Do fireworks stoke anxiety in your bestie? Awareness and sales of CBD have skyrocketed following the legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. Eager consumers are turning to CBD to relieve chronic conditions, including stress and anxiety – in their pets.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of dozens of compounds that can be extracted from cannabis. Often confused with THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD is highly regarded for its calming and pain relief properties but does not carry any of the active ingredients that THC has. In addition to recent discoveries that dogs suffering from epilepsy and arthritis benefited significantly when treated with CBD, there also is evidence that CBD may help relieve pet anxiety and stress. Although the FDA has not yet approved CBD for human or pet consumption (CBD has been approved by a number of states), consumers have jumped on the news. The 2020 Pet Industry Green Paper from Nielsen found that 26% of U.S. adults with dogs are using CBD products-half for their dogs, half for only themselves. Nielsen predicts pet products will represent 3-5% of all hemp CBD sales in the U.S. by 2025 (approximately 10x its current level). “Hemp-CBD is exploding in the pet space,” said Maria Lange of Nielsen.
One thing is clear: the world of CBD is ever-expanding and pets are likely to benefit in a major way.
And with Fourth of July fireworks this weekend, the calming benefits of CBD may help keep your pets feeling safe and calm!