Q&A: HEMPPET™ - HEMP DROPS™ for Veterinary Professionals

1. What are HEMPPET™ - HEMP DROPS™, and how are they used in veterinary practice?

HEMP DROPS™ are a nutritional supplement made from Australian-grown hemp, containing naturally occurring cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp seed oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Veterinarians may prescribe or recommend HEMP DROPS™ off-label based on their professional judgment for individual patient needs. Since 2020, veterinarians across Australia have trusted HEMP DROPS™ for their consistent quality and transparency, supported by batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (CoAs).

2. What is the regulatory status of HEMP DROPS™ in Australia?

Following the APVMA’s updated guidelines (1 May 2025), HEMP DROPS™, made from Australian-grown and processed hemp, can be prescribed off-label by veterinarians without requiring registration as a veterinary chemical product (VCP). The APVMA clarifies that suppliers determine whether a product is a VCP based on its attributes, properties, and claims. As HEMP DROPS™ make no therapeutic claims, they are exempt from VCP registration. CBD, a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) substance under the Poisons Standard, requires a veterinary prescription and dispensing through a veterinary clinic or pharmacy.

3. How does the scheduling of CBD affect the use of HEMP DROPS™?

As a Schedule 4 substance, CBD is prescription-only for therapeutic use in animals

HEMP DROPS™ must be prescribed by a veterinarian and dispensed in compliance with state/territory laws, including secure storage, accurate labelling, and record-keeping. HEMPPET™ supports compliance by providing CoAs and factual compositional data (e.g., CBD levels, hemp seed oil).

4. What are my responsibilities as a veterinarian when prescribing HEMP DROPS™?

Veterinarians must:

• Assess the product’s suitability for the patient using professional judgment.
• Obtain informed consent from the pet owner, explaining the off-label use and unregistered status.
• Document the clinical rationale for prescribing, referencing research, clinical experience, or patient needs.
• Comply with Schedule 4 regulations (e.g., secure storage, prescription records).

HEMPPET™’s educational resources, including research summaries and CoAs, support evidence-based decision-making.

5. Is there evidence supporting the use of hemp-based products like HEMP DROPS™ in veterinary medicine?

Growing research and practical experience support the use of hemp-based products containing CBD in veterinary medicine. While HEMP DROPS™ are unregistered and lack formal APVMA efficacy data, veterinarians can rely on peer-reviewed studies, anecdotal evidence, and clinical observations. Our online portal (hemppet.au) provides access to relevant studies and practical insights to inform prescribing decisions.

6. How can I access educational resources and training on HEMP DROPS™?

HEMPPET™ offers:

• Lunch and Learn Sessions: Interactive training on HEMP DROPS™ composition, regulatory status, and practical applications.
• Online Resources Portal (hemppet.au): Includes CoAs, product details, and evidence summaries.

These tools empower veterinarians to make informed, compliant decisions. Contact us at info@HempPet.com.au to schedule a session.

7. How are HEMP DROPS™ distributed, and how can my clinic or pharmacy access them?

HEMP DROPS™ are distributed exclusively through veterinarians and pharmacies to ensure professional oversight. Veterinarians can:

• Prescribe or recommend HEMP DROPS™ for patients.
• Stock the product in their clinic or partner with a pharmacy for dispensing.

Pharmacies can stock HEMP DROPS™ for dispensing with a veterinary prescription, ensuring Schedule 4 compliance. Sign up at hemppet.au to access our portal and order details.

8. What information does HEMP PET provide about HEMP DROPS™?

HEMPPET™ supplies factual details, including:

• Cannabinoid content (e.g., CBD,~1.15-1.35% w/w; CBDA ~0.73-0.82% w/w; THC n/d to <0.1% w/w).
• Carrier ingredients (e.g. hemp seed oil, MCT oil and selected marine oils where applicable, Vitamin E).
• Typical Nutritional Analysis and Fatty Acids Profiles
• Batch-specific CoAs for transparency and quality assurance.

We avoid therapeutic claims, allowing veterinarians to evaluate the product based on their expertise.

9. How should I communicate with pet owners about HEMP DROPS™?

When discussing HEMP DROPS™:

• Explain their unregistered status and off-label use.
• Discuss potential benefits (e.g., nutritional support from hemp seed oil) and risks (e.g., mild digestive upset) based on evidence and clinical judgment.
• Obtain written informed consent, ensuring owners understand your rationale.

HEMPPET™’s resources can help prepare for these conversations.

10. What steps should I take to ensure compliance when using HEMP DROPS™?

To stay compliant:

• Document clinical justification for each prescription.
• Use consent forms to record pet owner agreement to off-label use. (templates available on hemppet.au portal)
• Monitor patient outcomes and report adverse effects.
• Adhere to state/territory Schedule 4 regulations (e.g., secure storage, record-keeping).

HEMPPET™’s CoAs and compliance templates (available at hemppet.au) support these efforts.