It is well documented, via studies and personal testimonies, that cannabis is an effective medicine for humans. The cannabis plant can be used to treat a number of health conditions that humans suffer from, from chronic pain to insomnia.

A growing body of evidence is establishing that the cannabis plant can also be used to treat animals. That is especially true for cannabidiol (CBD). An increasing number of pet owners and farmers are choosing to treat their animals with CBD products and the results are positive.

The archipelago nation of Malta may start allowing veterinarian cannabis products soon. Chris Cardona, Minister for the Economy and Deputy Leader for Party Affairs Labour Party, recently stated the following:

Speaking @med_cann I stated that a year after introducing historic legislation we are exploring new segments of the market, and their value for Malta and our ecosystem. Next on our list is legislation amendments to allow the production of cannabis for veterinary medical use. pic.twitter.com/JRmPGOEXmr — Chris Cardona (@ChrisCardonaMP) November 19, 2019

The animal wellness sector of the cannabis industry is likely going to be huge in the future. Most of the products currently available in legal markets revolve around CBD-based tinctures, however, that will presumably change over time.

Just as the number of options of cannabis products for humans has increased exponentially in recent years as the legal cannabis industry has expanded, the same should occur in the cannabis-for-animals sector of the industry. It will likely be a blend of pharmaceutical-grade products and products made for non-veterinarian use (such as topical lotions).

More research involving cannabis and animals is definitely needed. Evidence that cannabis can be effective for treating animals is piling up, however, that’s not to say that the jury isn’t still out on some things, not the least of which is dosage levels.

Pets, especially small ones, obviously have different needs than humans. A large animal such as a cow or horse is going to have a significantly different dosage level than a small bird.

CBD is less of a concern compared to THC, but research is still vital to ensuring effectiveness and safety. If you are looking for opportunities in the cannabis industry, you should keep a close eye on developments in the cannabis-for-animals sector, and not just in Malta.