Is it legal to give my pets CBD?
Vets Can Prescribe Legally Obtained Human CBD Products For Pets in the UK
There are many CBD products available globally for pets, with supporters advocating it’s use due to animals showing similar benefits to humans. All animals, with the exception of insects, have an endocannabinoid system similar to humans, that plays a significant role in health and disease. 1. However, it should be noted that products containing CBD are considered to be a veterinary medicine in the UK and require a marketing authorisation before they can be sold or supplied in the UK. 2. Currently, no CBD based products have been granted a UK veterinary marketing authorisation. As such, a veterinary surgeon may prescribe a legally obtained human CBD product under the provisions of the prescribing cascade.
You Could Be Charged for Giving CBD to Your Pets Without a Veterinary Prescription Under UK Law
This means that giving your pet a product containing CBD without a veterinary prescription is an offence under Regulation 8 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. Companies that supply CBD products for human use are not permitted to indicate or recommend their products for use on pets. Any company selling CBD products for animal use in the UK is doing so illegally, and you could be charged if you give your pet CBD without a prescription and any adverse reactions occur. Be warned!
NEXT: “CBD Products Types and Quality”
References
1. Jamie Corroon, N.D., 2019. The Endocannabinoid System and its Modulation by Cannabidiol (CBD). Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 25, pp.6-14.
2. UK Government 2018. VMD statement on veterinary medicinal products containing Cannabidiol. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vmd-statement-on-veterinary-medicinal-products-containing-cannabidiol