Idaho bans the sale of CBD products for pets

Last year, the state legislature passed a law legalizing the licensed production and handling of hemp in Idaho, with the exception of pet products.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture recently issued a memorandum to local retailers reminding them that pet food supplements including CBD are adulterated and therefore not legal.

The memorandum reads, “We recognize that many retailers have been distributing products with hemp or hemp-derived ingredients under the assumption these products are allowed in Idaho.”

The department also notified retailers that they have until 1 November 2022 to comply with the new regulations. Following this, authorities will begin inspection campaigns for hemp, and hemp-derived animal feeds and remedies.

Any product found for sale once the new law is enforced “will be subject to a stop sale and further action from the department.”

Economic impact

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.

“Removing hemp-derived products from the marketplace is absolutely the wrong answer,” said NASC president Bill Bookout.

Bookout stated that the prohibition may lead to pet parents giving animals CBD products meant for human consumption, or products that contain THC, which is not safe for animals.

“There is simply no basis for removing pet owner access to quality products supplied by responsible companies.”