Cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly discussed in veterinary medicine for its potential to manage various diseases in both humans and animals. Researchers emphasize the importance of consulting a veterinarian about cannabis products before use. A survey published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that nearly 50 percent of veterinarians felt uncomfortable discussing cannabinoid usage with clients, though this is gradually changing. Last year, three review articles were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, addressing product quality, possible applications in dogs, and the pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids in canines.
Read More
Quality control in the hemp industry is crucial for ensuring the safety of pet products. It is recommended that products be sourced from certified hemp crops, which must have less than 0.3 percent THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis). Crops exceeding this threshold are categorized as marijuana and are subject to destruction in certain states. While all cannabinoids in hemp are non-psychoactive at standard levels, it is important to consider contamination issues, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogenic bacteria. Researchers found that commercial products met federal guidelines, containing less than 0.3 percent THC and varying concentrations of CBD or CBDA between 0-70 mg/mL, with most around 20-25 mg/mL. Companies providing third-party analyses demonstrate a commitment to product safety.
Research on the safety of CBD-rich hemp for dogs spans numerous studies, evaluating both short- and long-term usage. Some products offer not only CBD but also a spectrum of other cannabinoids, such as CBDA and CBG, with minimized THC content. Studies suggest that utilizing these compounds at a dose of up to 10 mg/kg over long durations is generally safe. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) recommends specific dosing protocols, having determined that less than two reports of adverse events occurred per million products sold over the last decade, with adverse effects typically being mild, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Regulatory guidelines developed by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards encourage veterinarians to select products with verified efficacy based on ethical data collection. Resources are available for both veterinarians and pet owners to navigate the legal frameworks surrounding CBD use in veterinary medicine.
Recent U.S. studies demonstrate promising efficacy regarding CBD’s role in alleviating arthritis-related mobility issues in dogs, noting significant improvements when administered at specified dosages. Additional studies indicate that CBD can help reduce seizure frequency in dogs suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy. An effective reduction in itching among dogs with atopic dermatitis was also noted in one study. However, while there is anecdotal support for CBD's benefits in anxiety management, research is minimal, and existing studies show only mild effects.