CBD Pet Products Reached $300 Million in US Sales in 2019
According to the Brightfield Group, the market for pet products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in the United States reached $300 million in 2019. Analysts predict this figure will grow to $1.7 billion by 2025.
What Types of Cannabis Products Are Sold in Pet Stores?
At the federal level in the US, cannabis products containing no more than 0.3% THC are legal. As a result, pet stores offer a variety of foods, cosmetics, and medicinal products with CBD. Several brands are especially popular:
- Riva’s CBD oil for horses: a 1,500 mg bottle costs $185;
- Charlotte’s Web CBD balm: a 450 mg jar sells for $24.99;
- Dope Dog shampoo with CBD, lavender, and oat extract: a 100 mg bottle is priced at $35;
- Nestlé’s Garden of Life CBD drops: a 30 ml bottle is available for $36.79.
The most popular products among pet owners are CBD tinctures, which are used as dietary supplements. Dog owners also buy bones and chew treats infused with cannabidiol for their pets.
How Does Cannabidiol Affect Animals?
Americans give their pets CBD products for medical reasons. Cannabinoids are used to treat:
- Epilepsy
- Nausea
- Stress
- Anxiety disorders
- Arthritis
- Cancer symptoms
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Chronic pain
Tim Shu, director of the cannabis company VETCBD, claims that CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in mammals and helps regulate processes such as pain, anxiety, and nausea. According to Shu, cannabidiol is safe for pets. Serious negative effects (including death) are only possible from THC consumption.
However, the American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend giving animals CBD, as its therapeutic effects have not yet been proven in clinical trials. Veterinarians advise using approved medications as prescribed by a doctor.
How to Choose the Right CBD Dosage for Your Pet?
The average CBD dose for mammals is 1 mg per 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of body weight. For therapeutic purposes, CBD is given once or twice a day. CBD is a non-toxic substance, so exceeding the recommended dose will not be fatal. The most common side effects include increased appetite and drowsiness. It’s also important to note that CBD has very low oral bioavailability: only 13% to 19% of the substance is absorbed through the digestive system.