- The state of Idaho is set to ban the sale of pet CBD and other hemp-derived products beginning November 1, 2022.
- “Safe levels of hemp and hemp-derived products in animal feed have not yet been established under federal or state law. As such, these products are not approved feed ingredients and cannot lawfully be added to or incorporated into commercial feed. This includes feeds, treats, and remedies intended for pets, livestock, or any other animal.”
- Effective November 1, ISDA will be inspecting for hemp and hemp-derived animal feeds and remedies, and if found after November 1, retailers will be subject to stop a sale and will receive further action from the department.
Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, entrepreneurs everywhere began taking advantage of the growing cannabidiol trend. As the years passed, a wide variety of CBD products have been available on retail shelves and ecommerce websites, with an increasing number of brands getting creative with their products and adding the ingredient into different food and drinks.
Problems Brewing in Hemp-Derived Animal Products
Even though the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp, there is an alarming lack of regulation in the industry, leading the state of Idaho to ban the sale of pet CBD and other hemp-derived products beginning November 1, 2022. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) said in a statement on July 20 that it does not acknowledge such products as a legal animal feed or remedy ingredient.
“Safe levels of hemp and hemp-derived products in animal feed have not yet been established under federal or state law. As such, these products are not approved feed ingredients and cannot lawfully be added to or incorporated into commercial feed. This includes feeds, treats, and remedies intended for pets, livestock, or any other animal,” ISDA said.
Taking Charge of Unregulated Products
Interest in hemp animal feeds and remedies has grown significantly, and these products are available online and in retail stores. According to Idaho State Legislature, animal remedies are considered dosage-type supplements, which are used to aid animal health, structure, or function. Not including medicated feeds, ISDA states that it recognizes several of these products “are adulterated and are being unlawfully marketed and distributed in Idaho.”
In 2021, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 126, which legalized the licensed production and handling of hemp in Idaho, according to ISDA. However, the new law did not legalize hemp in every setting or product type. As hemp manufacturing begins to take place in Idaho, ISDA is working with new hemp licensees and animal feed companies to understand what is legal in the state.
Negative Economic Impacts
According to GlobalPETS, the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) opposed Idaho’s new regulations, arguing that the prohibition will cause a “serious economic impact” for Idaho retailers. The council is concerned about the “harm that could befall animals” if pet owners are no longer able to buy these products.
This news is also having a negative impact on independent pet stores and their customers. Idaho News reported that a local pet supply store, Bark N’ Purr, has already seen many upset customers leave their store, not knowing what they can do for their furry friends without the benefits of hemp-derived products. The shop is worried that with these items being taken off the shelves, suppliers who do not know how to dose, or who could have THC in their products, will begin creating their own concoctions that can harm animals.
ISDA recognizes that many retailers have been distributing products with hemp or hemp-derived ingredients under the assumption these items are allowed in Idaho, and they are trying to give these businesses time to comply with the new law. Effective November 1, ISDA will be inspecting for hemp and hemp-derived animal feeds and remedies, and if found after November 1, retailers will be subject to stop a sale and will receive further action from the department.