CBD has overwhelimingly entered our life over the last few years. Unlike THC, it has non-intoxicating effects on us but also because several studies have demonstrated its benefits in multiple treatments, including reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

Unsurprisingly, the CBD market has expanded recently, offering a wide array of products destined for human consumers and pets.Many pet owners have reported positive results after giving their animals CBD, including improved mood, increased appetite, and reduced pain and inflammation.However, scientific research on CBD is relatively recent. Therefore, there is no scientific agreement on whether this cannabis compound can be administered to humans and pets without experiencing adverse effects.

CBD is believed to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), crucial in regulating various physiological processes, such as pain perception, immune function, and mood.The ECS is a complex network of receptors and chemicals in humans and animals.

It comprises two primary receptors, CB1 and CB2, found in various tissues throughout the body. These receptors are activated by chemicals called endocannabinoids, which are produced naturally by the body.CBD has been shown to have many potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, some studies have shown it can be potentially used to treat different medical conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. There has not been much scientific research that could claim that CBD is unsafe for pets.

However, more research is needed to assert its safety officially.In 2018, one study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science1 aimed to evaluate CBD oil's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). The study concluded that giving 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with OA.Another study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association2 in 2019 found that dogs with epilepsy who were given CBD in addition to their regular seizure medication had significantly fewer seizures than those who received only the seizure medication and a placebo. However, the law is not clear about the legality of administering CBD products to pets.In the United Kingdom, the UK's Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) states3 that "products containing Cannabidiol (CBD) are veterinary medicines and should be regulated as such."The VMD believes that CBD products for pets should be regulated like other animal medicines to ensure their safety.

This will limit the availability of CBD for pets, but it will also protect their health. Regular CBD users in the UK may be familiar with the current regulations for CBD products for human consumption, which are undergoing improvements to ensure their safety and legitimacy.In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) places CBD products and other hemp-derived products in a grey area as it has not approved them for use in humans and animals as drugs or food/feed supplements4.In Europe, the status of CBD for pets is even more fragmented as each country regulates CBD for humans and animals without adhering to a common legal framework. However, European court cases have claimed that selling CBD products is lawful.However, the uncertainty of the science regarding the administration of CBD on pets and the unclear legal framework hasn't stopped pet owners from trying CBD on their animals.

Interest has been highlighted in a survey conducted by the Veterinary Information Network, an online community for the profession, in 20185.About 36,000 members were invited by email to complete the survey. Of 2,131 respondents, 63% said clients had asked about using cannabis products for their pets. Interestingly, most veterinarians answering the survey said they have never been the ones to initiate the discussion.The survey reported that 56% of the respondents have clinical experience with cannabis products.Of those with experience, 79% indicated that the products were somewhat or beneficial as analgesics for chronic pain, 62% found cannabis products helpful for managing chronic pain and anxiety in pets, and the majority of respondents had not observed any adverse effects from using these products, except for sedation.

CBD for pets is available in many forms, including treats, oils, and creams, but there is limited research on the effectiveness of each method.If you consider giving your pet CBD products, you must consult a veterinarian to learn more about how CBD can treat your pet's conditions and potential adverse effects.