBD study published in the top international peer-reviewed medical journal, JAMA, and, which demonstrated a positive therapeutic effect of CBD with a defined dose in a randomized clinical trial on reduction of anxiety, depression, fatigue in front line health care workers.
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The webinar featured guest speaker Dr. Vicki Seyfert-Margolis, a former FDA leader and Chairwoman of the Science &amp; Regulatory Affairs Committee for CFCR, along with moderators Jack Jacobson from Thompson Coburn LLP and CFCR’s own Executive Director Sarah Chase.
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The webinar focused on how the study was conducted, that is, in a hospital, using front line healthcare workers, which made gathering data much easier and more cost effective. The study demonstrated that medically valid “randomized controlled” trials (RCT) can be done with cannabinoids, including clinical assessments for safety and efficacy using such well-known and understood tools as blood tests, and standard medical grade scales for assessments. This study can be a “blueprint” for other cannabinoid researchers to model and provide the science the FDA is seeking.
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One big takeaway is while close to 5% of the study participants experienced mild to serious elevated liver enzymes, the liver enzymes returned to normal after discontinuation of CBD.
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The monthly webinar series will continue over WebEx on Thursday, October 28 with a focus on what federal regulators can learn from current state laws, regulations, and the best practices governing cannabis. This webinar will feature panelists from various state legislative offices and current cannabis regulators.
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View a recording of the Webcast at <a href="https://www.uscfcr.org/events">https://www.uscfcr.org/events</a>

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Discusses Groundbreaking New Cannabis Study in CFCR's Webinar Debut

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Discusses Groundbreaking New Cannabis Study in CFCR’s Webinar Debut

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 28, 2021) &#8212; The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) today announced formal partnerships with four communication agencies to develop concise and impactful messaging across several fronts &#8212; including public relations, social media and graphics, creative video and visual content, and web design. Through powerful crafting and delivery of their messaging, CFCR’s intends to maximize its outreach as an advocate for federal regulations in the cannabis industry.
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Brotman | Winter | Fried (BWF), part of the Sage Communications umbrella, will provide CFCR with public relations and outreach support. Steve Winter, President and COO of BWF, will serve as the driving force behind the development of CFCR’s messaging and the delivery of the council’s various programs and initiates to the public. Winter will also serve as the keymessaging strategist on the CFCR Advisory Board. BWF is a PR agency that is well connected with various industries, including sports, entertainment, technology, and cannabis.
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Heather Mahoney, President of the Haute Haus agency, will lead the Council’s digital campaign as Social Media Director through online marketing, social posting and marketing and graphic design. Mahoney’s creative approach combined with her ability to generate and maintain brand awareness across various social media platforms positions her as a key player in CFCR’s communications strategy.
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CFCR will also collaborate with Wild Bill, a content creation company based in Los Angeles. Wild Bill’s Creative Director Samantha Hart said she’s thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with CFCR. “As award-winning storytellers, nothing excites us more than crafting messaging that delivers results. We look forward to creating strategic materials for CFCR, and to collaborating with the team,&#8221; Hart said.
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Lead creative and graphic design communicator, Derek Friday, founder of Friday Farms Creative, built the CFCR brand voice and style while implementing a refreshed website and will assist in supplying that continuity across all channels.
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“With BWF, Haute Haus, Wild Bill and Friday Farm, CFCR will benefit from the combined and collaborative efforts of four incredibly creative and diverse firms, all of whom are already collaborating in strategic rhythm to deliver our Council’s messaging across multiple platforms and formats,” said CFCR Executive Director Sarah Chase. “Each of these companies brings a unique yet complimentary realm of expertise to our organization, and we’re seeing amazing results from this alliance. CFCR’s education, advocacy, and communication mission is being realized.”

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Engages Four Diverse Communication Partners to Enhance Brand Awareness Through Strategic Messaging

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 17, 2021) &#8212; The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) today announced the launch of a new monthly webinar series in which regulators and industry professionals will participate in moderated conversations regarding responsible cannabis regulation. CFCR’s Executive Director, Sarah A. Chase, says these webinars will explore industry best practices, while service to further the Council’s position as an industry leader for educating and advocating for forward-thinking and inclusive federal laws for the cannabis industry.
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The series begins this Thursday, September 23, as CFCR launches its lineup with a virtual conversation titled Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation: Understanding the Regulatory Impact of a Groundbreaking New CBD Study. The webinar will feature Vicki Seyfert-Margolis, Chairwoman for Science &amp; Regulatory Affairs Committee for CFCR, along with moderators Jack Jacobson from Thompson Coburn LLP and CFCR’s own Executive Director Sarah Chase.
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The webinars will take place over WebEx on the second or third Thursday of every month, depending on holidays. The next event is scheduled for Thursday, October 28 and will focus on what federal regulators can learn from the states where cannabis is now legal. Each session will feature a moderator, and panelists or a fireside chat. Scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., EDT to run for approximately one hour, each webinar will consist of a 40-minute interactive conversation session followed by approximately 20 minutes of moderated audience Q&amp;A.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Launches Monthly Webinar Series to Begin This Thursday, September 23  ​

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 8, 2021) – The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) today announced several key positioning statements in response to the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), recently supported and sponsored by the offices of Senators Booker, Schumer and Wyden.
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Uniquely positioned as a solutions provider for both the federal government and the cannabis industry, CFCR is a non-profit organization developed to have broad and deep expertise, CFCR is informed by multifaceted perspectives, enabling it both to educate the federal agencies and the public.
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Some of the key takeaways from CFCR’s comments include:
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&#8211; CFCR applauds the CAOA drafters for putting forward this discussion draft and for the transparent approach they have taken to the process. We support the fundamental approach and process.
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&#8211; CFCR suggested strategies to curb bad actors, provide for interim regulations, a consortium to do safety testing (if needed), and other suggestions of how we may help to expedite the regulatory process.
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&#8211; CFCR’s proposed definition of cannabis does not exclude hemp, for the simple reason that cannabis and hemp are the same plant. CFCR notes that the ≤0.3% THC threshold is an arbitrary limitation that inhibits various industries and research inquiries.
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&#8211; CFCR suggested &gt;1% as a threshold for High-THC cannabis. CFCR notes that as research develops other thresholds might be established, but &gt;1% THC as the threshold for High-THC Cannabis and ≤1% THC for Low-THC Cannabis should find support at this time
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&#8211; A Center for Cannabis Products as a separate entity, wherever housed, should establish a unique product standard for cannabis products.
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&#8211; Cannabis products should be a separate product category for purposes of regulation and should not be shoehorned into the existing product categories, (e.g., foods and dietary supplements).
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&#8211; CFCR does not support the use of GRAS and NDI for Cannabis products because Cannabis products are unique due to already being on the market and regulated at the state level. Retroactively applying NDI and GRAS to these products is not practical. More importantly the safety profile of these products is significantly different. A new Cannabis product safety standard must be developed.
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&#8211; In support, CFCR also suggests that the CAOA include an immediate authorization of appropriations that is sufficient to allow the FDA to staff appropriately in order to develop new and more expeditious ways to review Cannabis constituents, as well as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products.
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CFCR is a 40-person organization including an eight-person Science and Regulatory Affairs Committee (SRA) comprised of three PhD scientists, a world-renowned big data expert, FDA lawyers and researchers, as well as a variety of other professionals.
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“CFCR was developed with topflight experts who can bring tools and strategies, as well as advocacy, to the federal agencies to help develop the cannabis industry safely and with all due haste,” said CFCRs Board Chair Sheri Orlowitz.
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With its recently submitted comments (READ HERE) to the Sponsoring Offices of the Senators regarding the draft discussion of CAOA, CFCR has established itself as a unified voice for diverse industry and a trusted source of accurate science and policy guidance.
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“Our primary focus is to work with the FDA on the regulation of cannabinoids,” said CFCR’s new Executive Director, Sarah Chase. “CFCR’s comments to the CAOA are the product of this singular focus and we are bringing a novel solutions-driven approaches to the complex effort to federally regulate a plant that has been illegal for eight decades, with safety, fairness and efficiency.”

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation Publishes Solutions-Driven Response to the Proposed Legalization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 31, 2021) &#8212; Sheri Orlowitz, Founder and President of the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR), announced today the appointment of Sarah A. Chase as the organization’s first Executive Director. A lifelong creator and business professional who has worked diligently behind the scenes at various organizations to champion both public and private projects that are mission-driven and deliver social impact, Chase brings direction, focus and motivation to the Council’s mission to educate, advocate, communicate and support the creation of informed, intelligible, and inclusive federal laws and regulations for the cannabis industry.
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“My vision for CFCR is to ensure that we become – and will always remain &#8212; the most trusted, and collaborative resource for the federal regulatory agencies, Congress, the White House, and the diversity of stakeholders within the cannabis industry,” Chase said. “Through our committee structure, our leadership, and our partner organizations, CFCR has been carefully structured to be the most dependable conduit through which information, knowledge, and accurate scientific information and research can be shared to ensure a safe and legal regulatory pathway. CFCR is here to help educate, to advocate, and communicate. And it is my firm belief and vision that we must always to do so with honesty, efficiency, and integrity.”
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For nearly two decades, Chase has worked primarily with start-up companies in the media, broadcast and communication space. She has held various COO, CFO, Communication, and Business Development positions and has worked closely with executive teams in the United States, Europe and Asia to translate high-level visions into realized corporate entities.
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From 2016 through 2020, Chase served as the Chief Operating Officer for Alan Alda’s Communication Training Company (ACT), mentoring with the legendary actor, writer and director while helping to bring his proven improv and communication methods to the world. Working closely with Alda, Chase established the first-of-its-kind public-private partnership (PPP) with the State University of New York (SUNY). The company grew from ground zero to more than $2.5M in net profit within the first two years. Because of this growth and success, Alda achieved his dream of donating the profits directly back to the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, to further advance the better communication of science.
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As the Executive Producer, writer, and voice-over artist for Alda’s Clear+Vivid, podcasts, Chase produced in excess of a hundred episodes generating more than 15 million downloads. The lineup included such notable guests as Tom Hanks, Paul McCartney, Julie Andrews, Madeline Albright, Tina Fey, Michael J. Fox, Judge Judy, Isabella Rossellini and others.
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Chase previously led communication and media training workshops for several corporate clients as well as at the United Nations, NASA, the Nature Conservancy and various &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; events. She has served as an executive committee member of the National Small Business Association in Washington, D.C. and was as a featured panelist and consultant with the Global Coalition for Aging at the Council on Foreign Relations. Earlier in her career she worked in both London and Frankfurt, advising a diverse range of clients and companies. She also served as a featured political commentator on Sky News and BBC Radio.
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“Sarah’s expertise in the fields of communication, fundraising and business development uniquely qualifies her for this role,” said Orlowitz. “Her passion for justice and social causes meshes perfectly with the Council’s overall mission.”

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation Introduces New Executive Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. &#8212; According to a recent survey by data research and control management company Invisibly, nearly 60 percent of all Americans have no viable understanding of CBD. By and large, they don’t know what it stands for, what it means, nor what it does.
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A colloquial contraction for cannabidiol, CBD is a chemical compound found in the same plant that produces cannabis (marijuana) and hemp. Naturally occurring and fully-holistic, CBD is now widely used in oils, topicals, and ingestibles for wellness purposes and other physical and mental need states.
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Through a survey of more than a thousand Americans designed to shed light on our population’s understanding of these products, 62 percent have never used any iteration of the product, and among that group, 68 percent indicated they were ignorant as to the difference between CBD and THC-infused products such as medical and recreational cannabis.
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Actually, that’s not surprising … after all, there has been relatively little in the way of peer-reviewed documentation about this increasingly popular health-related supplement … but thanks to a real-world evidence study recently launched by <a href="https://radiclescience.com/">Radicle Science</a>, a San Diego-based, transformative healthtech B-corp, that’s about to change.
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Earlier this month <a href="https://radiclescience.com/">Radicle Science</a> announced the launch of its<a href="https://radiclescience.com/resources/radicle-aces-study-overview"> Radicle ACES</a> (Advancing CBD Education and Science) <a href="https://radiclescience.com/resources/radicle-aces-study-overview">Study</a>, the largest and most comprehensive randomized controlled trial of its kind, designed to capture CBD effectiveness data directly from nearly 3,000 study participants. The study has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, which is generally recognized as a standard for the FDA in assuring the safety and well-being of human participants. IRB approvals are currently rare among the industry, and this further demonstrates the high-standards of this scientific study.
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During the four-week trial period, scheduled to conclude in late September, participants will track consumption and effectiveness of orally-ingested CBD products from 13 major U.S. CBD brands, focusing on well-being, quality of life, and other common physical and mental need states. Radicle ACES will use validated, standardized health indices to gather health outcome data from a diverse population across a variety of ethnicities, age groups, geographies, behavioral habits, and pre-existing health conditions. The real-world evidence collected will inform scientific understanding on usage patterns, user characteristics, effectiveness across conditions, and predictors and modifiers of response. And quite frankly, the leadership at the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulations (CFCR) could not be happier.
“This study represents sound, accurate, and responsible scientific research, which continues to create intelligible and inclusive pathways for CBD products,” said Council Founder Sheri L. Orlowitz, whose organization’s primary goal is to interface with the FDA on how to proceed with cannabis safety testing, research, and regulation on behalf of currently existing and future cannabis producers. “Studies of this magnitude are needed in order to put public health and safety first and foremost, as the entire cannabis industry is faced with federal regulation and the need for data, science and expertise. CFCR recognizes that further understanding and dialogue is needed to better align cannabis industry policy, scientific research and data, and regulatory measures. Our mission is to help bridge that gap not only through advocacy, education, and clear-cut communication but also by sharing knowledge and expertise from our international partners around the world and our eight-person science team with four PhDs.&#8221;
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According to Radicle’s founding team, this study will achieve precisely that. “A rigorous scientific study of this magnitude has never before been conducted in the CBD market,” said Pelin Thorogood, Co-founder and Executive Chair of Radicle Science. “Radicle ACES is driven by our deep commitment to contribute to the body of evidence to support growing demand from consumers and healthcare providers.
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“Given the scale, the diversity of the participant population and the wide range of high-quality commercial brands included, Radicle ACES promises to deliver rich, objective health outcome data for a variety of common health-related complaints, with the potential to offer unprecedented guidance on CBD effectiveness based on demographic or behavioral differences.” As Co-Chair of the Science and Regulatory Affairs Committee (SRA) for CFCR, Thorogood brings this perspective and expertise to the CFCR team.
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The brands being tested in the <a href="https://radiclescience.com/resources/radicle-aces-study-overview">study</a> are fully supportive of this research. According to a quote from Dr. Kenton Crowley, Director of Research and Development who is overseeing the production of Trokie, one of the 13 brands integrated into the study, “the collaboration between Radicle Science, academic medicine and therapeutically-focused cannabinoid brands makes this trial particularly exciting. We are thrilled to be a part of a rigorous investigation into how Trokie and other clinically relevant CBD products can improve the lives of consumers and also hopefully expand the avenues for more clinical cannabinoid research.” The other brands included in the trial include ALTWELL, Charlotte’s Web, Columbia Care, Healer, Lord Jones, Maven Hemp, MD FARMA, Peels, Prospect Farms, PURAURA Naturals from Enhanced Botanicals, Rae Wellness and Verséa Wellness.

Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) Congratulates its Science Co-Chair, Co-founder and Executive Chair of Radicle Science on Most Comprehensive US Trials Measuring Impact of CBD

WASHINGTON, D.C. &#8212; The Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation (CFCR) launched last year as an umbrella organization designed to advocate for federal regulations to enhance public faith and trust in cannabis-infused products as the industry continues to approach full nationwide legalization.
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CFCR’s initial mission is to work with federal agencies, including the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration and even the White House to develop a safe “legal” harbor for all non-THC products in the marketplace today, and to expedite the development of a legal regulatory pathway. The organization has quietly attracted top talent for this initial mission, including four PhD’s, and has largely flown under the radar awaiting a new FDA Commissioner to begin its critical work.
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According to Council Founder Sheri L. Orlowitz, CFCR’s “quiet approach” to this point is about to change.
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Through the appointment of a new executive director and the engagement of a powerful team of industry and federal government professionals – ranging from scientists and C-Level corporate executives to attorneys, financial experts and cannabis industry specialists – the non-profit Council is now poised to embark on its core mission objectives: namely to represent the interests of the current and future industry stakeholders as cannabis continues to face increased regulation by various federal agencies.
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“CFCR was designed to provide tools, business guidance and scientific resources to support the FDA’s process to regulate cannabis compounds; to attract and educate established industry and encourage its support and investment in the regulatory process and to ensure regulations are informed by and grounded in the policies behind legalization such as access to cannabis without undue burden and restorative justice,” said Orlowitz, a former Department of Justice Prosecutor who is also a Founding Partner of Artemis Holdings, a Board Member of the Marijuana Policy Project and a Founding Member of the US Cannabis Council. “These objectives will be achieved by a series of programs CFCR will facilitate, designed to inform and support FDA safety requirements, developing an agreed path for cannabis, building off accurate science, extensive research studies and best practices from other countries and educating and attracting hesitant stakeholders and encouraging them to invest in regulation.”
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The FDA, Orlowitz says, ultimately holds the key to the eventual widespread acceptance and integration of cannabis-related product into the marketplace.
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“In addition to medical-use cannabis, the huge demand for CBD is not being met because producers are operating under a fog of regulatory uncertainty, and consumers do not know which are trusted products. The CFCR will work with consumer-packaged goods and cannabis company stakeholders to explore and recommend a pathway for FDA approval of cannabisinfused products as a dietary supplement and food additive.”
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CFCR was created as a “think and do” tank to serve as a forum in which stakeholders – both from the federal government and industry – will analyze and support the creation of informed federal laws and regulations to safely govern the cannabis industry without being unduly burdensome. The Council is composed of four committees: a Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Committee, a Corporate and Business Committee, a Legal and Government Relations Committee and a DEI Committee, each led by best-in-class experts in their respective fields.

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