NASC Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Tolerability Study
Since the 2018 legalization of hemp for use in the United States, there has been an explosion of hemp-derived cannabinoid supplements on the market – for both human use and companion animal use. As might be expected, associated with this flood of new supplements, came a simultaneous deluge of concerns regarding the efficacy, and more importantly the safety, of these hemp-derived supplements for use in humans and companion animals. On March 1, 2024, the National Animal Supplement Council – ThorneVet was a founding member of NASC in 2002 – announced the publication of a study in the prestigious journal Frontiers of Veterinary Science – “Safety Study of Cannabidiol Products in Healthy Dogs” – which is the first of its kind, peer-reviewed safety study of the use of cannabidiol supplements in healthy dogs.
In this pivotal study, 32 healthy beagle dogs (16 males and 16 females) were randomized into four treatment groups. For 90 days, the beagles were treated with either a broad-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD), or a broad-spectrum cannabidiol plus cannabigerol (CBD + CBG), or a broad-spectfum cannabidiol plus cannabidiolic acid (CBD + CBDA), or a medium-chain triglyceride oil as the placebo, at a dose of five milligrams total cannabinoids per kilogram of body weight daily. All 32 beagles completed the study. The study’s results show that CBD, CBD + CBG, and CBD + CBDA at the ratios and doses utilized in the study were well-tolerated over the entire duration of the 90-day study.
One important thing to note: the dose tested in these dogs is considerably higher than the dose that is currently used clinically. For example, a Cornell University study with ElleVet was designed using 2.0 mg/kg 2x/day for dogs with osteoarthritis pain, and this dose was found to be effective at alleviating signs of pain in dogs with arthritis. The NASC tolerability study suggests a very high margin of safety for cannabinoid supplements for use in dogs.
These encouraging results should increase the comfort level of the pet owner and veterinarian in using hemp-derived cannabinoid supplements in their pets, knowing that the plant and its constituents are safe for long-term use.
One more important thing to note: it is critical to pay careful attention to where your hemp-derived supplement is made to ensure the best results in your pet. At ThorneVet we pride ourselves in sourcing the cleanest possible hemp-derived cannabinoid ingredient available. Our ThorneVet Hemp Tincture is an organic, full-spectrum ingredient that is third-party tested for potency, purity, and the absence of contaminants.
More research is becoming available to show the benefit of supporting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our companion animals, as well as in our own lives. The ECS has a complex regulatory balancing effect across organ systems. More and more data are suggesting the use of cannabinoids in supporting patients with a variety of problems, ranging from arthritis and allergies to seizures and even cancer. ThorneVet will always strive to provide the most cutting-edge, safe, and effective supplements available to support your companion animals and patients.
