Idaho’s Crackdown on Pet Hemp Products Has Bigger Implications
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced its decision to stop the sale of animal feeds and remedies containing hemp and CBD, effective November 1, 2022.
Hemp Well is vehemently opposed to the Agency’s rationale included in their memorandum. Through our membership with the National Animal Supplement Council, we have communicated with the Governor and the Agency’s offices sharing the impact to animal safety without access to quality and trusted hemp products.
Even more concerning than the attack on hemp, after reading through the Agency’s memorandum multiple times, and assuming their interpretations are in fact true, then the entire lineup of Cosequin and many of Naturvet products need to be removed from Idaho shelves. These popular and well -established brands also become “illegal’ after November.
These companies, and many more use ingredients like Glucosamine and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) that both fall under the same classification as hemp because they are not recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as legal feed ingredients.
From the Agency’s memorandum: Hemp or hemp-derived products, including CBD, are not recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as legal feed ingredients. Similarly, Idaho law does not recognize hemp as a feed or remedy ingredient.
It does not make much sense trying to make sense of the Agency’s memorandum. Simply put, Hemp is legal. There is no good reason that Hemp Well products, or other NASC member company products would be held to higher standards than similar pet supplements in the marketplace.
The Agency does serve a purpose, and there does still exist inferior, wrongly labeled (adulterated) products that make improper claims for sale on many shelves. Regulators may justifiably target these products. Hemp Well and our peers stand behind the quality and lawfulness of our products, even in Idaho.
Some retailers will pull hemp products before November 1, 2022. Many will stand behind quality, properly-labelled, NASC approved, dosage form, hemp supplements for pets.
It will be up to retailers to decide what is best for their store, for their customers and for the safety and well-being of their pets.
Article review
How this Hemp Well article is reviewed.
Author bio: Hemp Well’s editorial team writes pet wellness articles using Hemp Well product knowledge, label directions, customer questions, and responsible hemp education.
Reviewer bio: Reviewed for product accuracy, claim discipline, label consistency, and Hemp Well quality standards.
Veterinary note: This article is educational and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your veterinarian. Veterinary credentials are listed only when a specific veterinary reviewer is named.
Editorial policy, veterinary note & source citations
Editorial policy: Hemp Well content is written to help pet parents understand pet hemp products, serving-size considerations, product formats, quality standards, and safer shopping decisions. We avoid disease-treatment claims and update articles when product labels, regulations, or available guidance changes.
Veterinary note: Hemp Well educational content is not veterinary medical advice. If your pet has a medical condition, takes medication, is pregnant, intended for breeding, or symptoms worsen, consult your veterinarian before starting or continuing any supplement.
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