Time to Rethink CBD in Animal Wellbeing Products
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is conducting a review of the UK’s veterinary medicines regulatory framework
Back in 2018, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) issued a statement that all cannabidiol (CBD) products for animals should be treated as veterinary medicines. At the time, the decision was made on limited evidence. A lot has changed since then.
In the years that followed, research has expanded. Trials in dogs, for example, show that CBD can be safe and well tolerated at appropriate doses. Studies looking at osteoarthritis and epilepsy have reported positive results, adding to the weight of evidence. At the same time, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has introduced a clear framework for human CBD products, including an acceptable daily intake (ADI) and strict THC limits. Yet for animals, we are still stuck with an outdated one-size-fits-all ruling.
Why the current approach is not working
The blanket classification of CBD as medicinal is now out of step with science and practice. It creates barriers for responsible businesses and pushes pet owners towards unregulated products bought online. This is risky for animals, who may be exposed to poor quality or contaminated products, and it also leaves vets unable to give balanced advice without fear of breaching the law.
There is also inconsistency across regulators. While the FSA applies proportionate, risk-based rules for human CBD products, the VMD denies animals and owners the same protections. Other countries, such as the US and Switzerland, have taken more pragmatic approaches that separate wellbeing supplements from licensed medicines.
A better way forward
The Cannabis Trades Association (CTA) believes the UK needs a two-tier system:
- Licensed veterinary medicines for products that make treatment claims or use higher doses.
- Regulated wellbeing or nutraceutical products for general support such as mobility or calm behaviour, without any disease claims.
Wellbeing products should have to meet clear quality and safety standards. That means GMP or GHP manufacturing, batch testing with Certificates of Analysis, strict contaminant controls, and conservative daily limits for CBD and THC tailored to each species. Labelling should include warnings for sensitive groups and a clear statement that these are not veterinary medicines. Importantly, there should be mandatory adverse event reporting, giving the VMD oversight while avoiding unnecessary barriers.
The benefits of change
Updating the VMD’s stance would bring real benefits:
- Better animal welfare, through access to safe, quality-assured wellbeing products.
- Public protection, by closing the door to unregulated grey market imports.
- Veterinary engagement, allowing vets to guide owners responsibly.
- Business confidence, with clear rules that encourage UK innovation.
- International consistency, bringing the UK into line with best practice overseas.
Our call to action
The CTA is calling for DEFRA and the VMD to update the 2018 CBD position and consult on a new regulated pathway for animal wellbeing products. This does not mean removing oversight. It means adopting proportionate, risk-based rules that reflect the evidence we now have, while continuing to protect animals and the public.
The opportunity is here to modernise, reduce risks, and support both animal owners and the businesses that serve them.
The CTA is ready to work with government, regulators, and industry to make it happen. The details of our submission is below.
CTA Response to VMD Survey 2025
