Canopy Growth, Canada’s largest cannabis company, has recently been approved by the Veterinary Drug Directorate of Health Canada to research the effectiveness of cannabidiol to treat anxiety in certain animals.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, has been gaining traction recently for its health and therapeutic benefits in humans, and there are currently CBD-infused products on the grey market for pets to help with conditions such as arthritis.

The research will be conducted by Canopy Animal Health (CAH), a division of Canopy Health which focuses on developing cannabis-based healthcare products for companion animals.

“Our passion to create safe and effective products for animals is driven by the love we share for our pets,” Marc Wayne, Managing Director of Canopy Health Innovations, said in a press release.

“The use of natural-occurring cannabinoids as a therapy for companion animals is a logical new forefront of medical discovery and the research we are working on at CAH is world leading. These trial approvals mark a significant milestone on the journey of making cannabis-based drugs accepted and recommended by veterinarians.”

CAH is building a portfolio of safety and dosing data for certain animals which it plans to share with the veterinary community and pet owners, through publications and scientific conferences.

Written for http://dailyhive.com/grow/canopy-growth-cbd-pets-anxiety