Idaho was the very last state to enact a state law recognizing Hemp. The US Farm Bill forced every state to enact a hemp law or adopt the US governments rules by 2023. Most of the 50 states opted for the Feds playbook. Idaho opted to write their own law regulating hemp production, testing, sales and other rules.

Recently, Idaho regulators stated that products intended for animals (and pets) with hemp are not allowed.

Effective November 1, 2022, Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture will be inspecting for hemp and hemp-derived animal feeds and remedies. These products are not legal in Idaho, and if found on or after November 1, 2022, will be subject to a stop sale and further action from the department.

https://agri.idaho.gov/

The National Animal Supplement Council and other industry stakeholders have communicated with regulators to express concerns for pet safety. By denying access to tested and legal products like Hemp Well — animal safety and wellbeing would be harmed. Idaho banned them anyways.

Hemp Well is advising our customers to remove Hemp Well and other similar products from store shelves. Even our non CBD products until the smoke clears.

Why would Idaho do this? Do they hate animals? Why would Idaho be so hostile towards hemp?

It might not be so sinister or conspiratorial as some may think. But it definitely stinks for our pets. The US Government’s hemp plan, that mosts states adopted, less Idaho, overlooks Delta 8 THC. While levels of Delta 9 THC are capped, ensuring you and your pet would not get stoned, Delta 8 THC was overlooked.

Delta 8 THC can be as intoxicating as marijuana. Gas stations, tobacco shops and other independent retailers have exploited this loophole. Many states are now trying to figure out how they can restrict Delta 8 sales. Idaho got ahead of this loophole by enacting their own rules and on November 1 they will be removing it all. Pet health may just be a casualty of this war against unscrupulous hemp retailers and manufacturers.

While this article only serves as conjecture, picture a brighter future for Idaho pets after the new year, and after Idaho regulators mount up and take down all the Delta 8 THC sellers. By sending a scary message now, hopefully our pets will once again have safe access. After all, nobody wants to get their pets high.

Are hempseed products legal?

Different memos from Idaho hemp regulators send contradictory messages. For example, are CBD products outlawed for pets while hempseed only products for pets are okay? Is it all not permitted? Idaho’s memos, FAQ’s and code definitions appear to be intentionally misconstrued and based on varying opinions.

Animal remedies are products intended to support animal health, structure or function and are often mixed into animal feeds or administered as dosage-type supplements. Animal remedies in Idaho are exempted from feed requirements except when these products are misbranded with nutritive claims or are considered adulterated. Animal remedies containing hemp are adulterated and are being unlawfully marketed and distributed in Idaho.

IDAHO AG DEPT MEMO: Hemp Products in Animal Feed & Remedies

Can I sell manufactured hemp food products in Idaho?

The only products allowable for food manufacturing are hulled hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder and hemp seed oil. Other than these three hemp seed ingredients, no other cannabis or cannabis-derived ingredients are allowable for use in food for humans.

FAQ Section Idaho Dept of agriculture

Idaho’s opinion regarding the legality of hemp products for pets and the authority that they cite fails to consider the 1000’s of Idaho pets that currently benefit from products like Hemp Well. Furthermore, their memo fails to cite a law enacted in 1883 and still very much enforced today.

25-3518.  BEATING AND HARASSING ANIMALS. Every person who cruelly whips, beats or otherwise maliciously treats any animal, or maliciously harasses with a dog any cattle, horses, sheep, hogs or other livestock shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished in accordance with section 25-3520A, Idaho Code.

“Cruel” or “cruelty” shall mean any or all of the following:
(a) The intentional and malicious infliction of pain, physical suffering, injury or death upon an animal;

(c) To subject an animal to needless suffering or inflict unnecessary cruelty;