*** IMPORTANT & URGENT—PLEASE TAKE ACTION! ***

Dear NASC Members, Retailers, Veterinarians and Pet Owners:

This is an important message with updates and action items regarding the Idaho State Department of Agriculture's (ISDA) announcement that they intend to begin removing all  products for animals containing hemp (cannabis and derivatives, including CBD) from being sold in their state. 

On August 12 and August 22, NASC members were updated as to the problem and the actions we have taken, including a summary of our cordial conversation with ISDA personnel. Last week we sent two follow-up messages to ISDA Section Manager Andrea Thompson, ISDA Administrator Lloyd Knight and ISDA Deputy Director Chanel Tewalt in hopes that we could reach a reasonable solution to this issue for dosage form animal health products (animal remedies – not intended for nutritional benefits). Both messages were sent with high importance and unfortunately we did not receive replies to either message. 

This is a critical issue as described in our earlier updates and the action will very likely result in harm to companion animals as pet owners seek alternatives that may come from irresponsible companies.

Actions we are taking, and actions you should take:

• We have issued a press release detailing a rally that will be held Saturday, September 24 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at Bark n' Purr Boise, 1036 S. Vista Ave, Boise, ID 83705.
  – Please share our press release and rally flyer with anyone you know that will be impacted by this action from ISDA.
  – If you are located in Idaho or sell in Idaho, please plan to attend the rally and make your voice heard!
  
• We have also started an online petition for anyone who supports our efforts. If you live in Idaho it is critically important that you sign and share on social media. If you are outside Idaho but are in any way impacted by this decision, please sign, share and pass along.
  
• We have requested a face-to-face meeting with Idaho Governor Brad Little on Friday, September 23 to discuss a reasonable, responsible go-forward plan. We are not asking to be unregulated; we are asking that this issue be fairly and reasonably considered by the Idaho state legislature in the 2023 legislative session.
  – If you live in Idaho and this is an issue you believe is important to address and it would influence your vote, please let that be known by emailing Governor Little.  

Each of the newsletters we have sent on this topic, along with attachments, links, etc. are posted on the NASC website.

Please do not be complacent; take action today to help us solve this problem.

Sincerely, 

—Bill Bookout, NASC President