These products are relatively new, and there are rapid changes in legal status for hemp products for humans and pets in the U.S. The 2018 federal Farm Bill removed industrial hemp's definition of marijuana. This effectively made hemp-derived CBD products legal for pets in the U.S. That being said, marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug. However, hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal.

Let's say it another way: Hemp-derived CBD products can be legal supplements, provided they do not contain more than 0.3% THC. It would help if you remembered that not all CBD supplements are created equally. Some CBD supplements for pets are not processed similarly or may not meet the same quality and testing standards. Find out how to select a safe and effective CBD product for your pet.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently defining marketing, labelling, and claims rules for hemp-derived products. However, demand is growing faster than regulatory changes.

CBD Products for Pets: Labeling and Claims

CBD products by King Kanine are claimed to have many benefits for pets.
  • Reduced inflammation and chronic pain
  • Reduce anxiety
  • Other conditions may require assistance
It is illegal for hemp-derived products not to make the same claims as pet medicines. CBD products for pets cannot claim to treat or cure any medical condition. The research on the effects of hemp CBD products on dogs and cats is still very limited. Most of the information we have about hemp CBD products in dogs and cats is either anecdotal or inferred from medical research.

More research is needed, not just on CBD but also on other molecules in the plant. It is possible to do more detailed research on each component of the plant, which will help determine and confirm its capabilities. This will take some time. This is why we are only now beginning to understand the effects of cannabis on humans.

CBD Products: Federal and State Regulations are different

To understand the legality and use of CBD products for pets, it is important to know the laws and regulations applicable to humans at the federal and state levels.

Marijuana Regulation

The U.S. Federal Law does not recognize or support medicinal marijuana use or possession. Even if medical marijuana is legal in your area, the federal government may still charge you with possession and misuse.

Despite this, states are legalizing medical marijuana in increasing numbers, causing tension between federal and state marijuana regulations.

Hemp-Derived CBD Regulation

Although CBD can be extracted from hemp and marijuana, they are not the same.

Hemp products in the United States are legal. The federal law allows CBD products made from hemp plants and less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana) at harvest.

CBD for pets: Legal status

At the federal and state levels, CBD for pets' legal status is constantly changing. Here are the details:
  • Hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC per dry weight in the United States are legal and can be sold as supplements. The FDA has not approved any CBD-derived hemp product for animal use.
  • Although veterinary products cannot claim CBD products as being effective for treating pets, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that CBD products can benefit them.
  • Further research is required to understand and verify the effects of CBD products on specific medical conditions in dogs.
  • Only "Veterinary health products" made with hemp in Canada are legal without a prescription.
  • Your veterinarian might not be able to recommend CBD products. Ask your veterinarian about their knowledge and restrictions regarding CBD products in your state.
You want the best for your pet. Look for products made for pets by reputable companies. Ask your veterinarian to give you a recommendation if your pet might benefit from hemp-based products. Talking to your pet and researching will help you find the best products for them.