The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking for comments from the public, particularly veterinarians, regarding the use of cannabis-derived products in animals, with an emphasis on cannabidiol (CBD) products. The FDA said it is interested in general trends associated with those products, including information about usage trends, quality standards, benefits of use, potential drug interactions, adverse events and safety problems, and toxicological concerns. Electronic or written comments must be submitted by April 16, 2025.
The FDA said that companies marketing CBD products for use in animals often make claims regarding a wide variety of diseases or conditions. Some products claim to enhance general wellness and promote longevity. These products are sold in many different formats, such as tinctures/oils, treats/chews, pellets for large animals, capsules, and sometimes as food toppers. Topical products infused with CBD, such as balms and shampoos, are also available for pets.
The notice added that the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is particularly interested in input from practicing veterinarians, whose expertise and experience can help inform the FDA regarding the use and effect of CDPs in animals.
Million dollar market
According to Grand View Research, the market was valued at approximately $248.39 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $1.72 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.47% from 2024 to 2030. Grand View also found that North America dominated the CBD pet market in 2023, accounting for over 40.22% of the global revenue. This research determined that Americans spend big bucks on pet care and have increasingly accepted CBD products for their pets.
Dogs are the biggest CBD patient population among pets and owners mostly use the products to treat joint pain. Grand View found that the joint pain market segment is expected to dominate the market, driven by the increasing prevalence of arthritis and other joint-related issues in pets.
Mordor Intelligence found that some of the top CBD pet product companies include Charlotte’s Web (OTC: CWBHF), Honest Paws, Pet Releaf, Canna-Pet and Green Roads.
Even Martha Stewart launched a CBD pet product line with Soft-Baked Chews and Oil Drops in 2021. These products were created with Canopy Growth Corporation (NASDAQ: CGC). “My dogs are not only my companions, but they are part of my family, and I prioritize their emotional and physical well-being as I do my own,” said Martha Stewart. “Just as CBD can support human wellness, it’s been shown to improve the quality of life for pets as well. With the help of the scientists and veterinarians at Canopy Animal Health, I’ve created CBD oil drops and savory soft-baked chews designed to support the health of dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds in delicious gourmet flavors that your canines won’t be able to resist.”
FDA has not approved these products
Currently, there are no FDA-approved, conditionally approved, or indexed animal drugs that contain CBD. However, FDA has approved one cannabis-derived drug product for humans: EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol), and three synthetic cannabis-related drug products: MARINOL (dronabinol), SYNDROS (dronabinol), and CESAMET (nabilone). It is worth noting that under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 and its implementing regulations at 21 CFR part 530, veterinarians can lawfully prescribe approved human drugs for use in animals in an extralabel manner.
FDA said it has made the regulation of the CBD market a priority, including products marketed for animals. “While there is some limited published information about the use of CDPs in animals, significant data gaps exist surrounding many aspects of CBD and other CDPs in animals, and further research is necessary to assess the safety and effectiveness of these products. FDA is seeking a better understanding of what veterinarians are experiencing related to CDPs in their patients, such as general patterns of use, quality standards, benefits of use, potential drug interactions, adverse events and safety problems, and toxicological concerns,” said the notice.
The FDA has not approved any CBD products for animal use. Read More
