CBD for Pets: Navigating Quality Assurance, Safety Standards, and Marketing Strategies

As the human cannabinoid (CBD) market grows, the same or similar products are inevitably transferred into the veterinary sector. Advances in veterinary medicine and caring for companion animals have led to extended life expectancy. Consequently, there is an increased incidence of age-related chronic conditions that compromise quality of life. CBD products may alleviate these conditions. Research into CBD for companion animal species is on the rise; however, we found that no licensed veterinary CBD products are available on the market due to a lack of appropriate testing and/or data. Here, we outline the available data and show that the regulatory and safety considerations around these products need further consideration, encompassing many products currently available on the market. Regulation changes and additional research for quality assurance are paramount to distributing safe and applicable products for companion animals.