The company endorses the Barr-Craig approach along with the administration's push to update the federal hemp definition ahead of the November cutoff

cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE American: YCBD), a leader in hemp-derived wellness, today announced its support for the bipartisan Lawful Hemp Protection Act, introduced July 21 by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN). The legislation would create a lasting federal regulatory structure for hemp-derived products while keeping consumer access to lawful items intact. The Company also voiced support for the Administration's request to revise the federal hemp definition via pending budget legislation.

The bill arrives at a critical moment for the U.S. hemp sector. Under Section 781 of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations law, the federal definition of hemp is set to tighten on November 12, 2026. Absent congressional action, many lawful full-spectrum CBD and hemp wellness items could disappear from shelves. The Lawful Hemp Protection Act would eliminate that clause and substitute a durable, science-based structure.

The bipartisan backing shows growing agreement that responsible oversight, not bans, offers the right direction for the hemp industry. The measure would place FDA oversight over hemp-derived products, requiring third-party testing, clear labeling, a 21-and-over age limit, and domestic sourcing, while focusing on synthetic intoxicants that have raised concerns.

Specifically, cbdMD backs a federal structure that:

Protects access to responsibly made full-spectrum CBD
Requires independent testing and accurate labeling
Sets clear manufacturing and marketing standards, including limits on youth-focused marketing
Blocks youth access via a 21-and-over rule
Restricts synthetic and artificially modified cannabinoids
Preserves lawful interstate commerce for compliant products

cbdMD also welcomed the Office of Management and Budget's recent request for Congress to revise the hemp definition through the funding process, which the company sees as possible relief before the November deadline if passed.

As one of the nation's longest-standing hemp-derived CBD firms, cbdMD believes a consistent federal regulatory framework would greatly help consumers and responsible businesses by boosting consumer trust, raising safety standards, and offering more certainty for manufacturers and retailers.

"Reps. Barr and Craig have shown bipartisan leadership by advancing a practical regulatory framework for hemp-derived products," said Ronan Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of cbdMD. "Responsible companies have long backed clear federal standards that protect consumers, promote product quality, and separate compliant hemp products from illicit synthetic intoxicants. We urge Congress to act before the November implementation deadline."

About cbdMD, Inc.

cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE American: YCBD) is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based hemp-derived wellness company committed to safe, high-quality, science-backed products. Its family of brands includes cbdMD, cbdMD Science, Bluebird Botanicals, Paw CBD, Oasis, and ATRx Labs. For more information, visit cbdMD.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding pending legislation, regulatory developments, and their potential impact on the company are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the outcome of the legislative and regulatory processes described above and risks disclosed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law.

Contacts
cbdMD, Inc.
Ronan Kennedy
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
ir@cbdmd.com
(704) 445-3064

SOURCE cbdMD, Inc.