Hemp has become a popular ingredient in pet products, thanks to its potential health benefits for dogs and cats. However, the legal landscape of hemp for animals can be confusing and difficult to navigate. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the current federal laws regulating hemp for animals, like CBD for dogs with anxiety in the United States.
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was legalized at the federal level in the United States, and the sale of hemp-derived products, including hemp-based pet products, is now allowed. However, there are still some restrictions and regulations that pet product manufacturers and sellers must follow.
In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, hemp-derived CBD products may not be used in animal feed, as they are not recognized as a safe and effective ingredient for animals. It's important to note that a tincture like CBD tincture for dogs is NOT considered a feed or food.
Under California state law, CBD products for animals are considered to be over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and they must be marketed in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to several companies marketing unapproved pet products containing cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in hemp, claiming to treat diseases or conditions in animals. The FDA has stated that it is illegal to market CBD as a dietary supplement or to use it in animal food, and that it is illegal to make health claims about the use of CBD for animals without FDA approval.
In addition to the restrictions imposed by the FDA, there are also state-level laws regulating the sale of hemp-based pet products. While some states have embraced the legalization of hemp, others have not, and there are varying regulations regarding the sale and use of hemp-based pet products from state to state.
Some states require hemp-based pet products to be tested for THC levels, and to be labeled with the amount of CBD contained in each product.
The legalization of hemp at the federal level has opened up new opportunities for pet product manufacturers and sellers, but there are still restrictions and regulations that must be followed. To ensure the quality and hemp-based CBD safety for pets, it's important to stay up to date on the latest federal and state regulations, and to choose products from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.
References:
- 2018 Farm Bill, 7 U.S. Code § 1639o.
- Food and Drug Administration. (2021, January 28). FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021, February 11). State Medical Marijuana Laws. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx