FAQ: What you need to know about hemp and dogs

Is hemp legal? What are the risks for dogs? What are the benefits for dogs?

Confused about hemp for dogs? You're not alone. The state of affairs around cannabis for companion animals might be summarized as, "If you're not confused, you're not asking enough questions."

One can purchase a variety of hemp-based products, from ingestible oils to hemp-sourced bedding, online and in stores.

Yet there is abundant uncertainty in the veterinary community about recommending these products for animals with medical problems – with good reason. Chiefly, we have very little research-based data to answer questions about basic issues, including safety and efficacy.

Adding to the uncertainty, laws about hemp and cannabis in general appear to be changing rapidly.

Even against this backdrop, veterinarians may provide inquiring clients with some basic facts. Below are several frequently asked questions (FAQs), along with answers that might be useful to clients.

Q. How does medicinal hemp differ from medical marijuana?

Both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant – Cannabis sativa. Cannabis is the only plant genus known to produce cannabinoids. Hemp and marijuana typically contain two major cannabinoids, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

The main difference lies in the ratio of THC to CBD that the plant contains.[i] By definition, industrial hemp contains high levels of CBD and less than 0.3 percent THC on a dry-matter basis. By comparison, tests of some modern strains of marijuana reveal levels of more than 20 percent THC and much lower levels of CBD.[ii]

Some writers differentiate THC as "psychoactive" and CBD as "non-psychoactive." CBD confers both psychotropic and neuroprotective effects, but without the typical "high" associated with THC.

Q. Is hemp legal?

One of the most confusing issues surrounding hemp concerns its legal status. Websites that market medicinal hemp products for use in companion animals may claim that hemp is legal across the United States.

A look at summaries of state statutes on the National Conference of State Legislatures' website suggests that laws regulating hemp differ among individual states. Eight states, including Colorado, have sponsored hemp resolutions and created laws "to promote the growth and marketing of industrial hemp."[iii]

Some state policies, but not all, have explicitly excluded industrial hemp from the definition of controlled substances under state law.

Even when such products are defined in these ways, the cannabis industry lacks sufficient regulatory oversight to ensure that products labeled as hemp contain low levels of THC.

So, even when questions of legality may be answered, questions remain about consistency and the safety of using hemp products for ailing companion animals.

Q. Is hemp legal for me to prescribe as a veterinarian?

Whether veterinarians can legally prescribe hemp for patients remains to be determined in many states, as the matter of prescribing cannabis has not typically been included in state practice acts.

Q. What are the potential benefits of hemp for dogs?

Results remain anecdotal and have not been validated through peer-reviewed research. This is the very science that the veterinary community needs in order to discern the potential risks and benefits of hemp for dogs.

Some pet owners have reported benefits of hemp for dogs and cats, including treatment of pain, arthritis, seizures, anxiety, inappetance, cognitive dysfunction and more.

Q. What are the potential risks?

As is the case with other botanical products, risks associated with hemp could include intrinsic toxic agents in the plant; species-specific adverse reactions; interactions with medications; mislabeling or plant misidentification; and toxicity from pesticides, contaminants and/or adulterants.

As stated above, there is currently little way to guarantee consistent and low levels of THC in hemp products meant for pets; this raises the possibility of unintended toxicosis.

Q. Have clinical studies been performed on veterinary patients?

Restrictions on cannabis research have, until recently, imposed strict and nearly insurmountable barriers on clinical investigations of the medical applications of hemp and medical marijuana.

Q. What would need to change at the federal level for studies to be conducted?

For hemp products, the Farm Bill of 2013, signed into law in 2014, makes allowances for academic research on industrial hemp, but it appears that states must also have statutes that allow research to occur.

Colorado is, for example, one state that has passed statutes allowing for hemp research under particular conditions and restrictions.

Q. How should a veterinarian approach this matter with clients who have questions?

The American Veterinary Medical Association does not yet have an official position on the issue of medical marijuana for pets. It has urged veterinarians to make treatment decisions using sound clinical judgment and current medical information, in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.[iv]

Meanwhile, a recent article in JAVMA News provides several accounts of animal caregivers finding significant benefits from administration of cannabis agents.

Likewise, outlets that sell hemp products designed for pets offer testimonials about perceived benefits.

However, little research-based information is available to provide analysis and guidance about the use of hemp for animals with medical concerns. Without species-specific research on hemp, evidence that supports claims of safety and effectiveness is extremely limited.

Consumers should employ caution with any cannabis product, should they decide to use it. Lacking sufficient regulatory control and evidence of purity, safety, and effectiveness, outcomes may be unpredictable.

References

[i] West DP. Hemp and marijuana: myths and realities. North American Industrial Hemp Council, Inc. Accessed at http://naihc.org/hemp_information/content/hemp.mj.html on 1-16-15.

[ii] High Times. The strongest strains on Earth: 2014. March 11, 2014. Accessed at http://www.hightimes.com/ss2013 on 01-16-15.

[iii] National Conference of State Legislatures. State industrial hemp statutes. September 15, 2014. Accessed at http://www.ncsl.org/research/agriculture-and-rural-development/state-industrial-hemp-statutes.aspx on 01-16-15.

[iv] AVMA website. A sign of the times: Medical marijuana use and veterinary medicine. July 15, 2013. Accessed at http://atwork.avma.org/2013/07/15/a-sign-of-the-times-medical-marijuana-use-and-veterinary-medicine on 01-20-15.

Originally published in the March 2015 issue of Veterinary Practice News. Not a subscriber? Subscribe here!

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28 thoughts on “FAQ: What you need to know about hemp and dogs

  1. Thanks for helping me learn more about hemp. You mentioned briefly that CBD has psychotropic and neuroprotective effects like THC, but doesn't have the "high" with it. Definitely interested to learn more about this cannabinoid and when it was discovered.

  2. I never believed on till i used it, cannabis oil they say but the wonders it does is really incredible even pet have to benefit what humans benefit, wow. It's a great joy to administer this medicine to my dog who was suffering from Carcinoma, I went back to the same vet who told me Lilla got only 2months to live on Friday to run some test on her, to be hold she told me Lilla got no Carcinoma again. cannabis oil is really a cure everyone should try and i bet you, you will smile at the end. Also thanks to fightyourcancerwithcannabisoil@yahoo.com for helping me out on the cannabis oil production. I believe now that cannabis cures pet's cancer and stable their health.

    I urge you now to find away to get this medication and treat your pet, there is no need for chemo is just a waste of time and waste of money. search for some delightful as cannabis oil and stay happy.

    1. Did you use vet meds in addition or were they prescribed to you. Currently using them for Brandi diagnosed with bone cancer and roughly four months, but considering the hemp oil vs. or in conjunction with vet meds. Any comments?

    2. hi BETTY,I WOULD LOVE TO GIVE IT TO ONE OF MY AUSSIES, BUT IM SO CONFUSED, NOT KNOWING WHAT KIND OF CBD OIL, THERE IS SO MANY, MAY I ASK WHAT KIND YOU GIVE TO YOUR FUR BABY? MY GIRL HAS ARTHRITIS, AND WAS OPERATED ON HER HINT LEG, I WOULD SO APPRECIATED, THANK YOU SO MUCH PIA.

      1. I've been giving my Lab mix Pet Releaf 1700 for several months. He was diagnosed 14 mos. ago with a sarcoma on his elbow. Today, the sarcoma has shrunk dramatically (although, we did get (3) Stereotactic Radiation treatments at PetCure Oncology-last October. He recently had his annual checkup at our own vet and the tumor was so small she could not measure it with the calipers. I do believe it works. We've also changed his diet to include Turmeric (1 tsp./day) and (Hemp seeds, Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds, 1 TBSP. each) He is 80 Pounds.

        1. Yes, I do give him turmeric also, but I only give it to him every other day, because, apparently from what I've read, you need to add black pepper to make the turmeric become 'activated'…and I am still not sure that black pepper is ok to give him.

    3. Your comment here is a year old. How is your dog? What product did you use? Breed of your dog? My vet and I have concluded my 10 year old golden had a brain tumor. (Cluster Seizures commenced last year. Bloodwork revealed no reason and epilepsy ruled out because starts earlier. I thought it crazy to pay 3k for brain scan when brain tumors are terminal. Phenobarbital has reduced seizures to singles, but there is a cycle of several each day for about 3 days. This past cycle took her over a week to return to her normal self. She has since then become more restless and whiney. I have been giving her Naturvet® Hemp Calming Moments. I am wondering if there is something better.
      . I wondered what you used.
      Thanks Susan

      1. We have recently discovered a brand new 100% HEMP oil 0.0% THC!!!
        This Amazing Product is coming out to the public on 3-4-19 @ 10:00am cst for the public!! It will be the BEST on the market that you can't find anywhere else and only ONE company has it and also owns the rights to it that no one else can copy or sale with 100% 0.0% THC!! . If your interested email me at icdesigns2005@gmail.com

  3. I am Sandra Maxwell from Texas USA, I was diagnosed with lung cancer 6 months ago, I was searching for healing. I contacted Rick Simpson's email at Ricksimpsonmedicaloil@outlook.com I bought 60 grams of cannabis oil, 3 days later, the oil was delivered to my address. I took it at the dose prescribed by Rick Simpson. Within 7 days, I noticed some changes and contacted him again. He advised me to continue for 8 weeks as he prescribed, I did it, not before about 7 weeks, I contacted my doctor for a test, I was surprised to hear my Doctor say that I am now cancer free. All thanks to God and Rick Simpson who healed my lung cancer with cannabis oil.

    Best regards,
    Sandra Maxwell

    1. Questions for Sandra Maxwell:
      What diagnostic procedures were used to diagnose lung cancer? What stage and type of cancer?
      What conventional medical treatments did you receive before or during your use of cannabis ? I ask because your comment sounds like advertisement for a brand product. To date no evidence has been found that cannabis oil can destroy cancer cells. What might happen in a Petrie dish to a cell does not necessarily work in outside of that dish. In any case congratulations on being clear of cancer.

  4. I have a rescue dog from Korea for 3 years, who exhibits severe anxiety inside and outside with everyone but her owners. I have given hemp oil (Canna Companion) for 10 days, 0.1ml twice daily in food, and anxiety is unchanged or worse. Should I continue?

  5. Hell no. Do not continue. My dog is absolutely going out of her mind from anxiety after administering CBD oil after surgery. It's been several days and she does not sleep and is anxious all day and all night.

  6. I never knew cannabis oil was indeed wonderful and very effective in the treatment of cancer "if not by the government and there so called rules to regulate cannabis my dad would still have been alive. Thanks to the new policy of legalizing cannabis in my state and have even lost my son kidney, and it was really shocked and surprised when I see a lot of documentary on how the cannabis oil had helped many people to whom His family thought they never could do next undergoing several "Chemo" from the department of my heart, and I have to say a word of appreciation to Mr Rick Simpson for timely intervention in the lives of my son suffering from kidney cancer. As I write this testimony in this blog my son is so strong and healthy even though he have not completed the total dosage "for cannabis and medical consultation opportunity and get in touch with him if you are a cancer patient through their email: (Ricksimpsoncannaoilservice@gmail.com) so you can get more details.

    Treatment Reginae:
    I have a pretty big tolerance for marijuana, so my son started off with a full grain of rice sized amount of oil instead of a half grain. I gradually increased the dosage every night until he reached a full gram each night. The standard protocol for Mr Rick Simpson Oil is ingesting a total of 60 grams over the course of 2-3 months, but I had 70 grams in total for safe measure. I used the excess as a topical skin care treatment, attacking the visible brown spots on his face and neck.

    3 months later, my son cancer was in full remission. Within 4 months, my son was free from cancer- and officially received a clean bill of health from our doctors. What they don't know is that the majority of my treatment was using by Mr Rick Simpson Oil. I did use some of the medication they prescribed, but it was in combination with the oil.

    I am elated I want to continue sharing with people who are experiencing what my son went through that there is absolutely hope and a cure out there. They just need to be proactive and aggressive with treatment, don,t wait until it is too late. Get your medication via Email: (Ricksimpsoncannaoilservice@gmail.com)

    In addition to being an effective cancer fighter, there are some nice side effects that come from using the mr Rick Simpson oil, for instance, I no longer need to take any pain killers. Just one or two drops of the oil will ease the pain and help you sleep like a baby. Best of all, its natural . . . Thanks to all the staff at mr Rick Garden who guided me throughout this journey. You guys are awesome!

    My Best Regards to Rick Simpson.

  7. I have been giving my senior Heeler/x Hemp Chews with Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM, for Osteoarthritis in legs and feet (x 4 daily). It includes turmeric and green mussel, also. He has become very aggressive in barking at every little noise and at my husband, sometimes viciously. We adopted him in May and he was obviousy abused in 2 prior homes, unbeknownst to us (by men, I imagine) and is extremely fearful of almost everything, including people and other dogs. I'm concerned that his recent actions may be caused by this treatment. I refused Rimadyl from my Vet because an 8 yr old dog of mine in the past died while taking it after 4 months. I wanted to try a natural remedy for his disability but was warned not to give him CBD oil by friends.

    1. There is a newer anti-inflammatory available that works differently than Rimadyl. I too lost a dog to the stomach damage that drug can do. The new medicine is called Galliprant. It worked wonders for my arthritic mini dachshund, and the internet reviews from pet parents are outstanding. More expensive than Rimadyl, but well worth it to see my little girl feeling so much better. Ask your vet.

  8. DON'T IGNORE THIS, SOME ONE YOU KNOW MIGHT NEED IT PLEASE.
    A great testimony I must share to all cancer patients in the world. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 primary liver cancer in March 2014, doctor told us there was not much to be done since the tumor was 7 inches covering his lower lobe and also had spread to his lymph nodes, We decided to go home and called hospice which gave us morphine for pain, Ed hated the morphine which made him vomit and also affected his mind. After one week at home we decided to do what we have done for many years, rely on ourselves. We were only in Hospital for 3 days with severe Pain, the cancer had blocked his bile duct, after that we choose a Naturalist doctor and have not had conventional treatments.

    One day i came across the use of cannabis oil for treatment of cancer and i saw a post on how a cancer patient was cured with cannabis oil. I urgently needed help and i contacted the email ;(Ricksimpsoncannaoilservice@gmail.com) to get the cannabis oil, i was given instructional guide on how to use it. After taking a gram of oil per day, Within a couple of weeks his pain and swollen stomach disappeared and with it came hope and a good quality of life,we did it without undergoing surgery or and other physical medical pains.

    We never saw an oncologist and only have done a blood test after the first diagnose CT scan. His tumor marker went from over
    6000 to normal and he is feeling well. We don't know how this is going to play out, but enjoy every day and give thanks to God. As i am writing this post, my husband is free from liver cancer and the doctor confirmed that the cancer is gone. For immediate assistance on every medical issue you and your family may be experiencing, contact Dr Rick via email: (Ricksimpsoncannaoilservice@gmail.com) for more information and the delivery process.
    This cannabis oil have healed over 5000 people with different types and stages of cancer.

    Thanks Asha

  9. A great testimony I must share to all cancer patients in the world. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 primary liver cancer in
    March 2016. The doctor told us there was not much to be done since the tumor was 7 inches covering his lower lobe and also had spread to his lymph nodes. We decided to go home and called hospice which gave us morphine for pain. and he hated the morphine which made him vomit and also affected his mind. After one week at home we decided to do what we have done for many years, rely on ourselves.We were only in Hospital for 3 days with severe Pain. The cancer had blocked his bile duct, after that we choose a Naturopath doctor and have not had conventional treatments. one day i came across the use of cannabis oil for treatment of cancer
    and i saw a post on how a cancer patient was cured with cannabis oil. I urgently needed help and i contacted the email :(phoenixtears47@gmail.com) to get the cannabis oil, i was given instructional guide on how to use it. After taking a gram of oil per day. Within a couple of weeks his pain and swollen stomach disappeared and with it came hope and a good quality of life. We never saw an ocologist and only have done a blood test after the first diagnose CT scan. His tumor marker went from over 6000 to normal and he is feeling well. We don't know how this is going to play out, but enjoy every day and give thanks. As i am writing this post, my husband is free from liver cancer and the doctor confirmed that the cancer was cured permanently. For immediate assistance on every medical issue you and your family may be experiencing,
    contact Dr Rick via email: (phoenixtears47@gmail.com) for more information and the delivery process.

    You can save a soul,

    Thanks

  10. So you have as much clinical research about CBD as your do the vaccines you pump unnecessarily into are dogs over and over ….
    Does the thought of a comparatively cheap,natural remedy, to all the chronic illnesses vaccines produce,worry you? Is this why you use out dated scaremongering to put people off using hemp oil etc?.

  11. I am so grateful to Dr. Koffi herbal Cannabis oil I am Veronica Bell I live IN USA. I was diagnose with pancreatic cancer December 2015, and ever since then i have done Chemo and Radiation that have not help me, but only damaged my immune system and Makes me weak. I came across Dr. Koffi email and i have read about his Cannabis oil a lot and i have seen several Post of Dr. Kofi That he could provide cancer patient with Cannabis Oil without delay,i contacted him through email to order for this medication, to my greatest surprise the cannabis oil was delivered within 4 days,right now i can tell you that 8 months now i have never had any pain and i have just went for test and the doctor confirmed that there is no trace of any cancer again,now. I have experience a total transformation in my life with Cannabis oil medication. I am now fully cure of cancer. No trance of cancer in my body again. Email him for your own cure for any kind of cancer you may have. Ultimatecancercure@yahoo. com
    Call +55 11 95802-4276

    Best Regards,
    Debbie

  12. As of December 2018 the president signed a bill legalizing hemp and hemp farming on a federal level. States are still slow on setting up their own regulations. Hemp products are legal throughout the country. Made from hemp grown out of country. Some of the best hemp/hemp products are grown/produced in Canada.
    Also I'm tired of everyone being concerned of THC in hemp. Even if there weee high levels of THC there would be zero effects aside from beneficial ones. THC is not psychoactive unless heated above a certain temperature. One could eat cannabis flowers all day long and they would not get even slightly "high". Everyone needs to do some research before spewing false information around the internet. It's called decarboxilation. Look it up. Cannabis contains THCA. It needs to be converted to THCB which will then be psycoactive.

  13. OK, first of all, this is an article about Hemp for DOGS! Not humans.

    Second, all of you people who are praising God and cannabis as cures for cancer are risking your lives and the lives of all of the people who are reading this rubbish and just trying to get well by any means.

    Cannabis has been proven to be helpful in staving off some of the horrible side effects of chemo and for generally calming the nerves and giving a feeling of well-being. But there is NOT ONE SHRED of scientific or clinical proof that it can cure cancer! It is very dangerous to post information like this.

    Cancer isn't fun. My mother, sister, and two uncles died from it, as well as a number of friends and distant relatives. And my brother and grandmother are cancer survivors. I am recently diagnosed with breast cancer. So I know what I'm talking about. No one wants to go through chemo, radiation, and whatever else to treat this horrible disease. But you do what you have to do to survive. Looking for an easy way out with inexpensive potions and beliefs, no matter how strong they are, ARE NOT CURES FOR CANCER!

    As far as God goes, that's a personal choice. But I believe that God gave us the brains and the ability to make choices, such as when to recognize a scam, and when to follow the healing advice of people who are licensed to do so.

    Again, this is NOT the arena for that discussion, and it is not the forum to be placing fake ads about "snake oil" formulas that can supposedly cure all ills. Go to a faith-healing site if you want to follow that belief-structure.

    Basically, do whatever you need to do to feel good and healthy: Believe in God, if that works for you. Use CBD and THC if that helps, but DON'T be fooled that it's going to cure a potentially fatal illness. Get the help you need from trained professionals.

    And let's stick to the topic of dogs and other pets on this website. Thanks.

    1. Agreed. Have lost many loved ones to cancer. It is insensitive on a pet forum to promote snake oil. It is an insult to those who suffered and are suffering.

  14. I grew hemp last year with permit from department of agriculture here in Tn.I harvested the flowers only which are 100% organic, I use the flower for tea which has greatly improved my arthritic pains. I also have a dog(10 year old mini aussie with hip problems, happy to say she is now jumping on to couch, which surprised us completely because not been able to for awhile ( Dosage is 35 mg. twice weekly)

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