The cannabis industry, as it pertains to products geared towards human patients, gets a lot of attention these days and rightfully so. A growing body of scientific research and patient experiences demonstrates that cannabis is an effective and safe form of medicine.

However, the wellness benefits of cannabis are not reserved just for humans. Medical cannabis products designed to treat pets, particularly dogs, are expanding in scope and availability in many jurisdictions around the world.

A team of scientific investigators affiliated with the University of Antioquia in Colombia recently conducted a study examining the effectiveness and safety of cannabidiol (CBD) for cats and dogs. The study’s findings were published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

“A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, and Google Scholar from February 2014 to February 2024. The search strategy included both MeSH terms and free-text keywords related to medical cannabis, including Medical Marijuana, Cannabis and Cannabaceae, combined with terms referring to domestic cats and dogs.” the researchers stated about their methodology. “Additionally, title/abstract keywords, including Cannab (as a truncated term), were used to retrieve literature on cannabinoids and their therapeutic applications.”

“Twenty-two articles were identified examining cannabidiol-based formulations for osteoarthritis, epilepsy, atopic dermatitis, postsurgical pain, and behavioural issues. Cannabis-based products for medicinal use with cannabidiol as the primary active constituent demonstrated improvements in pain, behaviour, and seizures, with no serious adverse events.” the researchers found.

“While promising, the long-term efficacy/effectiveness, optimal dosages, and safety of cannabis-based products for medicinal use remain unclear. Further studies are needed to confirm their therapeutic potential and ensure safe veterinary use.” the researchers concluded.

The global cannabidiol pet market was worth an estimated $693.4 million in 2023, according to a recent market analysis by Global Market Insights. The CBD pet product market is projected to grow at an estimated 18.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2032.