cbd and pets in 2020

Welcome back to the Revival blog for 2020, we are happy to continue our reportings of current research and news going into the New Year. Today, we give an update on the most recent CBD news involving pets. 

Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating molecule found in hemp and marijuana. 

Both are cannabis plants, but only marijuana has enough of the compound tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, to achieve the euphoric "high" feeling, so synonymous with the public impression. The vast majority of CBD products come from hemp, which has less than 0.3% THC.

CBD has garnered a devoted following for human consumption, though the FDA is still out on whether or not it should be used. However, actionable items, like the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which eased federal legal restrictions on hemp cultivation and transport, allowed U.S. based companies access to the market.  

One significant vertical still exists, though: the absence of regulations ensuring safety, quality, and effectiveness.

With all the craze happening for humans, it was soon followed by CBD chews, oils, and sprays for pets. And a lot has changed since 

"The growth is more rapid than I've seen for any product in 20 years in this business," said Bill Bookout, president of the National Animal Supplement Council.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is developing regulations for marketing CBD products for pets or people. Last year, they sent warning letters to 22 companies citing violations such as making claims about therapeutic uses and treatment of disease in humans or animals or marketing CBD as a dietary supplement or a food ingredient.

Consumers are advised to look for a certificate of analysis from a third-party testing laboratory to ensure they're getting what they pay for.

Here's what to look for when buying CBD for yourself or your pet:

•  CBD levels
• Free of toxic contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides 
• THC content

There are no reported deaths yet resulting from CBD use, but some health incidents have occurred. However, CBD's safety and efficacy are nearly nonexistent.

Recently though, a small clinical trial at Colorado State University published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in June found that CBD oil reduced seizure frequency in 89% of the epileptic dogs.

A clinical study led by Wakshlag at Cornell, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science in July 2018, found that CBD oil helped increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Seizures are a natural focus for research on veterinary CBD products, since Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved drug containing cannabidiol, was approved last year for the treatment of two severe forms of epilepsy in children.

The federal government has yet to establish standards for CBD that would help people know whether it works for their pets and how much to give them. This means that there is no way to know what amount should be administered and what is safe. 

Still, many users are reporting varied results on use with their pets and CBD. This is likely due to the kinds of CBD being used, and the many different variables of dose, weight, and characteristics among species. 

We are hoping 202 brings about more regulations and research regarding the use of CBD with pets. Until then, it is advised that you speak with your veterinarian before starting any treatment plan. 

Thanks for reading and joining us for 2020.