BigStock The problem with cannabinoids for anxious, painful cats is complex, but cats are not the problem. Nor are cannabinoids. The difficulty in obtaining, discussing, and dispensing THC-free products stems from uneven regulations; their hard-to-decipher justifications keep veterinarians confused and cats’ needs unaddressed. When compared to other veterinary herbal supplements, cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have received far more research attention than any other. Yet, many veterinarians across North America fear professional or legal repercussions, including loss of licensure, if they recommend or even discuss cannabis with their clients. This is not the case for other herbal products, even when those plant-based drugs have little to no scientific testing, quality control, target species research, or evidence of safety or effectiveness. This situation leaves cat owners reliant on advice they receive from social media, sales staff at the pet store, or bud-tenders at the human cannabis dispensary (Clients may not be aware some CBD products for people have flavoring agents that are toxic to pets). A look at safety Based on published research and adverse event reporting to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hemp-based cannabinoids seem far safer than pharmaceutical analgesics and anxiolytics for cats. For frunevetmab (Solensia), for example, the FDA received nearly 4,000 reports of adverse drug events between January 2022 and June 2024.1 No unconflicted long- or short-term safety studies on frunevetmab exist, other than one report of severe cutaneous lesions following injections.2 Opioids, NSAIDs, and other pharmaceuticals may work in the short run, but are generally unsuitable or unsafe for chronic administration.3 As Robertson et al. noted, “Feline pain has been under-treated largely as a result of fear of side effects of traditional analgesics and lack of pharmaceutical products with market authorisation (sic) for this species.”3 Further, “There is considerable potential for NSAID toxicity in cats. Their deficiency of glucuronidation pathways results in slow metabolism of several NSAIDs, particularly the phenolic compounds. This prolongs the duration of effect and may lead to drug accumulation.” At the end of their paper on pain management for cats, the authors conclude, “Chronic pain is more difficult to treat in cats. NSAIDs are the mainstay of chronic pain management in most species but none are licensed for this purpose in cats; care must be taken with the dose and dosing interval to avoid toxicity. Some of the less conventional analgesics including the tricyclic anti-depressants, gabapentin, and nutraceuticals may prove to play a useful role in chronic pain management, but controlled clinical trials are needed to establish the best doses for maximum efficacy.”3 On fear and anxiety Medications for fear and anxiety in cats have their own set of problems.4 Dexmedetomidine can cause sedation, hypersalivation, and vomiting. Gabapentin reportedly does, too, and can also induce ataxia. Trazodone in cats may lead to all the signs listed above, plus gagging, diarrhea, paradoxical excitation. Despite its common use, gabapentin use for anxiety in cats remains extra-label and has “no peer-reviewed efficacy or dose determination studies for this indication.”5 “Trazodone is used extra-label in dogs and cats, and has undergone no dose determination studies.” Moreover, “Studies evaluating medications are inconsistent in their use of terminology and fail to differentiate between calming versus anti-anxiety versus sedative effects. These differences matter. This lack of clarity complicates recommendations for use. For licensed medications, regulatory agencies require that anxiolytic and sedative effects are distinguishable and that the anxiolytic effects occur without overt sedation. These distinguishing data are lacking for most of the published studies involving trazodone.” From a One Health perspective, dispensing psychoactive pharmaceuticals for cats with anxiety introduces the potential for drug diversion. As Erickson et al. describe, “All benzodiazepines are abusable by humans and are controlled substances. Gabapentin is increasingly listed as a controlled substance due to its concomitant use with opioids in addiction and the subsequent increased risk of fatal overdose. Not all medications belong in all client households. In addition to asking clients if there is anyone in the household or who visits the household who has a substance abuse issue, risk can be minimized by prescribing small amounts of medications that can only be renewed by talking with the veterinarian and with evidence of a beneficial effect (video, completed patient logs). Medication must be secured within the household, and clients should be cautioned not to advertise its presence. Re-examinations present an opportunity to review risks and benefits. All medications can be dispensed using a schedule and oversight that make abuse both difficult and more obvious.”6 A look at regulation In contrast, the side effects of CBD for cats appear negligible or at least more controllable when compared to legally prescribed pharmaceuticals. Cats don’t die from CBD. Their kidneys don’t fail, and they don’t self-mutilate with debilitating pruritus. Clients are not likely to indulge in their cat’s CBD formula when they can readily obtain their own. As Masataka stated, “CBD is the primary non-euphorizing and nonaddictive compound of cannabis. In humans, recently, it has been shown to possess considerable therapeutic potential for treating a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders. They include chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, psychosis, and anxiety. The interaction of CBD with the serotonin receptor exerted analgesic and anxiolytic effects. In addition to humans, both dogs and cats are provided with such endocannabinoid system with which CBD interacts almost in the same manner researchers think it does in humans. Consequently, the use of CBD-rich hemp products is becoming popular among pet owners.”7 And yet, in many jurisdictions, veterinarians cannot legally recommend CBD for cats. Why? It has been tested in felids with separation anxiety,8 pain,9 and for long-term dosing safety.10 With typically available dosing formulations, clients can titrate amounts given to accommodate problems with loose stools, salivation, or under-dosing. Companies that demonstrate strong commitment to research and transparency provide certificates of analysis (COAs) for each product batch. What is the value of a COA? “Simply put, a COA shows you exactly what the product contains. A COA will tell you which cannabinoids are present and in what quantities, which terpenes are present and the potency of the product. For example, you can see how much CBD, how much CBDA, how many different terpenes, and the mg/ml, which tells you the potency. If you are speaking with a reputable company, a COA should be available for each product you plan on trying or have already purchased.”11 A look at Canada Canada’s highly restrictive position on CBD for animals seems particularly contradictory given the fact it legalized cannabis nationwide for humans in 2018. BigStock “Subject to provincial or territorial restrictions, adults who are 18 years of age or older are legally able to 1) Possess up to 30 grams of legal cannabis, dried or equivalent in non-dried form in public, 2) Share up to 30 grams of legal cannabis with other adults, 3) Buy dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil from a provincially-licensed retailer, 4) In provinces and territories without a regulated retail framework, individuals are able to purchase cannabis online from federally-licensed producers, 5) Grow, from licensed seed or seedlings, up to four cannabis plants per residence for personal use, and 6) Make cannabis products, such as food and drinks, at home as long as organic solvents are not used to create concentrated products.”12 With cannabis legalized for human adults without a prescription, can veterinarians in Canada legally prescribe, dispense, or authorize cannabis products for pets? No. According to the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC), veterinarians may advise their clients that “There are currently no cannabidiol (CBD) products approved by Health Canada and therefore no legal pathway to obtain these products. The National Compliance Section, Office of Controlled Substances, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch of Health Canada has advised that cannabis (marijuana) and cannabidiol (CBD) are Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and that there are currently no approved CBD products for animals, meaning there is no legal pathway to obtain these products for animals in Canada. It is not enough that CBD oil or related products may be offered through a licensed supplier in Canada–the supplier must also be supplying a CBD product that is approved by Health Canada.”13 No products are currently authorized by Health Canada for animal use. This leaves a nation of cats and dogs unable to access high-quality cannabis preparations that are showing strong potential to reduce pain and suffering. What clients do have access to are often poorly labeled, untested CBD treats and extracts from the local dog and cat boutique. How is that fair? For more information on Canada’s approach to CBD for animals, see “Towards a pathway for health products containing cannabidiol: Veterinary drugs containing cannabidiol for animal use.”14 “Veterinary health products” permitted as “low-risk drugs” in Canada15 The Government of Canada has, as of this writing, not approved any cannabis formulation for veterinary use.16 However, it does list “permitted active homeopathic and traditional medicine substances that are used to make a Veterinary Health Product (VHP).” The government describes these VHPs as “low-risk drugs in dosage form used to maintain or promote the health and welfare of companion and food-producing animals.” The problem is, who determines “dosage form”? The resources listed as “qualifiers” for each traditional medicine’s “product formulation” contain abundant anecdotal recommendations for human use. What’s more, the information is not based on rigorous, modern, scientific evidence published in mainstream journals. Obviously, what might pass for an acceptable amount for a human does not, de facto, translate into safe and effective treatments for cats, dogs, horses, birds, and bovine individuals. Specifically, List C: Veterinary Health Products, Part 3: Traditional Medicines cites the following as reference standards:15 Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research by Chen et al. Art of Medicine Press (2008) Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies by Scheid et al. Eastland Press (2015) Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica by Bensky et al. Eastland Press (2015) Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology by Chen et al. Art of Medicine Press Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China The State Pharmacopoeia Commission of the People’s Republic of China (2004). Years of latest versions found by this author are shown to highlight further distinctions between what is available for traditional medicines and phytocannabinoids. In fact, if one accepts as legitimizing a Chinese herb’s anecdotal or historical use, how does cannabis not qualify, considering its lengthy and well-documented history of medicinal use in veterinary species?17 On the other hand, if one requires rigorous, science-based publications on the pharmacokinetics, physiologic effects, and safety of phytocannabinoids compounds as studied in non-human animals (dogs, cats, birds (parrots), horses, and cattle18), on what basis does the government justify keeping phytocannabinoids products unapproved for veterinary use while allowing 145 untested and unscrutinized traditional medicines? Table 1 presents potential downsides of several “Traditional Medicines” listed on Canada’s website that should not be overlooked. This table includes a sampling of just 12 of the 145 traditional medicines that have been deemed low risk Veterinary Health Products by the Government of Canada. TABLE 1: “Traditional Medicine” Risks, adverse effects, etc., reported in humans that call into question the “low risk” aspect of veterinary health products from List C, Part 3, Traditional Medicines15 Agastache rugosa May alter blood coagulation properties depending on concentration of chemical constituents in a particular formulation.19 Albizia julibrissin Insufficient reliable information to assess safety even for humans. Carries a moderate risk of interacting with CNS depressants and may interfere with anesthesia during surgery. 20 Amomum villosum Often grown in soils polluted by heavy metals21 Andrographis paniculata May cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, loss of taste, increased liver enzyme levels, and interact with anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and immunosuppressants.22 Anemarrhena asphodeloides Susceptible to heavy metal accumulation, especially when sourced from areas with high risk of contamination. Primary heavy metals monitored for this herb include lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. Angelica dahurica At risk of heavy metal contamination.23 Angelica sinensis May be photosensitizing and contains constituents possibly linked to causing estrogen-linked cancer. May slow blood clotting and increase risk of bleeding during and after surgery.24 Arctium lappa (burdock root) May cause allergic reactions (dermatitis), hypoglycemia, and liver damage in rare instances. May interact with medications used for blood-glucose-lowering, anticoagulant, or diuretic effects. Bupleurum chinense Saikosaponins in bupleurum may cause inflammation and lesions in the liver. May interact with immunosuppressants, making them less effective. Saikosaponins may also raise blood glucose levels, reducing the effectiveness of anti-diabetic medications. Can have anticoagulant effects. Cimicifuga heracleifolia Possible hepatotoxic potential.25 Cinnamomum cassia Susceptible to lead contamination. Reduces blood glucose. Codonopsis pilosula High doses cause dizziness, headache, confusion, chest pain, throat pain, and bleeding problems.26 Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA, practices osteopathic medicine and veterinary medicine. Dr. Robinson taught science-based integrative medicine at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences for 20 years. In 2016, Robinson established CuraCore VET in Fort Collins, Colo., where she teaches medical acupuncture, integrative rehabilitation, medical massage, and other integrative medical approaches. Dr. Robinson is now offering certification programs in both Sidney, B.C., and Colorado. Columnists’ opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Veterinary Practice News. References https://www.fda.gov/media/180523/download Storrer A, Mackie JT, Gunew MN, Aslan J. Cutaneous lesions and clinical outcomes in five cats after frunevetmab injections. J Feline Med Surg. 2023 Nov;25(11):1098612X231198416. doi: 10.1177/1098612X231198416. PMID: 37975186; PMCID: PMC10812000. Robertson SA, Taylor PM. Pain management in cats--past, present and future. Part 2. Treatment of pain--clinical pharmacology. J Feline Med Surg. 2004 Oct;6(5):321-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2003.10.002. PMID: 15363764; PMCID: PMC10822209. Erickson A, Harbin K, MacPherson J, Rundle K, Overall KL. A review of pre-appointment medications to reduce fear and anxiety in dogs and cats at veterinary visits. Can Vet J. 2021 Sep;62(9):952-960. PMID: 34475580; PMCID: PMC8360309. Ibid. Ibid. Masataka N. Is cannabidiol (CBD) effective to ease separation anxiety? Heliyon. 2024 Feb 5;10(3):e25851. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25851. PMID: 38356586; PMCID: PMC10865324. Ibid. Niño Cital S, Wakshlag J, Kennedy A, Tittle D, Petty M. Cats and cannabinoids: past, present and future. J Feline Med Surg. 2025 Sep;27(9):1098612X251365392. doi: 10.1177/1098612X251365392. Epub 2025 Sep 18. PMID: 40968477; PMCID: PMC12446805. Coltherd JC, Bednall R, Bakke AM, Ellerby Z, Newman C, Watson P, Logan DW, Holcombe LJ. Healthy cats tolerate long-term daily feeding of Cannabidiol. Front Vet Sci. 2024 Jan 24;10:1324622. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1324622. PMID: 38327816; PMCID: PMC10847353. https://www.ellevetsciences.com/certificate-of-analysis-new/?srsltid=AfmBOoqV5MJu5ggWRKMtJWY8Z30OCO5PdnITJ_NksYaPmqoGYuyTyddZ https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/ https://www.cvbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Medical-Marijuana-and-Cannabidiol-Guidelines.pdf https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-towards-pathway-products-containing-cannabidiol/veterinary-drugs-animal-use.html About List C: Veterinary health products. Accessed on February 18, 2026, at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/veterinary-drugs/antimicrobial-resistance/lists-incorporated-by-reference/about-list-c.html “There is no established legal framework in Canada that allows veterinarians to prescribe cannabis-based medications for animals or permits manufacture and marketing of cannabis-based products (including pet food) specifically for pets.” Pinto K, Requicha JF. Cannabis sativa in veterinary medicine: Foundations and therapeutic applications. Can Vet J. 2024 Sep;65(9):948-958. PMID: 39219599; PMCID: PMC11339888. “Cannabis (C. sativa) for medicinal purposes is not recent. The ancient Chinese Pharmacopoeia (the Pen Ts’ao Ching), written in the 3rd century BCE, described cannabis as a medicinal plant to treat a wide variety of diseases and symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, and some mental disorders. Despite various ethnobotanical references, knowledge on cannabis was very limited until the 19th century, when the Irish physician William Brooke O’Shaughnessy began research in India in 1839, including clinical trials on rats, rabbits, cats, dogs, and horses for treating rheumatism, convulsions, cholera, tetanus, and hydrophobia, and reported that a cannabis extract was an effective antispasmodic. Cannabis for medicinal or recreational purposes was common in Europe and the United States between 1850 and 1930 and was sold in pharmacies for analgesic purposes. The first study on the use of cannabis (THC-rich cannabis, Cannabis indica) in domestic animals (dogs) by the physician and pharmacist Walter E. Dixon was published in 1899.” Pinto K, Requicha JF. Cannabis sativa in veterinary medicine: Foundations and therapeutic applications. Can Vet J. 2024 Sep;65(9):948-958. PMID: 39219599; PMCID: PMC11339888. “Although CBD is not approved for use in cattle, plasma concentrations have potential for pain relief, appetite stimulation, and inflammation modulation. Determining pharmacokinetic parameters of CBD could guide future research into its therapeutic efficacy in cattle, as well as appropriate withdrawal periods in livestock and products for human consumption.” Pinto K, Requicha JF. Cannabis sativa in veterinary medicine: Foundations and therapeutic applications. Can Vet J. 2024 Sep;65(9):948-958. PMID: 39219599; PMCID: PMC11339888. Cao P, Xie P, Wang X, Wang J, Wei J, Kang WY. Chemical constituents and coagulation activity of Agastache rugosa. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Feb 6;17(1):93. doi: 20.1186/s12906-017-1592-8. PMID: 28166786; PMCID: PMC5294890. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1451/albizia-julibrissin#overview https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651323012939 https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/andrographis https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651321004474#:~:text=As%20natural%20components%20of%20the,as%20listed%20in%20Table%201 https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-936/dong-quai https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273230015300167#:~:text=No%2Dobserved%2Dadverse%2Deffect,potential%20of%20the%20CH%20extract https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-630/codonopsis#precaution
