California Department of Cannabis Control Proposes THC Limits, Regulations for Cannabis Products Intended for Animals

The proposed rules, announced May 9, would clarify that animal cannabis products are subject to the same core requirements as adult-use cannabis products, but with added restrictions specific to animals. Under the draft regulations, allowed products would be limited to edibles, orally consumed concentrates, and topicals. The rules would prohibit any product type that is inhaled or contains high levels of THC.

Each package of an animal cannabis product would be restricted to no more than 1 milligram of total THC, far below the 100-milligram limit currently allowed in products for adult human use. The department said the goal is to create clear guidelines for products that are increasingly marketed toward pet owners, while prioritizing safety and consistency.

The public can submit comments on the proposed regulations through Monday, June 23. Comments can be submitted by email to publiccomment@cannabis.ca.gov or by mail to:

Department of Cannabis Control Legal Affairs Division 2920 Kilgore Road Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

The department will also host a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, during which verbal comments may be submitted. All feedback should reference rulemaking topic “DCC-2025-02-R: Animal Cannabis Product Standards.”

If adopted, the regulations would represent one of the most specific efforts in the U.S. to regulate cannabis products for pets and other animals, an area that has largely remained in legal and scientific limbo.