News 13 Investigates: CBD oil in pet products
Some call CBD oil a magic cure for your dog or cat.
News 13 has been investigating the efforts to regulate the sale of CBD products.
In the meantime, many local pet shops are selling the popular products.
'I got my dog back'
These days Katie runs and plays like a puppy.
She's full of energy, loving every minute she gets to spend outside.
Katie's owner, Colleen Byrd, said she can't believe how she's acting.
"I got my dog back from a few years ago. You would not know she's 11 years old, and that's what's great about it," said Byrd.
Byrd said the change is all because of the CBD oil that she now sprays straight into Katie's dog food.
Byrd said Katie suffers from hip displacia and ear infections.
About six weeks ago, Byrd started giving her dog a locally grown, organic CBD oil.
And now, Katie suddenly seems symptom-free.
"By week two or three, I seen her running up the staircases, where she's always been reluctant to do that. I knew that she was feeling better," Byrd said.
Non-regulated
But veterinarian Dr. Jim Earley, who works at Animal Hospital of North Asheville, said the products haven't been federally approved, so he doesn't prescribe them.
"Obviously, it's all the rage right now. The biggest problem we're seeing is non-regulation and the products not being the same from one group to the next," Earley said.
He said the treats, sprays, creams and drops containing CBD oil are are still being tested.
He also said recent studies show that it's hard to know exactly what ingredients are used.
"Up to 70 percent of the products are mislabeled, so they don't have what they say is in the bottle. So, that can get us into trouble," Earley said.
Earley said, so far, he hasn't seen any pets with negative side effects, but he worries about that possibility.
News 13 found that the products are still easy to find in local pet shops.
Patton Avenue Pet Co. owner Jenna Wilson said she carries six brands for things like anxiety and stiffness.
"I think that's why it's so appealing to a lot of people, because you get a lot of the great effects without a lot of the side effects," Wilson said.
She said, while edibles for humans can contain some THC, most products for pets do not.
"I think out-of-towners have a little more confusion, 'Oh my gosh, is this legal? I thought marijuana wasn't legal in North Carolina.' And we have to educate them, there's no THC, there's no psychoactive effects with this," Wilson said.
At the Tailgait Market, owner Andrea Demmons said some people come in to buy products for themselves and their pets.
"All of a sudden, it got very trendy, and it's very popular now," Demmons said.
She says you have to do your own research about the product.
"I think you need to be very careful when you look, and know what you're buying. It's really, really important. And some companies are amazing, and, like with anything, some are not," Demmons said.
But Byrd believes CBD oil works and is grateful she's has her playful pup back again.
"Given her quality of life. I'll add CBD every day if that's what makes her life better," Byrd said.
Demmons suggests asking for certification for each batch of CBD oil you purchase.
