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Bradley Lake said the cannabis industry, once hailed as the next billion-dollar industry, is shrinking as businesses are hamstrung by legislation.
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A cannabis company says it is dumping tonnes of byproduct that could be used as animal feed.
Christchurch-based The Brothers Green processes cannabis to produce oil, core and powder.
Once the meal is ground, approximately 40% is converted into protein powder, while the other 60% of the meal byproducts are thrown away.
General Manager Bradley Lake said they are dumping tons of nutrient-rich feed that he hopes will avoid landfill and be used as animal feed instead.
“We just wanted to at least have the opportunity to explore what options are available, and overseas it’s been used in the horse industry.
“The feed is very similar to other animal feeds fed in New Zealand so we want to do more testing to see how it works and if there are any benefits.”
Associate Minister (Animal Welfare) at the Department of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard said feeding animals cannabis or cannabis-derived substances requires approval under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act.
“So far, no company, including The Brothers Green, has applied to use hemp byproducts in animal feed.”
He said regulation was important because cannabis contained small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), both of which were controlled substances under New Zealand law.
“THC and CBD pose potential risks to food safety and suitability, as well as animal welfare, as the effects of exposure of food animals to these compounds have not been fully studied.
“THC and CBD also pose a risk to the trade in animal products in New Zealand. These compounds are absorbed by animals and may be present in their meat and milk.”
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Lake agreed that more research is needed, but noted that it could be used in companion animals or animals not intended for export.
“It’s high in protein, high in magnesium and zinc, and it’s processed for human consumption, and we feed it to cats, dogs and chickens.
“We are dependent on imported grains and palm kernels to feed our livestock when we could be using these.”
He said the marijuana industry, once hailed as the next billion-dollar industry, is small and shrinking because businesses are hamstrung by legislation.
Hoggard said there had been no changes to regulations on animal feed, but if there was compelling new evidence that changes should be made, he would consider it.
“I note that the Ministry of Regulation is currently conducting a regulatory review of the approval pathway for agricultural and horticultural products.
“The Department of Health is seeking comment to help assess whether the current approval pathway strikes the right balance between access to these products and managing the risks.”
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