Volume VI: Competition Horses, Detection and Drug Testing
Purpose
Cannabinoid use carries special risks for competition horses.
A product may be:
- Legal to purchase
- Marketed for horses
- Non-intoxicating
- Labeled THC-free
and still create a prohibited-substance or contamination problem.
Testing rules depend on the governing organization and may change. Owners and trainers must check the current rules for their specific event.
Study 1: Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Doping Control
Pharmacokinetic Modelling of Orally Administered Cannabidiol in Horses
Published: 2023
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37621871/
Study design
The investigation included:
- Escalating single CBD doses
- Repeated administration
- Twice-daily CBD for 15 days
- Blood and urine analysis
- Pharmacokinetic modeling
The stated purpose was to help equine doping-control laboratories interpret analytical CBD findings.
Why this matters
Repeated dosing can lead to:
- Accumulation
- Extended detection
- Metabolite persistence
- More complicated withdrawal estimates
A horse may test positive after the owner believes the direct effects have ended.
Study 2: Hemp Bedding Versus CBD Administration
In Vivo Comparative Study of Hemp-Straw Exposure and Oral CBD Oil in Horses
Published: 2025
PubMed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39118356/
What researchers investigated
Researchers compared cannabinoid findings after:
- Exposure to hemp straw used as bedding
- Administration of CBD oil
They evaluated whether urine markers could help distinguish environmental hemp exposure from purposeful CBD administration.
The research indicated that hemp-straw bedding could create competition-testing concerns and suggested avoiding its use close to competition.
Why this matters
Cannabinoid exposure may occur through more than supplements.
Potential sources include:
- Oral oils
- Treats
- Pellets
- Full-spectrum products
- Topical products
- Hemp bedding
- Contaminated feed
- Cross-contact during manufacturing