While medical cannabis research often focuses on human patients, emerging studies show that pets—especially dogs—may also benefit from cannabis-derived products. Veterinary cannabis is gaining traction worldwide, offering new avenues for wellness and medical care in animals.
Research from Colombia Highlights CBD’s Potential
A team of researchers from the University of Antioquia in Colombia conducted a systematic review to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in cats and dogs. Their findings were published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.
The study analyzed scientific literature from February 2014 to February 2024 using databases including PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, and Google Scholar, combining terms related to medical cannabis with keywords for domestic cats and dogs.
Key Findings
From the 22 articles reviewed, CBD-based formulations were primarily tested for:
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Osteoarthritis
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Epilepsy
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Atopic dermatitis
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Postsurgical pain
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Behavioral issues
The review concluded that:
"Cannabis-based products with cannabidiol as the main active ingredient showed improvements in pain, behavior, and seizure control, with no serious adverse events reported.”
However, the researchers also emphasized that long-term safety, optimal dosing, and sustained efficacy remain unclear, and further studies are needed to confirm therapeutic potential for veterinary use.
A Growing Market for Pets
The global CBD pet product market was valued at $693.4 million in 2023, according to Global Market Insights, with projected growth at a CAGR of 18.2% from 2024 to 2032. As pet owners seek alternative wellness solutions, CBD products for animals are rapidly expanding in availability and popularity.
