Last Friday, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) released, rather out of the blue, a really surprising press release. The VMD is the regulator for the manufacture, sale, prescription and use of veterinary medicines in the UK, and in this press release, they have formally declared that “The VMD considers that veterinary products containing Cannabidiol [CBD, a substance derived from the cannabis plant] are veterinary medicines.” In this blog, we’re going to be looking at the consequences of this ruling!
What does it mean to be considered as a veterinary medicine?
While it may seem logical that any medicine given to animals is by definition a veterinary medicine, this isn’t actually the case. A veterinary medicine is defined as being either:
- Medicinal by presentation – in that it gives the averagely well informed person the impression that it treats, cures or otherwise influences a disease state (i.e. the manufacturer says it does something). This is why most food supplements and tonics, for example, do not state that they treat disease – just that they may “support animals with” a condition.
- Medicinal by function – in that it has a significant and measurable effect on the body (i.e. it actually does do something).
Any product or active ingredient that meets either of these criteria comes under the regulation of the VMD. If a product is ineffective, and does nothing at all, the VMD aren’t interested unless the manufacturer is defrauding their customers by claiming that it does. On the other hand, if it does work, then it definitely comes under their purview.
Why did they make this change?
The press release states that they consider that cannabidiol to be “medicinal by function” – in other words, they have concluded that it does in fact have a clinical effect on animal’s bodies. The reasons behind this sudden change in opinion are not immediately clear, but personally I suspect that there are three major factors:
- There is a great deal of interest in cannabidiol’s therapeutic properties in human medicine – even the World Health Organisation (WHO) has now issued a formal review of it. There’s actually a cannabidiol medication licensed in the USA now for use in humans for some (quite rare) types of epilepsy. If a drug has a biological effect on one mammal species (humans), it is likely to have effects (if not exactly the same) on other distantly related species (such as dogs or cats). It would be rather perverse for the VMD to claim it was ineffective in animals when the WHO is citing animal studies in their research.
- As a result of several high-profile cases of children with epileptic disorders whose symptoms were reportedly alleviated by cannabis-based medications, this summer the UK government announced a relaxation of the regulations around these products – this is probably part of that process.
- Increasing numbers of animal owners are sourcing cannabidiol as a “nutritional supplement” but are using it to treat disease, in some cases apparently without veterinary input. This is seen as a concern for animal welfare, because products manufactured as food supplements are not as well regulated as medicines which have a potent active ingredient.
What is cannabidiol, and what is it used for?
Cannabidiol – or CBD – is a natural product of the cannabis plant. There are a huge number of potentially active ingredients in the plant, but most interest has focussed on two – Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive, moderately addictive and possibly pro-seizure, pro-anxiety component; and CBD, which many researchers believe has the opposite properties.
In human medicine, the best evidence is for use in certain treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy. There is however some evidence that it may be effective in some other conditions, especially as a painkiller, for reducing anxiety, for modulating the immune response, and for managing side effects of other medications, among others.
Unfortunately, the evidence for its effectiveness is still rather weak, with some studies finding very positive results and others struggling to confirm them. In animals, there is relatively little evidence of the drug’s effectiveness, although some American vets are experimenting with it for its pain relief properties, and at least one study has suggested a clinical effect. Anecdotally, some vets are reporting great results, but there is always the risk of unconscious bias in these situations, which is why we need well-designed clinical trials and studies.
OK it’s considered as a medicine – so what?
Well this is where it gets a bit controversial. It is illegal for any person to use a medicine in an animal unless the medication is licensed and authorised (there is a partial exception for medications prescribed by a vet). As a result, it is now illegal to buy any CBD products to give them to animals unless you have a veterinary prescription for it.
Surely that’s outrageous? They’ve decided that it works so they’re going to ban it!
Not quite! While they thought the drug didn’t do anything, there wasn’t a problem – because while it might not help the patient, it wouldn’t do any harm either. However, now that the evidence suggests it does work, that means it may have significant side effects if used inappropriately. By bringing it under regulation, anyone who wants to sell it must prove two things before they get a license – first, that it does actually work (and not just one single trial, but a whole series of data), and second, that it is in fact safe for use at such-and-such a dose in a particular species. This is the whole point of the veterinary medicines regulations – to make sure that we know what the risks and the benefits of using it actually are (not just the hype from the manufacturers), so that you and your vet can make an educated decision as to whether or not it is suitable for your pet.
What does this mean for my pet?
If you are already using CBD, you need to talk to your vet about getting a prescription for it. With a prescription, you can legally purchase human CBD products (there aren’t yet any licensed veterinary forms); without one, you are breaking the law.
However… if you aren’t, this change in the law has been widely circulated among the profession, and I suspect a lot of vets who were very skeptical before might be more willing to trial the product now.
In either case, if you think your pet may have a condition that might benefit from CBD, it’s time for a conversation with your vet about it. It may be that it doesn’t work in animals – we don’t know for sure yet – but if it does, it could be a very valuable addition to our armoury.
Discussion
Yes, CBD has a range of benefits along with side effect depends on its uses and proper application.
and the cannabis plant was here when we came about too funny eh a plant that helps us all massively and we are being encircled by excuses to make us pay for over the odds meds for humans and animals and vets prescriptions are the highest in the world and people are prayed on for the love of there animals
So too was cyanide in almond seeds here when we came about… that doesn’t mean its safe!
marc to the point , we never had big drug companies years ago only herbalists and please big paharma cant just produce something out of nothing they combine cultures plants etc which is great but they then try to lock all the public from the knowledge that they forced us to lose many years ago ,
dogs just pure dogs and that’s the truth if any vet has any guts about them they would look into natural therapies and not be led by the drugs game it is them who cause some of the long term suffering in pets by giving meds that have long term side effects and them being contradictory when saying they use some human drugs on animals that work so as mentioned above why is cbd any different to humans than dogs and why is it made to be prescription only
answer big bucks
It has not been made prescription only – the VMD have asked manufacturers to prove that it is safe and effective. Once that is done, the manufacturers can apply for a license as AVM-GSL (over the counter) if they want. Only if there are significant risks will the VMD insist on a higher legal classification. However, at this point in time there are no licensed products and therefore the Cascade is the legal basis on which we have to operate. The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 only permit the use of unlicensed products that have pharmacological actions under the direction of a veterinary surgeon, hence the current situation.
If you read the regulations, you will see how the legal system around veterinary medicines works, it is NOT the same as human medicines and supplements, largely to protect animal welfare (an animal cannot consent to trying something untested and unlicensed, as a human can).
as vets you should do you’re studying as there is worldwide research available , as we do at cearmed .com cbd stimulates your own endocannabinoid system which acts on all of the receptors cb1 cb2 , animals have the same system as us , so why is it and please answer this question , the euro and uk government have made cbd hemp oil a supplement base product , so how can the veterinary service say thats its a medicine it flys straight in the face of contradiction , so to put it plainly its all about money and the vast amounts vets make and that’s the truth .
we are taking it legal very soon . The euro union have already passed cbd dog treats for consumption after many stringent tests as we all new it would be safe because at the mitochondrial level the cbd in hemp almost mirrors our own system best supplement ever and funny how big pharma have been producing it for over 60 years in the uk away from prying eyes eh how funny .
It’s a matter of animal welfare. The VMD have accepted that the product has a physiological effect; therefore, before it’s sold on that basis, there must be tests to prove that the product is safe (as in research, not just anecdote) and that it is effective at whatever you want it to do. If it’s so easy to prove that it’s safe and efficacious, then I would urge you to do so, submit your documentation, and be the first company to sell the product legally.
Can this oil help my Dobie with her itchy skin shes had tablets from the vet 3weeks supply £145 shes been off them a week and started itching again
Probably not – although I would strongly advise talking to your vet. Cannabidiol is not well understood and although we think it has relatively little effect on the itch/scratch cycle, it cannot be ruled out that it might make your dog feel a bit better. However, it is only legal to use on prescription; in addition, there are other medications that are much more effective at controlling the underlying causes atopy and allergies, rather than just masking them.
ok I agree with you to say that. thansk
thanks for share nice information regarding cbd oil, i have try cbd oil Products . cbd oil help my mind refresh all body parts, so i can only buy this product only official sites.
You can buy it for people at official sites; for animals in the UK it is illegal to do so without a prescription from your vet.
I am a CBD product developer for a large CBD manufacturer based in the UK. I have used CBD on my own dog with addisons disease with fantastic results. In the past 6 months we have trialled CBD with a veterinary practice and a refuge for abused animals and the results are remarkable. I was sad to hear the Cannabidiol would become a prescription medicine. The trials will have to be stopped and the pets will suffer. There has been no danger found to any mammals and it should be up to the animal owners if they want to give it to their pet. Hemp (the source plant for cannabinoids) was the most widely grown plant In this country not much more than 100 years ago. Animals have consumed it since the beginning of time feeding their endo cannabinoid system and maintaining a balanced state of mental and physical health. We will work to gain the correct accreditation for veterinary medicine but no doubt it will only be available to the chosen few with the right connections and will be given to the animal owners at a premium price 🙁
I think you’ve misunderstood the reasons that the VMD have reclassified it. Any product whatsoever that has a provable medicinal function in animals is in law a veterinary medicinal product. By notifying us of the reclassification of cannabidiol, the VMD is stating that they agree that it works (or at least, that it can work for some conditions) – and that therefore it has to be regulated. Drugs that don’t do anything are safe; those that have a pharmacological effect by their very nature CAN, under the wrong circumstances, cause harm. Therefore, manufacturers like yourself will have to prove that the drug is both safe and effective. If it is indeed as safe and useful as you believe, then it will easily gain a license.
If, however, we are wrong and we’ve allowed the caretaker placebo to mislead us (something we’re all prone to – I’ve done it with medications I was sure were effective and we now know aren’t), then organised and regulated pre- and post-marketing trials will tell us that too. Ultimately, the animals win out by getting effective and safe products. “I know it’s safe” is not an effective argument compared to “I can show that it’s safe”.
It’s just a shame the way they have gone about it. In a similar way the MHRA attempted to withdraw it from shelves back in 2016 and 1000’s of patients were made to feel like criminals for something that has no dangerous side effects. It’s now the same with animals. In the US which is miles ahead of us in terms of research of cannabinoids pet products have been on sale for years with no restriction. It’s not just cannabidiol that is an issue there are so many herbal medicines which can support both humans and animals that we ignore because of lack of evidence but the reality should be that as a society we make these natural medicines a priority for study instead of pumping billions into new drug formulations which more often than not have negative side effects which plant medicine does not. Sorry if I appear argumentative it just upsets me the policy for development of drugs appears from an outsiders point of view to be based on profit not patients.
Hi Marc, what dosage and strength of CBD did you give your dog? And was it in tincture or capsules? Thanks
Remember, using CBD without a prescription is a criminal offence. I’d strongly advise you to get advice from your vet before using it off-license.
I’m all for CBD but I’m hugely skeptical that it’s actually good for anything when it comes to animals. From what I’ve seen the main reason it works so well for humans is because it has a mentally relaxing effect, which helps with the main things it’s used to treat – pain, sleep and anxiety. It doesn’t seem to have any real physiological effect, which I would think would be necessary for it to be an effective treatment for animals. But I could be wrong, I’m no vet.
I think CBD works for animals the same way like for people.
Were can I get CBD oil for my dog , US don’t seem to be shipping over UK now , is their a site I can get it from UK
There are no forms of CBD oil licensed for use in the UK. It is a criminal offence to import CBD for dogs; it is also illegal to use human forms in dogs without a prescription from your vet. As a result, the best option would be to discuss it with your vet and ask for a written prescription for the appropriate product.
That seems likely, but not certain – paracetamol for example is thought to work on the endocannabinoid system but is far more dangerous in some species than others (cats compared to humans, for example).
I would suggest studying the endo cannabinoid system and how important it is to all mammals. We all need cannabinoids in the same way we need vitamins, oils, amino acids etc. It is becoming evident the main cause of auto immune diseases is an endo cannabinoid deficiency. There is currently ground breaking research which will alter the face of the planet in the next few years.
An interesting idea I’ve heard discussed before, although I’ve not seen any high-quality evidence presented yet; I will await the publication of this research with interest.
I think most vets are pretty skeptical about CDB too! However, we are increasingly realising that stress and anxiety are relatively common in dogs and cats – like us, they’re animals with sophisticated brains that are very similar to ours (albeit less complex) and respond in very similar ways to some psychoactive drugs. For example, we are increasingly using human anti-anxiety and antidepression medications to help manage complex behavioural cases.
More specifically, there is also research data suggesting that CBD may help to reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms in dogs. However, this is an area of research that is in it’s very early stages, and personally, I’d like to see a lot more data before we use the drug more widely – we simply do not yet know if a dog’s brain or body responds to CBD in the same way as a human’s yet.
My dog us 12 n half senior vet has told me it looks like mouth cancer chemo and that is going to cost me thousands ? And my baby will be in pain.what are my options if i cant get cbd??
CBD is often used to help manage the side effects and pain from tumours and chemotherapy, but there’s no good evidence that it is effective at treating the tumour itself in dogs. I think the most important thing will be to have an honest talk with your vet and decide what’s in your dog’s best interests – chemotherapy is one option, but there may be others. For example, would surgery alone be an option – which would be cheaper and might have less side effects? Or, given that your dog’s over 12 years old, would palliative treatment be the best thing for them – managing the symptoms and any discomfort to keep them comfortable and happy for as long as possible? Of course, your vet can always write you a prescription so that you can buy CBD legally if they think it’s appropriate.
This is a horrible situation to be in, and I am so sorry it’s happened to you. However, CBD oil is not a miracle cure, so your dog isn’t missing out if it isn’t available; it’s more important now to think about your pet’s quality of life, and to maintain it for as long as possible. All the best, David.
Hi
I found your website online. I’m based in the UK who are fairly behind with Cbd benefit knowledge and there are no vets here I can seek advice from.
My dog has an aggressive form of Lymphoma and I have declined the Chemotherapy they offered.
The have given me predisnone (Steroids) to help Relieve the symptoms, however I have read online using CBD with this drug can inhibit its effects.
I’m unsure what to do and as you seem to specialise in this area I want to seek your advice and whethet you can ship products to the UK?
Your help would be greatly appreciated. I don’t want her to suffer.
Warm Regards
Joanna
Dear Joanna,
We’re UK based as well! However, we’re not a retailer or a practice, we’re a veterinary advice company, so I’m afraid we can’t help you with sourcing the product. Bear in mind the legal issues, however – it is a criminal offence to use CBD products on dogs in the UK without a valid veterinary prescription. As a result, I would advise you to discuss the matter with your vet – there are links to the (very limited) studies that have been carried out in dogs within the blog.
I recently visited my vet re my elderly Labrador who has been on Tramadol and Gabapentin for some time. For the past year (approx) I have also given him CBD oil. The difference in his mobility is remarkable in that he wants to extend his walks and I have weened him off Gabapentin and reduced the Tramadol to 100mg per day instead of 200mg per day. I hope to reduce this further. He is happy, cheeky and interested and for a large dog that will be 13 years old soon I am happy I am able to enjoy walks with him again. He doesn’t run now but he is happy and is enjoying his salad days relatively pain free.