THE WHAT? The American Herbal Products Association (APHA) has published a Hemp Lexicon in order to standardize the terminology used in the cultivation, processing, manufacturing and labelling of hemp and products derived from hemp in the U.S.
THE DETAILS Described as a reference tool for the hemp industry, federal, state, tribal and other jurisdictions that oversee hemp production and manufacturing, the resource aims to provide ‘guidance and encourage clear, consistent communication.”
Developed by a working group of the AHPA Cannabis Committee, including hemp growers, manufacturers, processors and product marketers, the committee is inviting suggestions for additional terms and revisions.
In a bid for consistency, the committee has created alternative terms for the current specific ones used for marketing purposes, which differ from the long-established botanical industry definitions.
The committee hopes that the alternative terminology will be integrated by the hemp industry as it matures.
THE WHY? With the U.S. hemp market being a confusing myriad of terms and definitions, the committee sees the Lexicon as providing consumers with a ‘common understanding of the diverse terms used in the description, marketing and labelling of hemp products.’
Asa Waldstein, Chair of the Cannabis Committee, stated “As the hemp industry continues to expand, all hemp stakeholders will benefit from the standard terminology established in the Lexicon. Development of the AHPA Hemp Lexicon marks another important milestone in the accomplishments of the AHPA Cannabis Committee in its over 10-year history of work.”
