Regulation of veterinary chemical products containing cannabis
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is the independent statutory authority responsible for assessing and registering agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals proposed for supply in Australia.
The APVMA regulates all veterinary products that meet the definition of a veterinary chemical product under section 5 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code (Agvet Code) scheduled to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994.
However, certain veterinary products are declared not to be veterinary chemical products for the purposes of this definition as listed in the table in Part 3 of Schedule 3AA to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995 (Agvet Code Regulations). This list includes Excluded Nutritional or Digestive (END) products and animal feed products that incorporate END products.
Any animal or pet food product containing cannabis (including hemp, hemp oil or hemp seed oil) or cannabinoids must be registered if it meets the definition of veterinary chemical product. It is the responsibility of the person supplying a veterinary product to determine whether the product is a veterinary chemical product based on the attributes, properties and claims of the specific product.
The Agvet Code imposes civil and criminal penalties for possessing, advertising and supplying unregistered veterinary chemical products.
FAQs
What is the process for registration of a veterinary chemical product containing cannabis (including hemp)?
In order for the APVMA to register or otherwise authorise the use of a veterinary chemical product containing cannabis, we must first receive an application for registration or approval of use under permit. We will then assess the application against the statutory criteria – including safety, efficacy and trade – to ensure the proposed use of the product will be safe and effective. We must also approve a label, which includes the instructions for safe and effective use.
Are cannabis products safe to use for animals?
If a product has not been registered by the APVMA, or approved for use under permit, it may not be safe to use in animals.
Does the APVMA need to approve the use of cannabis in pet food?
Any animal or pet food product containing cannabis must be registered if it meets the definition of veterinary chemical product as set out in Section 5 of the Agvet Code.
It is the responsibility of the person supplying the pet food containing cannabis to determine whether the product is a veterinary chemical product based on the attributes, properties and claims of the specific product.
What are the penalties for possessing, advertising or supplying an unregistered veterinary chemical product?
The Agvet Code imposes civil and criminal penalties for possessing, advertising and supplying unregistered veterinary chemical products. Further state and territory regulations surrounding the control of use must be adhered to. Failure to do so may also involve penalties associated with the relevant legislation. Please refer to the relevant state and territory authorities for these legislative requirements.
How do I report the possession, advertising or supply of unregistered veterinary chemical products?
You can report the possession, advertising and supply of unregistered veterinary chemical products to the APVMA by visiting our website and completing a non-compliance reporting form.
If you have a question about veterinary chemical products containing cannabis that is not addressed on this page, please contact our Enquiries Team.