When you want to use CBD in horses , we have to take into account the importance of selecting products manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices and with certificates of analysis from independent laboratories.
How to Choose a CBD Product for Your Horse
The product’s ease of use and the company’s experience in the sector should be evaluated. Several studies have found inconsistencies in the doses of CBD claimed in many products on the market. The best companies offer money-back guarantees and provide information about the origin and extraction process of CBD. Good CBD products are made with ethanol or CO2 and should have an herbal aroma and flavor, with no chemical residues.
For horses, it is recommended to look for high-potency products, between 20 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml. Higher doses allow you to adjust and find the optimal level for each horse. A dose of 50 mg is mentioned to have been effective in severe cases of lameness and acute laminitis, as well as equine metabolic syndrome. Interestingly, some horses respond well even with a single daily administration of CBD.
Will my horse get “high” on CBD?
The cannabis plant, used medicinally for millennia, mainly contains two compounds: THC (trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) and cannabidiol (CBD), in addition to more than 200 secondary components.
THC, known for its recreational use, is also effective against chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, but is psychoactive, especially in dogs due to its high number of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum.
The effect of THC on other species is less well known. On the other hand, CBD oil, which does not produce significant psychoactive effects , is effective in low doses to calm the nervous system without disturbing cognition or balance.
How do phytocannabinoids work?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in the self-regulation and communication of the nervous and immune systems, influencing pain relief, metabolic balance, and gastrointestinal health. The phytocannabinoids of the cannabis plant interact with this system, being able to act in the early stages of inflammatory processes and prevent degenerative changes that cause health problems.
Although clinical research on the use of CBD in animals has been limited by historical restrictions, recent studies indicate its potential to treat common problems in horses and dogs, such as anxiety and arthritic pain.
Why does the size of the animal matter?
Doses of medications and supplements are not scaled proportionally with the size of the animal due to differences in metabolism. Large animals such as horses have a slower metabolism than small ones, as evidenced by their lower heart rates compared to cats and humans. This implies that the “by weight” dosage of many medications as well as CBD for pets is lower for horses than for other smaller animals or humans.
One example cited is the use of CBD, where a 25 mg dose of full-spectrum CBD oil is mentioned to be effective in horses, accounting for only 0.05 mg/kg, a significantly lower amount compared to the doses used for dogs. Therefore, the use of CBD turns out to be more affordable for the treatment of problems in the nervous system of horses.
Can I use CBD on competition horses?
Cannabinoids, including CBD, are not allowed in equestrian competitions and are part of random drug control programs. The prohibition of cannabinoids in competitions is a reflection of their recognized effectiveness in treating behavioral problems and pain in horses.
As a result, if participating in competitions subject to anti-doping controls, it is necessary to suspend the administration of CBD to the horse at least seven days before the event.
Bibliography and Digital Sources
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Kerstin Iffland and Franjo Grotenhermen. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
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Veterinary Medicines Directorate. VMD statement on veterinary medicinal products containing Cannabidiol. 2018. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vmd-statement-on-veterinary-medicinal-products-containing-cannabidiol
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Dr. James Baumgartner. Equine Research on the Short-Term Effects of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Chronic Pain and/or Anxiety. 2020. https://panacealife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Final-Equine-Study.pdf
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