Hemp Seed Safety: What You Need to Know
Hey there, fellow cannabis enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a hot topic that’s been buzzing around the cannabis community – “Hemp Seed Safety.” If you’re a pet owner, horse lover, or llama enthusiast, this one’s for you. We’ll break down the recent veto of bills in New York that would have allowed hemp seeds in animal feed and explore the safety concerns surrounding this intriguing idea.
The Veto Heard ‘Round New York
So, what’s the buzz about? Picture this: your four-legged friends munching on hemp-infused treats. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, the governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, doesn’t think so. She recently vetoed two bills that aimed to introduce hemp seeds into the diets of pets, horses, and even those adorable llamas and alpacas. Her reasoning? She’s calling for more information on the safety of such a move.
Why the veto, Governor? While we all love the idea of our furry pals benefiting from the goodness of hemp, Governor Hochul points out that the FDA hasn’t given the green light for adding hemp seed to animal feed. In her veto message, she emphasized the need for “more information” before making such a significant change. So, what’s the plan?
The Department of Agriculture and Markets in New York will team up with Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to dig into the potential impacts of using hemp seed or hemp seed products in animal feed. They’re aiming to get this study wrapped up pronto to provide the industry with the knowledge it needs.
Breaking Down the Details
The bills that got the veto stamp specified that the hemp seeds in question would include seed hulls and seed meal. Proponents argued that these cannabis products could be a nutritious boost, packed with protein and fiber. Similar measures have already been enacted in states like Montana and Pennsylvania, and the National Hemp Association is firmly on board.
But why is this such a big deal, you ask?
- Protecting the hemp industry in New York could mean more production and research into the countless uses of this remarkable plant.
- It could even pave the way for small, New York-based animal food processors to carve out their niche before hemp seeds become a national sensation.
- And there’s a financial angle too – increased sales of New York hemp seed products and commercial feed could boost tax revenue for the state.
But here’s the kicker: these bills wouldn’t have extended hemp seed authorization to other commercial livestock. There are probably some regulatory hoops to jump through when it comes to adding items to the feed of animals that end up on our dinner plates. But here’s an interesting tidbit: recent USDA findings suggest that cows fed hempseed cake have incredibly low concentrations of THC and CBD in their bodies, making meat products from hemp-fed cattle safe for human consumption.
What About Other Animals?
And it’s not just cows benefiting from hemp. A federally funded study from last year discovered that feeding hemp to cows reduces their stress levels. Researchers have also explored how CBD can help reduce stress and pain in horses. It’s all quite fascinating!
The FDA’s Concerns
While we’re all for giving our pets and livestock the best, the FDA has sent warning letters to businesses selling CBD products for animals, highlighting the “lack of data on what levels of potential residues are safe for a person consuming the foods that come from CBD-treated animals.” Safety first, right?
What’s Happening in New York?
Switching gears a bit, let’s talk about what’s cooking in New York’s cannabis scene. There’s a lot happening, my friends. The state is simultaneously working on implementing adult-use marijuana legalization and expanding its existing medical cannabis program. Licensing applications are wide open for both markets, and the cannabis community is buzzing with excitement.
The Adult-Use Cannabis Rollout
Much of the spotlight in New York has been on the rollout of adult-use cannabis legalization. Recent settlement agreements and court decisions have paved the way for more recreational shops to open up. But, as with any budding industry, there have been some hiccups, including the proliferation of illicit cannabis operators across the state. Governor Hochul has promised to ramp up enforcement to tackle this issue.
The New York Senate Cannabis Subcommittee has been hard at work, hearing from witnesses and discussing potential legislative solutions to the challenges faced in implementing cannabis legalization. It’s all part of the ongoing effort to create a thriving, regulated cannabis market.
Support for Cannabis Businesses
Governor Hochul has also been supporting the cannabis industry in various ways. She recently signed legislation aimed at making it easier for financial institutions to work with state-licensed cannabis clients. Additionally, a separate bill provides tax relief to New York City marijuana businesses, helping them navigate the complex world of federal tax deductions.
Direct-to-Consumer Sales
New York regulators have launched the Cannabis Growers Showcase (CGS) program, allowing licensed growers and processors to sell directly to consumers. It’s an exciting development that speeds up access to legal marijuana and supports local businesses.
Support for Cannabis Farmers
Speaking of local businesses, 66 state lawmakers have urged Governor Hochul to sign a bill that would allow licensed marijuana producers to sell their products to tribal retailers. This move would offer a lifeline to cannabis farmers who have surplus products but no way to sell them.
Debunking Myths
In the midst of all these developments, New York regulators are also tackling the “false” narrative that cannabis is commonly contaminated with fentanyl. They’ve put out a factsheet acknowledging that while fentanyl has been found in drugs like MDMA and heroin, claims about marijuana laced with the potent opioid remain unsubstantiated.
Revised Guidance
The state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) has also updated its guidance on THC testing for individuals in treatment for substance use disorder. They now recommend marijuana screening only if the patient has specifically identified reducing or quitting cannabis as part of their treatment goals.
Shop Smart, Shop Legal
And here’s a fun one – on Black Friday last month, regulators encouraged people to support small businesses by shopping for cannabis at licensed retailers. It’s a win-win situation, right?
In conclusion, the world of cannabis is constantly evolving, from the safety of hemp seeds in animal feed to the exciting developments in New York’s cannabis landscape. We’ll keep an eye on it all and bring you the latest updates. Thanks for joining us on this journey through the world of cannabis news!
*Special thanks to Kyle Jaeger for his original reporting on this topic.*
