The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is leading a coordinated industry response to protect the sale of alcohol-based herbal tinctures and liquid extracts in New Hampshire. The issue began when a concerned AHPA member reported that the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) had directed multiple retailers to remove herbal tinctures from shelves due to unclear state law.
AHPA confirmed that the problem centers on a lack of legal clarity separating herbal tinctures and liquid extracts marketed as dietary supplements from products regulated as liquor. To resolve the conflict, AHPA drafted legislative language that formally defines herbal tinctures and liquid extracts as dietary supplements when sold for that purpose. The proposal brings New Hampshire’s rules into alignment with federal dietary supplement regulations and the regulatory practice already in place across other states.
AHPA submitted this language to the office of New Hampshire State Senator Tara Reardon, who is now leading the legislative fix. AHPA also called on the NHLC to use enforcement discretion until the legislature completes the technical correction.
“We extend our gratitude to Senator Reardon and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission for their ongoing engagement as all parties work toward a timely, mutually satisfactory solution that protects and supports consumers and businesses in New Hampshire,” said Graham Rigby, AHPA President and CEO. Rigby noted the strong grassroots response from AHPA members and the broader herbal community.
AHPA quickly convened a coalition of manufacturers, retailers, practitioners, and consumers to support the amendment. Constituents have already contacted Senator Reardon, urging adoption of AHPA’s proposed language to protect access to alcohol-based herbal tinctures and liquid extracts.
AHPA invites all concerned stakeholders to join the outreach campaign and support the legislative amendment. Details are available at https://www.ahpa.org/NH_herbal_tinctures.
AHPA, founded in 1982, is the national trade association representing the herbal products industry. Its mission is to promote responsible and sustainable commerce and to ensure consumer access to safe, high-quality herbal products.
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