MEMORANDUM TO:
Provincial Regulatory Bodies
Canadian Horse Racing Industry
Horsepersons Groups

SUBJECT: Cannabis and Equine Drug Control

The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) is reminding those that care for or have control of racehorses in Canada that any cannabis use in racehorses continues to be prohibited.

This includes the use of two primary chemicals found in cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Although cannabis is permitted for restricted use in humans, there are currently no veterinary cannabis products approved by Health Canada. Therefore, using a product (e.g., CBD supplements, hemp) containing either of these chemicals may result in a positive drug test.

Due to the absence of Health Canada approved veterinary cannabis products and the wide variety in CBD supplements marketed for horses, providing elimination guidance for cannabis products is not possible.

People that use cannabis and care for or have control of racehorses in Canada should take steps to guard against potential contamination of the horses (e.g., keep cannabis out of a horse's reach, wash hands after touching cannabis products).

The CPMA strongly recommends that you consult your veterinarian on any decision to administer any supplement or medication to a racehorse.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact CPMA by telephone at 1-800-268-8835 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sincerely,
Lisa Foss