Serum Cannabinoid 24 h and 1 Week Steady State Pharmacokinetic Assessment in Cats Using a CBD/CBDA Rich Hemp Paste

Abstract

Hemp based cannabinoids have gained popularity in veterinary medicine due to the potential to treat pain, seizure disorders and dermatological maladies in dogs. Cat owners are also using hemp-based products for arthritis, anxiety and neoplastic disorders with no studies assessing hemp cannabinoids, namely cannabidiol efficacy, for such disorders. Initial twenty-four pharmacokinetic and chronic dosing serum concentration in cats are sparse. The aim of our study was to assess 8 cats physiological and 24 h and 1-week steady state pharmacokinetic response to a cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) rich hemp in a palatable oral paste. Using a standard dose of paste (6.4 mg/CBD + CBDA 5.3 mg/gram) across 8 cats weighing between 4.2 and 5.4 kg showed an average maximal concentration of CBD at 282.0 ± 149.4 ng/mL with a half-life of ~2.1 ± 1.1 h, and CBDA concentrations of 1,011.3 ± 495.4 ng/mL with a half-life of ~2.7 ± 1.4 h, showing superior absorption of CBDA. After twice daily dosing for 1 week the serum concentrations 6 h after a morning dosing showed that the acidic forms of the cannabinoids were approximately double the concentration of the non-acidic forms like CBD and Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The results of this study compared to two other recent studies suggest that the absorption in this specific paste product may be superior to oil bases used previously, and show that the acidic forms of cannabinoids appear to be absorbed better than the non-acidic forms. More importantly, physical and behavioral examinations every morning after dosing showed no adverse events related to neurological function or behavioral alterations. In addition, bloodwork after 1 week of treatment showed no clinically significant serum biochemical alterations as a reflection of hepatic and renal function all remaining within the reference ranges set by the diagnostic laboratory suggesting that short-term treatment was safe.

Improved quality of life and pain relief in mature horses with osteoarthritis after oral transmucosal cannabidiol oil administration as part of an analgesic regimen

“…These characteristics would explain CBD’s effect on osteoarthritic pain. Interest in cannabis derivatives in companion animals is growing due to their potential benefits, such as alleviating behavioral problems ( 53 ), treating dermatological disorders ( 54 ) and managing seizure disorders, thereby improving the quality of life in dogs ( 55 ). The results of the present study show that CBD is well tolerated by horses at the doses used.…”

A One Health perspective on comparative cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid pharmacokinetics and biotransformation in humans and domestic animals

“…In a more recent study in cats, Wang et al investigated the 24-hour and 1-week steady-state PK with a CBD/CBDA rich hemp paste. 12 A unique matrix of palatable drug suspension consisting, in part, of soy oil, dextrose, and chicken liver was used as the carrier in this study. Minor amounts of other cannabinoids were present in the preparation and were also assayed for PK analysis.…”

“…40 Thus, the presence of acidic precursor products in hemp preparations must be taken into consideration when designing dosing regimens because acidic cannabinoids appear to be absorbed better than their decarboxylated neutral counterparts globally. 8,12,[41][42][43] This examination of CBDA absorption across many domestic species is being established and has yet to be examined in the human literature to any appreciable degree. These novel findings across dogs, cats, horses, and cattle suggest that CBDA may be preferably absorbed and suggests that therapeutic dosing of CBDA may be more achievable than CBD when using the oral route.…”

“…Thus far, in dogs and cats, the serum concentrations of 7-COOH CBD are significantly lower during single and multiple day-dosing assessments suggesting different primary metabolic pathways. 8,12,51 Dog ex vivo microsomal assays examining metabolites of CBD show significant hydroxylation of the 6 carbon that suggests fundamental differences in CYP metabolism that is thought to undergo carboxylation as well.…”

Key quality control aspects about cannabinoid-rich hemp products that a veterinarian needs to know: a practitioner’s guide

“…Although beyond the scope of this review, there is concern surrounding pharmacokinetics and efficacy of these products, as there are few published reports to date and the absorption and efficacy can depend on many different factors, including dose, cannabinoid content, extraction techniques, and matrix for delivery. 11,51 Considering the complexity, it is ideal for veterinarians to seek out companies with pharmacokinetic data in the intended species and efficacy data around indications.…”