California’s Department of Cannabis Control is developing new regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of cannabis and hemp-based products for pets. These proposed rules are intended to protect animals from potentially harmful ingredients in pet consumables and topical applications.
Currently, only hemp-based products that contain less than 0.3% THC can be legally sold for pet consumption. Pet owners often seek these products, commonly marketed as CBD (cannabidiol), to help manage issues like anxiety and joint pain in their pets. The market for hemp-based pet products has grown into a multimillion-dollar industry nationwide.
Under the upcoming regulations, the Department of Cannabis Control will implement strict guidelines for the manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and testing of pet products. Nicole Elliott, the department’s director, stated, “We are setting the stage for high-quality products that pet owners can trust.”
The proposed rules would allow the sale of both consumable products and topical applications for pets, with a strict limit of one milligram of THC per package. The Department emphasizes that current scientific understanding does not support the safety of high-THC products for animals. The one milligram limit aims to minimize the risk of adverse effects, including toxicosis and death from unsafe THC levels.
Pet owners and the public can participate in the rule-making process by providing feedback on the proposed regulations. Comments can be submitted to the Department of Cannabis Control until June 23, via mail or email. The department has scheduled a virtual public hearing for June 24 at 10 a.m., where individuals can express their views on the proposed rules. Participants can find the link to join on the department’s website before the hearing begins.
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