Don’t Get Disqualified!
Don’t get disqualified!
Did you know most hemp products contain trace amounts of cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)? The American Horse Council (AHC) is putting out this PSA to help owners understand the risks of feeding hemp seed and oils, using topical hemp and CBD based products, and using hemp-based bedding in stalls during the competition season.
What is hemp anyway?
Hemp is a cultivar of Cannabis sativa, it’s related to but not the same as marijuana. Hemp and marijuana both contain compounds such as THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive compound found in high concentrations in marijuana and other cannabis products that produces the “high”. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants that is often extracted for potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Marijuana in general as well as THC and CBD are being researched across the nation for their potential medicinal qualities.
Hemp contains very low amounts of THC (0.3% or less) and larger amounts of CBD. While marijuana is still a federally banned substance, hemp farming became permitted under the 2018 farm bill.
USDA oversees all hemp production. Hemp must be tested and contain no more than 0.3% THC to be considered legal.
Hemp is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth and has many applications, including paper, rope, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, animal feed.
CBD derived from hemp is used in many different topical products.
Hemp, hemp seeds, and seed oils are used in grain and feed supplements, and hemp by-products are often turned into animal bedding.
If it’s legal, why do we care?
The uses and applications of hemp, CBD, and THC are vast but still being researched, and some athletic organizations consider them performance-enhancing substances. While hemp only contains trace amounts of THC, it can still cause a competitor (horse or human) to test positive for banned substances.
The current drug tests are unable to differentiate between those that have partaken in illegal cannabis usage vs trace detections from legal hemp products. Over the last few years, several competitors in the horse industry have found themselves disqualified after testing positive for cannabis substances.
The AHC recommends any competitor refrain from using hemp or hemp by-products for themselves or their horse if they are concerned about potential substance testing during the competition season.