Well do they?

As momentum gathers, and clinical studies are undertaken on CBD’s effect on dogs and other pets, expect FDA approval for CBD products, and veterinary prescriptions, to follow!

The law

So, while it’s definitely complicated, CBD produced from industrial hemp is legal to sell, buy, and consume in the US.

The fineprint
…For the sake of complete clarity, there are a couple of small, state-restricted caveats concerning CBD and hemp. (Sorry!)

Idaho. In 2015, the Idaho Attorney General stipulated “CBD must both contain zero THC and be derived from one of the five identified parts of the cannabis plant.” That may mean that some CBD products legal under the Farm Bill (with more than zero but less than 0.3% THC) are not legal under Idaho state law.

Nebraska. CBD and hemp laws in Nebraska are in flux, with hemp cultivation soon to begin in the state. On the other hand, many jurisdictions make no legal distinction between THC and CBD, so caution and personal research are advised.

South Dakota. CBD and hemp were only legalized in this state in March 2020. While there should be no issue with you or your dog using CBD in South Dakota, the recentness of the ruling may mean you want to exercise caution.

What does all this mean for vets, dogs and pet owners?

Despite its widespread legality, however, no CBD products have yet been approved by the FDA for use in animals. So in terms of veterinary medicine, the situation hasn’t really changed. Under federal law (at least), vets are not at liberty to legally administer, recommend, or prescribe CBD for your dog.


The fineprint

The limited state of current research specifically on CBD and dogs is a large factor in the continuing lack of veterinary support. Until the FDA officially approves CBD for use in dogs, don’t expect to see widespread recommendation of CBD products by veterinary professionals.

The culture

But, opinions are shifting

With all this ambiguity going on, we decided to take a deeper look into how vets across the country feel about CBD for dogs. We will let you know what we discovered soon.

As momentum gathers, and clinical studies are undertaken on CBD’s effect on dogs and other pets, expect FDA approval for CBD products, and veterinary prescriptions, to follow!