New AMA Supercross Bulletin Modifies CBD Sponsorship Regulations

• Supercross riders are encouraged to avoid wearing CBD sponsorships for broadcasts.
• If any of the rules from the bulletin are violated, the rider could be removed from the event.

On the AMA Supercross website, fans and participants likely took notice of a recent bulletin, showing exactly how CBD may be getting involved next. Before now, and before the 2018 Farm Bill took effect, the prohibition of hemp-based CBD made it impossible for athletes to show off endorsements.

However, AMA Supercross is making great strides, which can be seen in a recent Competition Bulletin that provides a little guidance. Much of this announcement seems to center around the ability to let logos be displayed in races. However, the television broadcasts may not have the same rules. The bullet states:

“Due to recent changes in state laws, limited hemp-based cannabidiol ‘CBD’ product sponsorships at certain onsite Event locations during the upcoming 2020 Supercross season will be allowed subject to the following requirements and restrictions contained herein.”

The eligibility requirements state that the CBD:

• “Must be derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol.”
• Cannot includes logos or signage that references cannabis, either directly or indirectly.

If the participant has CBD signage or promo displays, the content can be viewable in the pit areas. However, regardless of the legality of the display, no CBD or CBD-related products can be sold or distributed at any event. Furthermore, the advertisements can’t cater to children under age 18.

Any rider or team that chooses to promote this substance at Supercross Events must agree to “all rules, requirements and practices applicable at each Event as determined by the AMA, FIM and Feld Motor Sports in their sole discretion.” Furthermore, sponsorship from these types of companies are done at the risk of the participant, and they are responsible for adhering to the current laws and regulations that cover CBD products.

The bulletin also includes information on broadcasting rules, indicating that their policies on this area “remain uncertain” right now. It adds:

“No rider, team or sponsor should assume that any promotional displays of CBD product on the track that may be captured by the broadcast will be allowed until further notice.” At any time, the AMA, FIM, and Feld Motor Sports can “require all logos or displays on riders and equipment be covered or removed immediately.”

Anyone that doesn’t comply with these regulations’ risks removal from the event or being denied entry to the race.

This announcement follows a controversial deal last year involving riders Dean Wilson and Chad Reed, as they secured sponsorships with hemp-based CBD products. The riders arrived at the race with the logos of these companies displayed on their gear and bike without any prior notice. The bulletin also follows the decision to relax certain restrictions imposed on riders in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.