Veterinarians, Clients, and Hemp

Veterinarians' and Clients' Perspectives on the Use and Efficacy of Hemp Products

In 2018, the Hemp Farm Bill removed hemp from being considered a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Hemp can now legally be grown, prepared, and sold across the United States. To be classified as hemp instead of marijuana, the full weight of the plant must contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In a study of 2,130 veterinarians, 61.5% felt they could confer with their colleagues regarding the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products, but only 45.5% felt they could approach clients about CBD products. When the veterinarians were asked if they had any clinical experience with CBD products in dogs, 56.1% said they had. The majority of participants identified that both marijuana and CBD products contain benefits and were in favor of using CBD products for animals.

The majority of cannabis research that has been completed has focused on the toxicity of cannabis and has not included the medical benefits of cannabis, CBD, or hemp. A large misconception exists between the pharmacodynamics of THC and CBD, and the idea that marijuana is the same as hemp and every product will have the same effect on the body. Veterinarians are not comfortable discussing hemp or are not permitted to prescribe it in the United States, yet the general public has access to a myriad of consumer products. These products often have minimal quality control and labeling requirements, and consumer consumption continues to increase without veterinary support or guidance.

In areas where the recreational use of marijuana has been legalized, there was an increase in veterinarians and clients willing to discuss CBD products compared to states where recreational use is illegal. The most common concerns where veterinarians felt CBD had the potential to help were reducing the frequency and severity of seizures, anxiety relief, and pain management for acute or chronic pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to manage chronic pain such as osteoarthritis but have the potential for many side effects affecting the kidney and liver in dogs. This can be especially concerning for geriatric patients. Alternative options such as CBD have gained interest due to fewer side effects seen compared to some prescribed medications. In a study of 70 dog owners who have used hemp on their animals, 92.9% said they would recommend these products to friends.

Veterinarians' impressions of the guidelines from state veterinary associations and boards are not clear, and many are unsure how to proceed. The mammalian body is naturally filled with cannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. CBD has been reported to have immunomodulatory, anti-hyperalgesic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory properties. The majority of recent veterinary graduates, and those in states where recreational marijuana is legal, do not perceive CBD as a Schedule 1 drug and would like the classification of marijuana to be reviewed.

There is a lack of knowledge and scientific research regarding how to dose animals and what type of product to recommend. Veterinarians do not feel they have had adequate education or training on CBD. According to the data, clients are increasingly curious about hemp and how CBD may benefit their pets.

There is a clear gap between client and veterinarian interest in discussing hemp for pets. Natural pet supplement sales nearly doubled between 2008 and 2014 and have seen a steady annual increase of 3-5% in the United States. When pet owners look for information on CBD products, most go to product websites instead of their veterinarian. There has been an increase in toxicity and overdosing of cannabis in pets, often caused by owners' lack of knowledge in correct dosing. The Pet Poison Hotline reported a 448% increase in marijuana toxicity cases between 2011 and 2017. When owners compare the overall efficacy of hemp products versus medication or therapy, most felt that hemp products were more effective than other options.

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has established a team of doctors, veterinarians, scientists, product innovators, and educators to help bridge the gap between the safety of herbal products and consumer knowledge. The AHPA also lists current hemp and cannabis clinical studies, FDA guidelines, and labeling requirements, as well as companies that are not following guidelines. In a study where 29 animal hemp products were reviewed for their labeling, only 18 were labeled correctly, and only 22 provided consumers with a third-party certificate of analysis. If veterinarians were supplied with a certificate of analysis including cannabinoid concentrations, THC percentages, and full-spectrum vs. isolate information, they would be better informed on how to dose their patients.

This is exactly why transparency matters so much to us. Every HempMy Pet product is full-spectrum, made from organic Colorado hemp, and backed by third-party lab testing, so you and your veterinarian can see exactly what's in every bottle. The difference between full-spectrum and isolate products is significant, and we believe owners deserve clear information to make the best choice for their dogs, cats, and horses.

Veterinarians need to advocate and push for the scientific research that will give them clear guidelines on efficacy, dosing, and types of products, so they can become the number one trusted source for owners regarding hemp products in animals.

Sources

1. Kogan L, Schoenfeld-Tacher R, Hellyer P, Rishniw M. US Veterinarians' Knowledge, Experience, and Perception Regarding the Use of Cannabidiol for Canine Medical Conditions. Front Vet Sci. 2019;5:338.
2. Gamble LJ, Boesch JM, Frye CW, et al. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2018;5:165.
3. AHPA. Cannabis, CBD, Regulations, and the AHPA.
4. Kogan LR, Hellyer PW, Silcox S, Schoenfeld-Tacher R. Canadian dog owners' use and perceptions of cannabis products. Can Vet J. 2019;60(7):749-755.
5. Vogt NA, Sargeant JM, Stevens CPG, Dunn JN. A survey of veterinary student attitudes concerning whether marijuana could have therapeutic value for animals. PLoS One. 2019;14(7):e0219430.
6. Wakshlag JJ, Cital S, Eaton SJ, Prussin R, Hudalla C. Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Heavy Metal Analysis of 29 Over-the-Counter Commercial Veterinary Hemp Supplements. Vet Med (Auckl). 2020;11:45-55.
7. Deabold KA, Schwark WS, Wolf L, Wakshlag JJ. Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats. Animals (Basel). 2019;9(10):832.