CBD: is its effectiveness on pets proven?

CBD e-liquid has been much written about of late. Its use is spreading and the virtues attributed to it are now said to extend to treating certain ailments in our pets.

No clinical study to back it up

Apart from Professor Mechoulam’s study of May 1988, no research confirms this. A few studies are nevertheless under way at Colorado State University. The endocannabinoid system of animals is broadly the same as that of humans, and the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors are said to act on the animal organism in the same way. A number of American vets, along with one French vet based in Saint-Nazaire, report having observed such effects in pets.

Giving cannabinoids to an animal requires a THC level of zero and an edible form, such as oils or capsules. Otherwise it could prove fatal. In other words, hemp remains the best option. Even so, no vet would be able to prescribe such a treatment, at least for the time being.

How is CBD said to treat animals?

CBD is described as having an influence on appetite, stress and anxiety, and a stressed or suffering animal is said to fare better with it. In dogs, cannabidiol is reported to act on memory, mobility and the perception of pain. Hemp is said to help against arthritis, cancer pain, epileptic seizures and various allergies or skin problems.

In cats, CBD is presented as being of interest for the various conditions that come with age, such as cardiovascular problems, arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. One word of caution, however: the dose has to be precise. For obvious reasons of weight, it cannot be the same as for a dog and must be adjusted accordingly.

Products already exist

Many CBD-based products are on the market, but most of them are intended for humans rather than animals. No treatment is currently dispensed for animals, even though companies such as Innovet, Therabis and Barkables offer such items. Depending on each country’s legislation and its stance on CBD, the market could nevertheless grow significantly before long.