Look, we understand the interest around CBD and animals. We’ve dug into the truth behind CBD for your pets, and the difference between the CBD you take vs. the CBD you might give your dog. We’ve even advised readers on how to keep your pets safe from marijuana poisoning and the moral dilemma facing veterinarians who want to give animal patients CBD, but legally can’t recommend it.
But a new controversy in the equestrian world has really thrown us for a loop. As Marijuana Moment first reported, the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) issued a press release telling its members that humans might be able to legally consume CBD thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, but horses still can’t. The USEF, which establishes rules and regulations for most official equestrian-related events in the country, warned that horses caught with CBD in their systems after September 1 will be subject to repercussions.
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“CBD, both natural and synthetic forms, are likely to effect the performance of a horse due to its reported anxiolytic effects,” the USEF announced in the release. “This substance is no different than legitimate therapeutics that effect mentation and behavior in horses. It is for these reasons that USEF prohibits CBD and all related cannabinoids.
“Horses competing under USEF rules who test positive for natural cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids and other cannabimimetics will be considered in violation of GR4 beginning September 1, 2019,” the organization added.
First, it’s worth mentioning the USEF does not oversee the world of thoroughbred racing. Second, we’re not sure how the group will effectively test horses for having CBD in their system. Most standard cannabis drug tests primarily detect the presence of THC, as Marijuana Moment also mentioned. The press release did state, however, “analytical methods are being implemented to detect CBD and similar cannabinoids.”
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Also confusing was the USEF pointing to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Code for the human regulation of cannabinoids in competition. WADA, which oversees Olympic drug testing as well as other international sports, has previously approved the human use of CBD in competition, though THC remains banned.
So a rider can ingest CBD but their horse cannot? Seems like a double standard, USEF. Hopefully we’ll have clearer answers soon.
