On December 12, 2018, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the Farm Bill) passed the Senate and became law once signed by the President. This legislation covers policy and funding for the United States Department of Agriculture (for example, farm subsidies) as well as other programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The Farm Bill is legislation that gets reviewed, amended, and approved by Congress every 5 years. This year, though, the Farm Bill has important implications for dog owners.
This article explores how this legislation made it easier for manufacturers of CBD oil made from hemp to get their product to consumers, what this means for dog owners, and how this is likely to affect veterinary research into CBD for dogs, cats, and other domesticated pets.
Related product
The 2018 Farm Bill Makes It Legal to Grow, Sell, and Buy CBD
The 2018 Farm Bill explicitly makes it legal to cultivate, sell, and refine hemp. It is still necessary to be licensed by a state or federal agency to grow this crop.
It is now legal in every U.S. state to possess CBD oil made from hemp and to carry it across state lines. For example, Alabama, which previously had one of the most restrictive CBD policies, now states the product is legal as long as it comes from legally grown hemp.
Hemp Prohibition History
Although hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant, there are important differences. Hemp contains less than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that causes a “high.” Hemp does not cause a high.
Despite this, hemp faced restrictive legislation for decades due to its association with other forms of cannabis. This limited its agricultural use, research potential, and commercial development.
Hemp was widely grown in the U.S. for textiles until the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act imposed heavy taxes and severe restrictions.
Industry leaders in timber and plastics industries opposed hemp production, contributing to its prohibition. Additional laws, including the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, further complicated hemp’s legal status, making CBD a legal grey area.
Progress began with the 2014 Farm Bill, which allowed state pilot programs for hemp. Many CBD companies began during this period. However, legality still varied by state. The 2018 Farm Bill standardized hemp legality nationwide.
This Means Pet CBD Is Legal to Buy and Sell
Pet owners can now buy hemp-derived CBD products in any state without legal issues. Pet retailers also benefit from clearer regulations.
The new legal status of hemp also makes it easier to conduct veterinary research. CBD research in veterinary medicine has historically been slow due to legal barriers.
Veterinarians also benefit. Previously, many avoided discussing CBD due to legal concerns. In some states, such as California, new laws were required to protect veterinarians who discussed CBD with clients.
Pet CBD Regulation Is Lacking in Some Areas
While the 2018 Farm Bill is beneficial, there are concerns about product quality. Some human CBD products have been found to contain inaccurate labels or no CBD at all. The FDA has issued warnings about mislabeled CBD products.
The same concerns may apply to pet CBD products. Consumers must choose reputable manufacturers. Lolahemp provides independent lab testing for every batch of pet CBD oil.
Conclusion
While CBD is not fully legal at every state level, it has been removed from the federal controlled substances list. In most of the U.S., CBD is legal to buy and use for yourself or your pet.
If you're curious about the legality of CBD in your state, explore this guide that lists the states where it's legal and where it's conditionally legal.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2018 Dog CBD Farm Bill
Is Pet CBD Legal Under The 2018 Farm Bill?
Yes. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived CBD at the federal level as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.
Does The 2018 Farm Bill Allow CBD To Be Carried Across State Lines?
Yes. Hemp-derived CBD can legally be transported across state lines under federal law.
Did The 2018 Farm Bill Change Veterinary CBD Regulations?
Indirectly. While it legalized hemp, some states still have their own rules for veterinarians discussing CBD with clients.
Does The 2018 Farm Bill Regulate The Quality Of Pet CBD?
No. CBD quality control varies by manufacturer, and products are not FDA-approved.
Does The Farm Bill Legalize CBD With More Than 0.3% THC?
No. Only hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is federally legal.
