PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. —Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, products are arguably the biggest craze right now, with products hitting shelves in a variety of forms for people and for pets.
“We get a lot of questions about CBD oil, mostly because people are looking for what may be a safer alternative to opiates or stronger medication.” said Dr. Joseph Church, a veterinarian at Plattsburgh Animal Hospital. “We’re trying to figure out if the drug is 1 safe and 2 effective.”
Church said it’s still a bit of a waiting game in the industry, as studies try to determine the exact impact of CBD on animals. He said he was anticipating the results of large research study by Colorado State University.
Church said most of the people who are bringing questions to him are asking about managing pain, but also the possibility of CBD treating cancer and epilepsy. He said longer-term studies need to be done to ensure the long term effects of the product are fully understood.
“There’s just not enough information yet,” he said.
While veterinarians cannot prescribe CBD because of regulation problems, Church said to start a conversation with your vet if it’s something you’re interested in trying for your animal.
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