Veterinary CBD

Veterinary CBD refers to cannabidiol products marketed for or used in animals, a category the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved for any purpose.

No cannabis-derived product has been approved for use in animals, and products sold for pets are not reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they reach the market. Under federal rules, CBD also cannot lawfully be added to animal food or marketed as an animal drug without approval. The veterinary evidence base is growing but small, concentrated in dogs, and mostly consists of pharmacokinetic and short-term tolerability studies with a few early clinical trials. Species differences are substantial, and cats in particular handle many compounds differently.

Veterinarians' ability to discuss or recommend cannabinoids varies by state, and the American Veterinary Medical Association encourages owners to raise the topic with their veterinarian rather than acting on marketing. Products should carry a certificate of analysis showing cannabinoid content and screening for THC, pesticides, and heavy metals, and should be kept out of an animal's reach. Any decision about cannabinoids and a specific animal belongs with a veterinarian who knows the animal's health and medications.