CBD for Pets in the UK: What You Need to Know
Are you unsure about the laws surrounding CBD for pets in the UK? The UK’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has made it clear: CBD products are considered veterinary medicines and must be regulated as such.This means CBD products for pets need to meet strict standards, just like any other medication for animals. While CBD may offer potential benefits for pets, these regulations are in place to ensure their safety and well-being.
Can You Buy CBD Pet Products in the UK?
In short, no—you won’t find legal CBD pet products for sale in the UK. According to the VMD, “CBD products for use in animals… require a marketing authorisation before they can be sold or supplied in the UK.”Currently, there are no CBD products that have been granted this authorisation. Any product marketed specifically for pets is being sold illegally. While laws may differ in other countries, any therapeutic product for pets sold in the UK must follow VMD guidelines.
Can You Use CBD for Your Pets?
Although there are no authorised CBD pet products, a veterinarian can legally prescribe human CBD products for animals under certain conditions. The VMD explains that “a veterinary surgeon may prescribe a legally obtained human CBD product under the provisions of the prescribing cascade.”This means that with your vet’s approval, you can use human-grade CBD—such as oils—for your pet. However, it’s essential to follow your vet’s instructions carefully. They may also recommend specific brands, strengths, or dosages suitable for your pet.
Why Do Owners Give Their Pets CBD?
Pet owners turn to CBD for similar reasons as humans do—to potentially manage issues like anxiety, pain, or inflammation. However, research on how CBD affects animals is still limited. While early studies show promise, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and risks.
Is CBD Safe for Pets?
Preliminary studies suggest that CBD is generally well-tolerated by animals. However, one key concern is how CBD interacts with other medications.CBD is metabolised by the same enzyme that processes many common drugs, such as painkillers and antibiotics. This can slow down how quickly these medications are broken down in your pet’s body, potentially leading to side effects or overdosing in rare cases.This interaction is similar to what’s known as the “grapefruit effect” in humans (grapefruit affects the same enzyme). To avoid complications, always consult your vet before giving your pet CBD.
Human CBD VS Pet CBD?
There’s little difference between human and pet-specific CBD products. In fact, vets in the UK can only prescribe human-grade CBD supplements for animals due to current regulations.It’s important to note that only THC-free products (0.2% THC) are suitable for pets since THC is psychoactive and harmful to both humans and animals. Pure CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD—both of which contain zero THC—are safe options when approved by a vet. In summary, while you can’t legally buy pet-specific CBD products in the UK, human-grade CBD may be prescribed by a vet under strict guidelines. Always consult with your veterinarian before trying CBD on your pet to ensure their safety and well-being.
