• CBD may have combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential anti-arthritic agent(1). CBD’s anti-arthritic effect may be beneficial for horses with osteoarthritis. 
  • A single dose of up to 250mg of CBD may be relatively safe for horses, providing fundamental knowledge on equine dosing(2). 
  • The Food and Drug Administration or FDA has not approved the use of CBD on animals(3). 
  • Clinical research on the safety and effectiveness of CBD on horses is still in its early stages. Therefore, longitudinal research is necessary.

See the Best CBD for Horses in 2022

How CBD May Work for Horses 

Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, is a cannabinoid present in cannabis plants. Studies regarding CBD and its efficacy on horses are still in their infancy. 

However, CBD’s purported health benefits and activity in the ECS (endocannabinoid system) may help elucidate how CBD may work for horses. 

Do Horses Have an Endocannabinoid System?

Mammals like dogs, cats, and horses have an endocannabinoid system(4). This system has an essential role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis or balance. 

One of the three components of the ECS is the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). Cannabinoids CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) interact with CB1 and CB2(5).

CB1 receptors primarily reside in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily spread throughout the peripheral nervous system.  

A 2019 study from the journal Animals indicated that cannabinoid receptors participate in various biological processes, including pain, anxiety, inflammation, immune function, bone growth, and metabolic regulation(6). 

Cannabidiol has a little binding affinity for cannabinoid receptors. Still, the non-psychoactive compound may have strong anti-inflammatory effects by indirect activation of CB1 receptors through inhibition of endocannabinoid inactivation(7).

Researchers in the field of veterinary medicine who want to explore CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory effects on horses’ health conditions may find these studies helpful.

Benefits of CBD Oil for Horses: Is CBD Oil a Good Option for Equines?

Equine osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that compromises a horse’s joint health and mobility. This health condition causes pain and inflammation in the affected joint(8). 

An animal study featuring a murine collagen-induced arthritis model indicated that CBD may have combined immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising anti-arthritic agent(9). CBD’s potential anti-arthritic effect may help horses with osteoarthritis. 

One reason people use CBD is its purported calming effect(10). 

Meanwhile, CBD may help calm horses by reducing their stress levels without associated health risks(11). 

Researchers from Murray State University evaluated CBD’s safety and efficacy on horse movement and reactivity(12). 

Project 1 studied the bioavailability of a single 50mg dose of CBD oil and CBD pellet. Bioavailability is the extent to which a particular substance becomes entirely available to one’s system.

The researchers administered CBD oil to one of the two quarter horse geldings (castrated male horses) while giving the second quarter horse CBD pellets.  

The study’s authors observed that blood samples for serum CBD concentration occurred following one to two hours post-administration. Both CBD oil and CBD pellets were below LLOQ (lower limit of quantification).

On the other hand, Project 2 assessed the pharmacokinetics of CBD pellets at 50mg, 100mg, and 250mg in 18 stock-type geldings in a single feeding. 

The findings suggested that a single dose of up to 250mg of CBD may be safe for horses, providing basic knowledge on equine dosing(13). 

Another study from Equine Veterinary Education observed how cannabidiol may help a horse with mechanical allodynia(14), a painful sensation triggered by harmless stimuli like a light touch. 

The study featured a four-year-old quarter horse mare with a marked sensitivity near its shoulder region for five weeks. Initially, the researchers gave the mare regular pain treatment. However, the medication failed to help.

The researchers then gave the mare 0.5mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight twice daily. Their findings suggested that although they slowly reduced the dose to 0.33mg/kg once daily, CBD still appeared to be effective(15). 

Although these studies seem promising, they are inconclusive. Therefore, more longitudinal research is needed to determine the benefits of CBD, particularly CBD oil, on horses. 

Is CBD Oil for Horses Safe?

Little is known about CBD’s long-term safety on horses. However, CBD in most cannabis pet supplements is sourced from hemp, naturally containing low THC concentrations(16). 

CBD has similar biomedical activity to THC. However, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid does not cause intoxication(17). 

Notably, CBD appears to counteract the undesirable effects of THC when administered concomitantly(18). 

The Anti-Cruelty Society stated that CBD may be safe for animals(19). Still, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not endorse CBD for use in animals(20). 

Randall Gnatt, a senior regulatory officer in the Office of Surveillance and Compliance in the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, said that the agency is not at a point where it can say that CBD products are safe for use(21).  

Additionally, the effects of CBD and cannabis on nonhuman animal species are inconclusive, especially in terms of the accumulation of residues in the edible tissues of food-producing animals(22). 

For this reason, Gnatt emphasized the importance of rigorous scientific research into the safety and potential therapeutic uses of CBD and other cannabis-derived products for animals(23). 

CBD Dosage for Horses

The current CBD dosage recommendation for horses is between 25mg and 50mg daily(24). However, these doses are based on small animal dosages and may not be appropriate on a bodyweight basis(25). 

Meanwhile, a study suggested that a single dose of up to 250mg of CBD may be relatively safe for horses(26). 

Still, it is best to initiate an open dialogue with veterinarians(27). These professionals may advise how much CBD a horse needs.  

The state veterinary medical board mandates veterinarians in the U.S. on how much they are allowed to guide their clients regarding CBD product usage(28). 

Therefore, equestrians, horse owners, or equine caretakers must prepare for potential limitations should they initiate a conversation with their veterinarians regarding CBD.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of CBD Oil for Horses?

A 2020 study regarding the pharmacokinetics and effects of a pelleted CBD supplement on horses’ reactivity and movement suggested that cannabidiol lacks the degree of adverse side effects in short-term therapeutic studies(29). 

Since studies regarding CBD for horses are still in their infancy, researchers who want to explore the potential side effects of CBD oil for horses may find the following information useful. 

In humans, CBD may induce side effects, such as(30):

  • Changes in alertness, including drowsiness
  • Gastrointestinal distress, commonly experienced as reduced appetite or diarrhea
  • Changes in mood 

Meanwhile, vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, and diarrhea are common in some pets after ingesting CBD(31).  

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil contains cannabidiol. Cannabidiol or CBD is a plant-based cannabinoid (phytocannabinoid) that has numerous potential health benefits on animals, such as(32):

  • Controlling seizure
  • Managing pain
  • Providing anti-inflammatory effects 

CBD Basics

Most CBD brands strive to offer high-quality products to their customers. Some even provide a money-back guarantee if their items do not deliver as promised. 

To find the best CBD oil or the highest quality CBD products for a horse’s health and well-being, here are a few pointers to consider: 

Hemp Extracts  

When choosing the best CBD products for horses, horse owners can opt for full-spectrum CBD oil, broad-spectrum CBD oil, or CBD isolates. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the compounds naturally present in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Flavonoids are active compounds in cannabis that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral actions(33). 

On the other hand, terpenes are the components of essential oils responsible for the aroma of cannabis(34). 

The full-spectrum CBD variant also has less than 0.3% THC concentration by dry weight.

Another CBD variant is broad-spectrum CBD oil. Like full-spectrum CBD oil, it also contains all the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant except for THC. 

Meanwhile, CBD isolates come from pure CBD. 

A study from the journal Frontiers in Plant Science suggested that the entourage effect in full-spectrum CBD extracts may produce better health benefits than pure CBD(35).  

The entourage effect occurs when all the cannabis compounds are integrated into the product, resulting in the extract’s enhanced medicinal effects.

Third-Party Lab Testing 

The third-party lab must test CBD products to ensure that all CBD items are labeled accordingly. The lab will release a report or COA (certificate of analysis) indicating that the products are free from residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. 

Ingredients 

CBD pellets, CBD oil, or other hemp products like tinctures and CBD topicals are available in the market. However, before purchasing any of these items, horse owners must read the other ingredients listed on the product label to determine if some additives or allergens may trigger adverse reactions in horses. 

Horse owners or equine caretakers can opt for gluten-free, non-GMO, and organic hemp products for their horses’ overall wellness. 

Carrier oils are also present in most CBD products. The most frequently used carrier oils are MCT oil, coconut oil, and hempseed oil.

CBD in Veterinary Medicine

Cannabis contains about 500 chemical compounds, including CBD and THC, terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids(36). 

Currently, CBD is the cannabinoid of significant therapeutic interest in veterinary medicine(37). 

From the studies published, cannabis derivatives seem to be promising pharmaceutical agents for various diseases affecting dogs and cats. In particular, CBD appears to help in managing osteoarthritis-related pain and other health conditions(38). 

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease trigger pain and inflammation. Trauma, infection, malformation during development, or the body’s immune system may cause this condition(39). 

Although most of the results are promising, the studies still lack a scientific and rigorous approach to confirm whether cannabis and its derivatives are helpful in veterinary medicine.

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill authorized the commercial use of industrial hemp products on a federal level(40). The bill indicates that Cannabis sativa L. and its derivatives with less than 0.3% THC concentration are federally legal in the U.S.

In addition, most states in America have passed legislation allowing medical marijuana use in humans under strict guidelines. However, state laws legalizing cannabis use in people do not apply to animals(41).

Furthermore, rules and regulations regarding CBD usage and medical marijuana vary from state to state. Therefore, consumers must be aware of the various state laws.

For instance, Colorado expanded its state laws in 2012 by legalizing the adult use of recreational cannabis(42). Nonetheless, it is not clear whether the state allows the use of CBD for pets.

On the other hand, in Nevada, licensed veterinarians can recommend and administer hemp and CBD products, provided the product contains no more than 0.3% THC concentration(43). 

The FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale), the international governing body for equine sports, forbids the use of natural and synthetic cannabinoid substances in horses(44).

Therefore, horse owners cannot administer CBD products like CBD oil to their competing horses. 

Meanwhile, USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) has also prohibited the use of CBD on horses due to the compound’s purported anti-anxiety properties, which may affect a horse’s performance during competitions(45).   

FAQs 

The legality of CBD oil and other CBD-derived products varies from state to state. Therefore, horse owners must be aware of various state laws regarding CBD to avoid possible legal repercussions. 

  • How long does CBD take effect on horses?

Most CBD studies that focus on equine care are still in their early stages. 

Nevertheless, the Murray State University study hypothesized that CBD oil took slightly longer to absorb, requiring less product to get a final maximum concentration than CBD pellet(46). 

The result implies that the time it takes for CBD to work on horses depends on the method of administration used. 

  • Is CBD good for horses?

Most of the studies regarding the benefits of CBD on horses are still in their infancy. Therefore, it is early to conclude that CBD is good for horses. 

However, human studies suggest that CBD may provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects(47). These purported health benefits may help with health issues like equine osteoarthritis. 

Dogs, another mammalian species, may also experience osteoarthritis(48). A 2020 study showed that CBD may help with canine osteoarthritis pain(49). 

Researchers who want to explore CBD’s effect on horses with osteoarthritis and other conditions leading to chronic pain may find the results useful. 

  • Will a horse get high after ingesting CBD?

CBD in most cannabis pet supplements comes from hemp plants. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, it will not cause a euphoric high(50).  

  • Can a horse overdose on CBD oil?

Cannabidiol does not cause intoxication(51). Therefore, CBD oil and other CBD-derived products are unlikely to cause an overdose when used as directed(52).  

  • Can horse owners add CBD oil to horses’ food?

Using a calibrated dropper, horse owners may add CBD oil to horses’ food. Still, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian before administering CBD oil to horses. 

Some regulations may restrict these animal healthcare providers from discussing or recommending CBD products. However, their clients may share CBD resources and information with them(53).   

  • Can horse owners use CBD for their horses during competitions? 

No. Both the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) and USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) prohibit the use of cannabinoids like CBD on horses during competitions(54). 

  1. The Nonpsychoactive Cannabis Constituent Cannabidiol Is an Oral Anti-arthritic Therapeutic in Murine Collagen-Induced Arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC16904/
  2. Cannabidiol in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Effects of a Pelleted Supplement on Reactivity and Movement, page 6.
    https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1229&context=etd
  3. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
  4. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  5. Ibid.
  6. Ibid.
  7. Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine, page 11.
    https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/APH-CannabisResources-Report-20201207.pdf
  8. What to Know About Equine Osteoarthritis
    https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/what-to-know-about-equine-osteoarthritis/
  9. The Nonpsychoactive Cannabis Constituent Cannabidiol Is an Oral Anti-arthritic Therapeutic in Murine Collagen-Induced Arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC16904/
  10. Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study of CBD Users, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
  11. Cannabidiol in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Effects of A
    Pelleted Supplement on Reactivity and Movement, page 44.
    https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1229&context=etd
  12. Cannabidiol in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Effects of a Pelleted Supplement on Reactivity and Movement
    https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1229&context=etd
  13. Cannabidiol in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Effects of a Pelleted Supplement on Reactivity and Movement, Page 6.
    https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1229&context=etd
  14. Treatment Using Cannabidiol in a Horse With Mechanical Allodynia
    https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dab51c52920995e635d4295/t/5e5cec8b17c29a501a689d54/1583148171712/Ellis2020EquineVetEducation.pdf
  15. Treatment Using Cannabidiol in a Horse With Mechanical Allodynia, page 3.
    https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5dab51c52920995e635d4295/t/5e5cec8b17c29a501a689d54/1583148171712/Ellis2020EquineVetEducation.pdf
  16. CBD for Animals
    https://anticruelty.org/pet-library/cbd-animals
  17. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  18. Ibid.
  19. CBD for Animals
    https://anticruelty.org/pet-library/cbd-animals
  20. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
  21. The Hype and Hope of Veterinary Cannabis: Cannabis’s Potential and Pitfalls Explored in Avma Symposium
    https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2020-10-01/hype-and-hope-veterinary-cannabis
  22. Ibid.
  23. Ibid.
  24. Evaluation of CBD Supplement in the Horse
    https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3402&context=postersatthecapitol
  25. Ibid.
  26. Cannabidiol in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Effects of a Pelleted Supplement on Reactivity and Movement, page 6.
    https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1229&context=etd
  27. Hemp Oil for Pets: Everything You Need to Know
    https://veterinarycannabissociety.org/hemp-oil-for-pets-everything-you-need-to-know/
  28. Ibid.
  29. Cannabidiol in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Effects of a Pelleted Supplement on Reactivity and Movement, page 45.
    https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1229&context=etd
  30. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
  31. FAQs About CBD Use in Pets
    https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/faqs-about-cbd-use-pets
  32. CBD for Animals
    https://anticruelty.org/pet-library/cbd-animals
  33. Flavonoids As Antioxidants
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10924197/
  34. The Cannabis Terpenes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7763918/
  35. The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334252/
  36. Hemp in Veterinary Medicine: From Feed to Drug
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00387/full
  37. Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine, page 30.
    https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/APH-CannabisResources-Report-20201207.pdf
  38. Hemp in Veterinary Medicine: From Feed to Drug
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00387/full
  39. Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
    https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders-of-dogs/osteoarthritis-degenerative-joint-disease
  40. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
  41. Cannabis Use and Pets
    https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/cannabis-use-and-pets
  42. Legal Marijuana Use in Colorado
    https://cannabis.colorado.gov/legal-marijuana-use-in-colorado
  43. Nevada Veterinarians Can Treat Patients With Certain Cannabis Products
    https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-10-01/nevada-veterinarians-can-treat-patients-certain-cannabis-products
  44. 2021 Equine Prohibited Substances List
    https://inside.fei.org/sites/default/files/2021%20Prohibited%20Substances%20List.pdf
  45. USEF Announces Positive Tests of Cannabinoids (CBD) Will Result in GR4 Violations as of September 1, 2019
    https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/usef-announces-positive-tests-of-cannabinoids
  46. Cannabidiol in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Effects of A
    Pelleted Supplement on Reactivity and Movement, page 71.
    https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1229&context=etd
  47. Cannabidiol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
  48. Osteoarthritis in Dogs — Signs and Treatment
    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/
  49. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Daily Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Canine Osteoarthritis Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7584779/
  50. CBD for Animals
    https://anticruelty.org/pet-library/cbd-animals
  51. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/
  52. CBD for Animals
    https://anticruelty.org/pet-library/cbd-animals
  53. Hemp Oil for Pets: Everything You Need to Know
    https://veterinarycannabissociety.org/hemp-oil-for-pets-everything-you-need-to-know/
  54. USEF Announces Positive Tests of Cannabinoids (CBD) Will Result in GR4 Violations as of September 1, 2019
    https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/usef-announces-positive-tests-of-cannabinoids
CBD Clinicals is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Sara Redding Ochoa, DVM

 Written by  Stanley Clark

Dr. Sara Ochoa is a small and exotic animal vet with many years of experience and is currently practicing in Texas. She went to Louisiana Tech for her undergrad school. During this time, she worked as a kennel assistant at...

CBD Clinicals Offers


To redeem this offer click here.

Featured Posts