CBD and Horses: What You Need To Know
You can’t go anywhere these days without seeing a CBD product on the shelf. CBD oils are for sale in gas stations. CBD dog treats exist at pet stores. People use CBD creams, in teas and in food. Now CBD is making its way into horse supplements.
The Agriculture Improvement Act, aka the “Farm Bill” passed by Congress in 2018 made hemp production legal in the U.S. Hemp is a part of the cannabis plant which contains less than 0.3% of THC – the component in cannabis that gives an euphoric sensation. While hemp is now legal, THC is still considered a schedule 1 drug in the U.S.
CBD, or “cannabidiol” is a non-intoxicating compound found in both hemp and cannabis. When CBD is ingested, it interacts with receptors in the brain to provide a therapeutic effect. Horse owners may feed a CBD supplement, like Naked Leaf Animal Pellets carried by SmartPak, to support a natural response to inflammation and address discomfort from exercise and aging. It’s also thought to have a calming and relaxation effect in horses that experience stress and anxiety.
Naked Leaf Animal Pellets are made from the whole hemp plant that is lab tested for quality and consistency. It’s guaranteed to contain 10mg of CBD per gram.
It’s important to note that the jury is still out on the verfied scientific benefit of CBD. Researchers are working quickly to learn more about the health benefits of CBD and hemp as legalization continues across the country and around the world.
While marijuana is legal in parts of the United States and Canada for human consumption, U.S. Equestrian now tests for CBD and other cannabis properties as a prohibited substance in competing horses. So when might a CBD supplement be helpful to your horse?
The one group that may benefit from a CBD supplement are rehabbing horses. One of the biggest challenges equine caregivers face is keeping horses on stall rest quiet, so it seems both the calming and anti inflammatory affects of a CBD supplement would certainly help.
Another group that may benefit from a CBD supplement are retired horses. Often times owners of retired horses are looking for unobtrusive ways to make their horses more comfortable. A CBD supplement may keep achey joints at bay and keep the senior more comfortable during his or her retirement.