Pharmacokinetic and safety assessment of hemp-derived cannabinoids in companion animals
This study investigated the safety and tolerability of cannabinoids in companion animals, focusing on dogs and horses. Cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and full-spectrum hemp extracts, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic benefits. However, comprehensive studies on their effects in non-human species are limited. The goal was to measure the pharmacokinetics and determine potential adverse effects of orally administered CBD, CBDA, or CBD/CBDA full spectrum in dogs and horses. Through two series of controlled trials, horses were dosed with full-spectrum CBD or CBDA hemp oil extract at 1mg/kg body weight and dogs were dosed with CBD isolate, CBDA isolate, CBDA full spectrum, CBD/CBDA full spectrum at 1mg/kg body weight. Pharmacokinetics data and health parameters including complete blood count and blood chemistry were measured. Overall, Cmax for CBDA was greater compared to CBD for both dogs and horses, and absorption of CBD or CBDA as isolates did not differ from their absorption in a full spectrum. The findings reveal insights into absorption, tolerability, and safety in cannabinoids bioavailability in companion animal. Results contribute to the understanding of cannabinoid use in veterinary medicine and provide a foundation for future research on the integration of cannabinoids for standard animal care practices.