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A 2022 study entitled "Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of a Cannabidiol Supplement in Horses" that was published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science explored the efficacy of CBD in horses. "The purpose of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetic profile of multiple doses of an orally administered cannabidiol product formulated specifically for horses," noted the researchers.
The study's authors reported that CBD products "have gained popularity among horse owners despite limited evidence regarding pharmacokinetics." The design of this study was that of a randomized two-way crossover. "Seven horses received 0.35 or 2.0 mg/kg CBD every 24 hours for seven total doses (separated by a two-week washout)," explained the study.
"Oral administration of a cannabidiol product at 0.35 mg/kg or 2.0 mg/kg once daily for seven days was well-tolerated," concluded the study.
The plasma CBD levels of the horses were tested using advanced tandem liquid chromatography mass spectrometry on a daily basis through day 10 and again on day 14 following the beginning of CBD administration. On the final day of CBD intake, plasma CBD was quantified "at multiple times."
"Oral administration of a cannabidiol product at 0.35 mg/kg or 2.0 mg/kg once daily for seven days was well-tolerated," concluded the study. It recommended, based on the plasma CBD levels that it observed, additional research involving "dose escalation trials" that evaluate "clinical efficacy at higher mg/kg dose rates."
