In 2018, Congress utilized the Farm Bill to remove hemp from the controlled substances list. As a result, there was rapid growth in the hemp industry. It did not take long for the growth to spark a corresponding market in the pet industry. Many pet stores have begun carrying a plethora of CBD products. However, this poses the question: “How is CBD utilized in the pet industry?”
CBD (cannabidiol) is an oil that is derived from the hemp plant. It is one of the hundreds of components of marijuana, but it does not cause a high by itself.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has stated that “veterinarians who administer, dispense, prescribe, or recommend “hemp” or other cannabis-derived products that are not approved for use in animals or approved for animals or people in accord with Federal Drug Administration (FDA) extra label drug use regulations, face increased potential legal risk if there is an adverse event”. Therefore, the industry is small, considering the harsh regulations. However, under Nevada Revised Statue 638.135, a Veterinarian can administer CBD products to pets.
A study done by Cornell found that CBD helped with pain management in dogs. The study found that more than 80% of the dogs with osteoarthritis experienced a decrease in pain. Furthermore, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is sponsoring a study through Colorado State University, regarding the use of CBD as an addition to epilepsy control in dogs. As of now, their research has found that CBD used in combination with traditional seizure medications can result in successful approaches. Additionally, more and more veterinarians have begun utilizing products containing CBD to reduce pain, anxiety and gastrointestinal issues.
Considering the hundreds of products which are available on the market, it can be hard to decipherer which is best for your animal. In most cases, it is best to consult a veterinarian, to ensure that your animal is receiving a product personalized to them. Further, it is important to note that the majority of the products are not approved or regulated by the FDA.
The lack of research and regulation can make it impossible to know the set safe dosages for animals of all different sizes. Hence, it is important to be educated on the utilization of cannabis in the veterinary world. Overall, the evidence found suggests that CBD is able to help some conditions. CBD has begun its journey in braving the world of health, but with all new remedy’s, there are expected to be some wrong moves. CBD is not a miracle, but it could be the assistance your pet needs.
Sources:
https://cvm.msu.edu/news/perspectives-magazine/perspectives-fall-2019/canines-and-cannabis-is-cbd-safe-for-your-pet
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy
https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/are-cbd-and-hemp-safe-pets#:~:text=More%20and%20more%20veterinarians%20are,seizures%20in%20dogs%20and%20cats.&text=From%20hemp%2Dbased%20oils%20to,products%20are%20becoming%20increasingly%20popular.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/pets/blog/cbd-products-pets-what-you-should-know
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/abcs-cannabidiol-cbd-hemp
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/CBD-oil-for-dogs
