Several reports have highlighted discrepancies in pet CBD supplements found in the market. These inconsistencies include misleading or unverified claims, violations of good manufacturing practices, lower CBD content than indicated on the label, and/or THC levels exceeding the permitted limit of 0.3% (9, 10). Unfortunately, numerous cannabis products in the United States are being marketed without substantiated claims of effectiveness.
In order to legally sell CBD products, the FDA must first approve their safety for the intended species and verify the efficacy of therapeutic claims. While certain CBD or cannabis-derived products, like the purified form known as Epidiolex®, have been approved for human use, their usage in pets requires further evaluation.
In spite of the FDA’s directive against using CBD in supplements or incorporating it into human or animal food that is distributed across state borders, there are veterinary products containing cannabis with THC levels below 0.3% that are being sold as supplements. These products can be purchased online or at retail stores.
But wait, let’s look at the initial findings. Back in 2019 the FDA declared that CBD is not considered a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance. Obviously this changed, but additionally, a separate study discovered that out of 29 CBD pet products tested, 4 were contaminated with heavy metals, although all had THC levels below 0.3%.
Bonn-Miller examined 84 CBD products from 31 countries that were not approved by the FDA and found that CBD oil supplements exhibited the greatest variability in human products, with significant inconsistencies between batches. Currently, the FDA lacks clear regulatory guidance due to the necessity for further studies on the safety of CBD. Since hemp and its derivatives do not have clear definitions as food additives according to AAFCO, and CBD is not considered GRAS by the FDA, it can currently be sold as a supplement in most states as long as it does not cross state lines and no claims of medical effectiveness are made.
Hemp-derived products cannot be included as ingredients in pet foods. Typically, hemp-derived CBD products are available for purchase online nationwide. However, these products do not adhere to the same standards for quality and safety as recreational and medical cannabis produced within state-regulated markets. Consequently, consumers lack a convenient method to verify the advertised CBD content and potential presence of undisclosed and harmful substances. A lot of trust needs to be established with brand awareness when buying these products, and many retailers choose to disclose lab test results as part of the label.