In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) seems to be popping up everywhere – for humans and animals. The hemp-derived substance is one of the active ingredients in cannabis, though unlike THC, it does not create a high. In humans, CBD products are commonly marketed to assist with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, thanks to the substance’s mechanism of action, in which it binds to two receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system.
It has been several years since the Food and Drug Administration changed CBD’s status, making it easier for researchers to gather data on how it works in human and animal bodies. Although a decade has gone by since that change, there’s still a lot we don’t know about how CBD has its impacts, and peer-reviewed research on the variety of CBD products out there is sparse. There is one FDA-approved CBD product for humans designed to treat certain seizure disorders and two others made from a cousin of CBD for the treatment of appetite loss, but other forms are not FDA-approved, and no forms are approved for use in horses.
A number of dietary supplements marketed to horse owners contain CBD, which is credited in their marketing as an anti-inflammatory or calming/”focusing” agent. The FDA does not inspect or approve dietary supplements for humans or animals for potency, consistency, or efficacy. Because CBD is known to act on the central and peripheral nervous systems, it is a prohibited substance under FEI, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, and US Equestrian rules, and no medication report forms may be accepted to justify its use.
Findings for CBD are relatively uncommon – the Federation has only had 13 in the past two years. Of those, seven came from three individuals.
US Equestrian has fielded questions about whether hemp bedding could inadvertently cause a positive test, particularly as it has become more popular. To date, we have found no correlation between the positive CBD findings and the use of hemp bedding.
Remember to check your horse’s supplement program to ensure there are no ingredients that could create an inadvertent finding, and keep in mind that words like “holistic,” “plant-based” or “natural” don’t necessarily mean that the supplement doesn’t contain substances that could be in violation of USEF’s policies. Many substances, including potent drugs and prohibited herbal products, are plant-derived.
You should also be aware that supplements may contain ingredients not listed on the label, and may be unintentionally contaminated with substances they’re not intended to have.
“Regardless of the source, CBD and its metabolites should not be in a competing horse,” said Dr. Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator of Testing Programs at US Equestrian. “Just because something’s natural or organic doesn’t mean it’s safe for the horse ... or that it’s proven to be effective.”
For more information on Drugs and Medications policies, visit our website , email [email protected], or call 800-633-2472.