The Regulatory Reset Behind Your Pet’s CBD Supplement

Cannabidiol (CBD) products for pets have become very popular, and many such products on the market claim health benefits, including hip and joint support, anxiety and stress relief, skin health, and pain relief. Some companies have conducted controlled feeding studies with pets to demonstrate the health benefits of their specific CBD blend, but it may be difficult for pet owners to determine what to believe about some of these claims.When evaluating pet supplements, it is always good to use products with research to support claims, as there is no federal regulation of pet supplements.  

When it comes to pet health and CBD products, there may be small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the psychoactive compound in cannabis and should be avoided in any products given to pets. For this reason, it is recommended not to use human CBD supplements in pets, as they may contain some level of THC compounds, which are harmful to pets. 

The manufacture of hemp derived CBD substances was possible because of legislation contained in the 2018 Farm Bill, which allowed for the removal of hemp (defined as Cannabis sativa and its derivatives containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry matter basis) from the Controlled Substances Act. By redefining hemp in this way, this legislation distinguished it from marijuana and excluded compliant hemp-derived products from Schedule I drug status, which is defined as having no accepted medical use and having a high potential for abuse. 

As regulatory oversight of pet supplements remains limited and somewhat fragmented, this has created a wide opening for pet CBD products to enter the market, provided they meet the delta-9 THC threshold and are marketed in ways that do not violate federal or state regulations.  

In November 2025, a new Farm Bill was signed into law as part of the larger 2026 Continuing Appropriations Act, which further redefined hemp products. Under this new definition, hemp products will now be required to have less than 0.3% total THC compounds instead of just delta-9 THC. This is an important change because cannabinoids other than delta-9 THC such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and THCA can be present in hemp-derived or synthetic CBD products. In addition, a “container” of CBD product is limited to a total THC concentration of 0.4 mg. This makes it even more challenging for most existing pet supplements that contain CBD to be allowed to be sold. 

The reason for the limitation of other THC compounds besides delta-9 THC is that, at certain concentrations and processing conditions, these other THC compounds can produce intoxicating effects in products that can be legally marketed and sold over the counter even in states where recreational marijuana use is not legal. This has been referred to as the “hemp loophole” in regard to the 2018 Farm Bill and has been blamed for a large increase in beverages, gummies, and other products labeled as “contains CBD” that also contain other THC compounds.  

The date by which hemp-derived products, including CBD supplements for pets, must comply with the 2026 Farm Bill is November 12, 2026. Otherwise, they must be removed from the market. This is being referred to as the “compliance cliff” in the hemp industry.  

So, how does this affect pet supplements containing CBD?  

Many CBD pet supplements contain “full-spectrum” CBD, which contains all cannabinoids, including some forms of THC, albeit in small amounts. Typically, the full-spectrum CBD products may impart better health benefits because of what is referred to as the “entourage effect.” This means that, when taken together, all cannabinoid compounds in hemp provide greater health benefits than each compound does individually.  

“Broad-spectrum” CBD products may contain fewer THC compounds but will still likely be above the 2026 Farm Bill threshold. It is likely that only products containing CBD isolates that reduce total THC to below the 2026 Farm Bill limits will be allowed for use in CBD supplements for both humans and pets moving forward. 

On the surface, this sounds promising, but most research showing benefits in both humans and pets has been conducted with full- or broad-spectrum CBD. Recent research evaluating the safety of CBD isolates in dogs has shown little to no adverse effects; however, the study lasted only 90 days, and longer safety studies should be conducted. 

If you are using a CBD supplement for yourself or your pet, it is likely that the product you are using now will need to change this year to comply with the 2026 Farm Bill or be taken off the market. A bill has been introduced to postpone the “compliance cliff” in November 2026 by two years, but it has not yet passed and is intended only to give the hemp industry more time to respond to these imminent changes. However, it is not yet known whether it will become law.  

One thing is clear: more research is needed on CBD in pets, particularly on THC-free CBD isolates, to demonstrate the safety of CBD isolate products and substantiate claims for pet health products. This work can only be done by researchers and veterinarians in the pet health industry, whose experience formulating supplements and conducting safety studies is essential to ensure we deliver the safest products for our pets and their specific health needs. BSM Partners experts have been conducting this kind of research and formulating pet health products for decades to deliver safe, effective products for our pets. 

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates on all things happening here at BSM Partners.

About the Author

Dr. Bradley Quest, DVM, is the Principal Veterinarian at BSM Partners. Dr. Quest is a leading innovator in the pet dental health products, having several decades of experience formulating in this category. He has practiced clinical veterinary medicine, developed and tested hundreds of pet food and health products, performs extensive animal health research, and helps navigate pet food ingredient approval for clients.