In vivo comparative study of hemp straw exposure and cannabidiol oil administration in horse urine.
Abstract: The non-psychoactive cannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are available on the market in different forms, mostly for their anti-inflammatory and potential analgesic properties. These substances are prohibited during equine competitions. CBD and CBDA are naturally present in hemp straw, commonly used as a bedding substitute for wheat straw. Unfortunately, horses can eat it, which therefore could lead to a possible risk of positive findings for CBD/CBDA in biological samples after doping control tests. The goals of this study were, first, to provide recommendations on the use of hemp straw before competition and, second, to assess if discrimination between hemp bedding exposure and CBD oil administration is possible. Several CBD equine in vivo studies have been conducted, including one on hemp straw used as bedding and one after administration of CBD oil by topical and sublingual routes. In hemp straw, CBDA was detected in higher quantities than CBD, and other cannabinoids have been observed. After hemp straw exposure, CBDA was also detected in higher quantities than CBD in all urine samples. It appeared that hemp straw should not be used as bedding for equine competition except if a delay of at least 48 h is respected. Regarding the CBD oil product analysis, CBD was the main compound detected. After administration, 7-hydroxy CBD was identified in the urine. In conclusion, based on these data, we highlighted that it could be possible to discriminate the exposure of a horse to hemp straw from an administration of a CBD oil product thanks to the main presence of CBDA.
© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Publication Date: 2024-08-08 PubMed ID: 39118356DOI: 10.1002/dta.3783Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This paper examines the risks of accidental positive drug tests in horses exposed to hemp straw bedding or given cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The study seeks to differentiate between accidental exposure to CBD in hemp straw and intentional administration as well as provide guidelines on hemp straw use in competitive horse stables.
Hemp Straw as Bedding
- The researchers highlighted that CBD and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) naturally exist in hemp straw, a material often used instead of wheat straw for horse bedding.
- However, this poses the risk of horses consuming the straw and subsequently testing positive for CBD/CBDA in doping control tests – a major concern in competitive equestrian contexts.
In vivo CBD Studies in Horses
- The study involved two different in vivo experiments on horses: exposure through hemp-based bedding, and the intentional administration of CBD oil.
- In the first scenario, it was observed that hemp straw contained more CBDA than CBD. Urine tests after exposure to the hemp straw bedding revealed higher levels of CBDA as well.
- The researchers recommended that hemp straw should not be used before competitions, unless there is a gap of at least 48 hours to allow for the clearance of CBD/CBDA from the horse’s system.
CBD Oil Administration
- In the second scenario, CBD oil was applied either topically or sublingually (under the tongue).
- Unlike in the hemp straw, the predominant compound found in the CBD oil was CBD, not CBDA.
- After the administration of CBD oil, 7-hydroxy CBD was found in the urine samples, not CBDA.
Discriminating between Hemp Exposure and CBD Administration
- Based on these results, the study concluded that it might be possible to distinguish between CBD/CBDA exposure via hemp straw and intentional CBD oil administration.
- Specifically, an accidental hemp straw exposure would result in higher urine CBDA concentrations, whilst intentional CBD oil usage would lead to the presence of 7-hydroxy CBD in the urine.
Cite This Article
APA
Trevisiol S, Popot MA, Garcia P, Boyer S, Caroff M, Drif L, Taleb W, Tendon S, Moulard Y, Bailly-Chouriberry L.
(2024).
In vivo comparative study of hemp straw exposure and cannabidiol oil administration in horse urine.
Drug Test Anal.
https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3783 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
- GIE LCH, Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques, Verrières-le-Buisson, France.
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