CBD Treats Calm Pets But Frustrate the Legal System
The laws are murky, as are most dealing with marijuana, and particularly inocuous products such as CBD Oil.
The research is far from conclusive, and the side effects are unknown. Some people, however, don’t have any doubt: CBD helps their pets, and veterinarians agree.
Cannabidiol, an extract of hemp—a close relation of marijuana that lacks its high—is being included in treats to calm anxious pets, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Business is really good. Therabis sells a 60-count bag of Calm and Quiet dog treats for $35 to $55, and recommends giving two chews “before stressful situations.”
CBD treats are popular for older dogs and cats with mobility problems, as well. A New Jersey woman said 9-year-old Moose has stopped his sudden shaking and hiding under furniture since she’s been giving him biscuits with CBD. “It takes the edge off his anxiety,” she says.
Humans have found similar benefits. A customer at CBD Kratom in Chicago told CBS she uses CBD to treat chronic pain. “We’re seeing it in everything from the taffies to gummies and caramels to coffee, pet treats, shampoos, bath balms,” she said. Others take it for arthritis, anxiety, and depression. The legality of it all is difficult to figure out.
The FDA says CBD products cannot be added to dietary supplements or food, for humans or pets, sold across state lines. But state rules seem to leave room. Even the FDA’s primer is inconclusive, the Journal points out, saying: “Is it legal for me to sell CBD products? It depends.”
There’s much that isn’t known about the medical case for CBD, including the optimal dosages. “A lot of the information we have is anecdotal,” says Gail Golab of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “We’re not just assuming a product is safe because we haven’t heard differently.”
Edited via Newser…