Use of CBD oil as a supplement for dogs has seen a notable rise in popularity. CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants that does not produce psychoactive effects. Proponents claim CBD offers a variety of health benefits for dogs, including reducing anxiety, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Federal Legality
At the federal level, CBD derived from industrial hemp is legal, while CBD derived from marijuana is still considered a controlled substance. The 2018 Farm Bill removed industrial hemp and its derivatives like CBD from the list of controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. However, the FDA still prohibits CBD companies from making health claims about their products. CBD products cannot claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. The FDA is still in the process of creating official regulations for CBD products. For now, federal law permits the sale of CBD products derived from industrial hemp.
State laws
While CBD from hemp is federally legal, laws regulating CBD vary widely at the state level. Some states permit all CBD products, while others have more restrictions. For example, states like California, Colorado, and Oregon allow recreational and medical marijuana and CBD derived from either hemp or marijuana. Meanwhile, states like Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota have stricter laws prohibiting all forms of CBD. Other states permit CBD derived from industrial hemp but not CBD from marijuana.
Check your individual state’s laws to determine the legality of CBD products where you live. The best practice is to source CBD products made from hemp to comply with federal laws. To add another layer of complexity, regulations for veterinarians prescribing CBD also differ between states. In some states, vets are expressly prohibited from discussing or recommending cannabis products like CBD. Even in states where CBD is legal, vets could potentially face disciplinary action or loss of their license for bringing up CBD.
Sourcing CBD safely
When sourcing best cbd oil for dogs, it’s essential to find high-quality, reliable products made from hemp. Avoid purchasing CBD at smoke shops, gas stations, or other poorly regulated retail locations. Instead, look for CBD derived from hemp grown in regulated farms in the United States. Reputable CBD companies should make third-party lab test results easily accessible on their website. Lab tests confirm the CBD potency and check for contaminants like heavy metals, molds, and pesticides. Only purchase CBD products with 0.3% or less THC to comply with federal laws.
Reading online reviews for different CBD brands also help assess quality and company reputation. Additionally, consult with a holistic vet if possible for product recommendations. While vets cannot legally prescribe CBD, they point dog owners toward trustworthy brands. While CBD shows promise in relieving certain health conditions in dogs, more research is still needed on proper dosing, effectiveness, and long-term use. Responsible CBD use means starting with very low doses and monitoring any changes in your dog. If you decide to give CBD to your dog, use extreme care and consult a vet if you have any concerns.
