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Company backs the Barr-Craig framework and the administration's call to fix the federal hemp definition before the November deadline

, /PRNewswire/ -- 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 establish a long-term federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived products while preserving consumer access to lawful products. The Company also expressed support for the Administration's call to address the federal hemp definition through pending budget legislation.

The legislation comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. hemp industry. Under Section 781 of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations law, the federal definition of hemp is scheduled to narrow on November 12, 2026. Without congressional action, many lawful full-spectrum CBD and hemp wellness products could be removed from the marketplace. The Lawful Hemp Protection Act would repeal that provision and replace it with a durable, science-based framework.

The bipartisan sponsorship reflects a growing consensus that responsible regulation, rather than prohibition, is the appropriate path forward for the hemp industry. The bill would establish FDA oversight for hemp-derived products, with mandatory third-party testing, transparent labeling, a 21-and-over age requirement, and domestic sourcing, while targeting the synthetic intoxicants that have drawn scrutiny to the category.

Specifically, cbdMD supports a federal framework that:

Protects access to responsibly manufactured full-spectrum CBD Requires independent testing and accurate labeling Establishes clear manufacturing and marketing standards, including limits on youth-focused marketing Prevents youth access through a 21-and-over requirement Restricts synthetic and artificially modified cannabinoids Preserves lawful interstate commerce for compliant products cbdMD also welcomed the Office of Management and Budget's recent call for Congress to update the hemp definition through the funding process, which the company believes could provide relief before the November deadline if enacted.

As one of the nation's longest-standing hemp-derived CBD companies, cbdMD believes a consistent federal regulatory framework would significantly benefit consumers and responsible businesses alike by improving consumer confidence, strengthening safety standards, and providing greater certainty for manufacturers and retailers.

"Reps. Barr and Craig have demonstrated bipartisan leadership by advancing a practical regulatory framework for hemp-derived products," said Ronan Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of cbdMD. "Responsible companies have long supported clear federal standards that protect consumers, promote product quality, and distinguish compliant hemp products from illicit synthetic intoxicants. We encourage 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
[email protected]
(704) 445-3064

SOURCE cbdMD, Inc.

As federal reclassification efforts advance and major U.S. exchanges open to compliant operators, cbdMD points to its position as an established, NYSE American–listed company in a maturing cannabinoid category

, /PRNewswire/ -- cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE American: YCBD), one of the nation's most recognized and trusted hemp-derived wellness companies, today welcomed the Administration's call urging Congress to ensure the fair treatment of hemp-derived products under federal law and requesting immediate action to revise federal hemp regulation to ensure fair treatment of hemp products under federal law.

In a letter to congressional leadership this week, the White House Office of Management and Budget identified hemp reform as a priority the Administration strongly supports. The request calls on Congress to ensure fair treatment of hemp-derived products by preserving access to appropriate full-spectrum CBD products, while preserving Congress's intent to restrict products that pose health risks. The Administration also urged Congress to adopt a responsible federal framework or, at minimum, extend the current implementation timeline so that lawmakers have time to get the policy right. The request builds on the President's earlier public statements urging lawmakers to protect access to the full-spectrum CBD products that millions of Americans rely on.

"We are encouraged to see the Administration advocating so clearly for responsible, science-backed hemp products that consumers depend on every day," said Ronan Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of cbdMD. "cbdMD has always believed the future of this category is built on quality, transparency, and clear rules that distinguish responsible operators from bad actors. A federal framework that protects consumer access, promotes safety, and provides certainty for compliant companies is exactly what this industry and the people it serves deserve. We commend the policymakers who are working toward that outcome."

Separately, broader federal cannabis policy developments continue to draw investment, research, and institutional attention to the cannabinoid category. Notably, major U.S. exchanges have begun permitting the listing of the plan-touching operators that comply with federal, state and local medical cannabis framework. Although cannabis reclassification is distinct from the federal treatment of hemp-derived products, recent exchange-listing developments for compliant cannabis operators reflect a market that is moving toward greater legitimacy, transparency, and regulatory maturity. As an established hemp-derived wellness company with recognized brands, national distribution, and a listing on a national securities exchange, cbdMD believes it is well-positioned as the cannabinoid category moves toward greater maturity, transparency, and regulatory clarity.

"We believe cbdMD is purpose built for this next phase of the market," Kennedy added. "Our focus remains on serving our customers with trusted, efficacious products, supporting responsible regulation, and building long-term value for our shareholders as the category continues to evolve. Along the way, we will continue to evaluate the opportunities this evolving environment may present."

About cbdMD, Inc.

cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE American: YCBD) is a leading wellness company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a portfolio of trusted hemp-derived and wellness brands, including cbdMD, Bluebird Botanicals, Paw CBD, ATRx Labs, and the Oasis line of hemp-derived THC beverages. The Company is committed to quality, science, and transparency across its product lines. For more information, visit cbdmd.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding potential changes to the federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived products; the timing or outcome of legislative, administrative, or agency action; the evolution of U.S. capital markets and securities exchange listing practices for the cannabinoid category; and the Company's competitive position and potential opportunities. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties.

Such risks include, without limitation: that Congress or the Administration may not act, may act on a different timeline, or may adopt adverse regulation or regulation different from what is currently proposed; the potential impact of the statutory changes to the federal definition of hemp scheduled to take effect November 12, 2026; the fact that the ongoing federal cannabis reclassification proceedings concern marijuana, are separate from and do not directly govern the regulation of hemp-derived products, and may not conclude on the timeline or with the outcome the Company anticipates; that securities exchange practices regarding the listing of cannabis-related companies may change or may not develop as expected; and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. 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
[email protected]
(704) 445-3064

SOURCE cbdMD, Inc.