Over the past few years, pet products containing CBD have exploded in both prevalence and popularity. Pet owners have begun to use CBD to treat just about any and every ailment affecting their pets. But what’s the truth behind this supposedly magical substance? Is it really an amazing cure-all, or is it just too good to be true?
In this article, we’ll delve into all the latest information regarding CBD and our pets.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract of the cannabis plant.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is used for both recreational and medicinal purposes in people. Marijuana naturally contains two main substances— cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the component responsible for causing the classic “high” sensations. CBD, on the other hand, has no psychoactive properties and thus has no ability to get people or pets “high.”
What is CBD used for in people?
A significant amount of research has been published regarding the use of CBD in people.
CBD has shown to be helpful in treating numerous conditions such as anxiety, pain, insomnia, nausea, inflammation, and hypertension (high blood pressure) in people.
Can CBD be used in dogs and cats?
Multiple studies are currently underway to assess CBD’s potential benefits on our pets.
In 2018, researchers at Cornell University published data that showed CBD’s benefit in dogs with arthritis. Their findings showed that CBD reduced pain and increased activity in dogs suffering from this very common disease.
In addition, researchers at Colorado State University are conducting a study on the effects of CBD on dogs with epilepsy. If proven beneficial, the results of this study may drastically change the way dogs with seizures are treated.
Related article: Top 7 Signs That Your Pet Is Sick
So can I give CBD to my pet?
Although multiple studies are in the works, evidence on the benefits of CBD use in dogs and cats is still lacking.
Anecdotal reports of CBD’s apparent benefits seem to be plentiful, which is highly encouraging. However, scientific evidence is still needed to prove whether CBD is truly beneficial. In addition, we need to determine what conditions CBD is beneficial for and whether it holds any advantages over other medications. More research is also needed to determine how to appropriately “dose” CBD for each ailment that it is ultimately proven helpful for. Finally, studies are needed to show whether the use of CBD carries any significant risks or side effects for our pets.
As you can see, we still have much to learn about CBD and our pets.
If the research is still ongoing, then why are there so many CBD products on the market?
Since not enough is known, no rules have been put into place to regulate CBD products in North America. Unlike the majority of other drugs on the market, CBD products for pets do not need to undergo strict tests or regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is problematic because these tests are crucial in ensuring the quality and safety of each product that becomes available to the public.
Due to the lack of regulation, companies have begun to release CBD products onto the market at an unprecedented rate. In short, there are so many CBD products on the market these days because it has never been easier to get a CBD product onto the shelves than right now.
So are CBD products safe for my pets?
It’s hard to say.
Due to the lack of regulation, anyone in theory can release a CBD product onto the market. There are not even any rules as to what can and cannot be written on the product labels! CBD companies are not required to verify the contents of their products, the concentration of the drugs listed, or to prove any medical claims they make.
To date, there have been multiple reports of products not containing the correct amount of CBD indicated on their label. Some products contained more CBD, while others contained less. In addition, some products were found to contain THC and/or other impurities such as pesticides, which can be highly toxic to our pets.
Final take-away on CBD and our pets
Due to what we know about CBD and all that we don’t, our recommendation at this time with respect to CBD is to “use at your own risk.”
At this time, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)’s stance is simple— “Under current federal and state law, veterinarians may not administer, dispense, prescribe or recommend cannabis or its products for animals.”
Clearly, more scientific research is needed to better understand this unique class of medication. In addition, much more regulation is needed to ensure the safety and quality of the products available to pet owners and their pets.
Please note: This article will be updated accordingly as new research and information becomes available. Stay tuned!
