A study published this month in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology reports that subcutaneous injections of liposomal cannabidiol (CBD) provided weeks of steady CBD exposure and notable improvements in pain-related behaviors in two goats with chronic, naturally occurring orthopedic conditions.
The investigation, conducted by scientists at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, followed two male neutered goats whose congenital spinal and limb deformities caused persistent discomfort unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Caregivers sought an alternative, and researchers administered repeated doses of liposomal CBD at 5 mg/kg every 6–7 weeks. The formulation, designed to enhance bioavailability and slow release, had shown promising sustained-delivery characteristics in prior dog studies.
Across 14 total injections, no adverse effects were reported. Bloodwork, including complete blood counts and biochemical panels, remained stable throughout the monitoring period. Pharmacokinetic testing found that CBD and its primary metabolite, 7-carboxy-CBD, remained detectable for the full 6–7 weeks between doses. Peak CBD concentrations ranged from 4.4 to 28.2 ng/mL, while 7-carboxy-CBD peaked much higher—up to 1,524 ng/mL—mirroring patterns seen in human metabolic studies. After several injections, the concentration–time curves flattened, indicating an approach toward steady-state levels.
Caregivers also documented consistent behavioral improvements. One goat, previously largely inactive, resumed playing and showed increased mobility for several weeks after each injection. The second goat stopped grinding its teeth—a key pain indicator—within days of treatment and became more cooperative during physiotherapy. Quality-of-life scores improved significantly during weeks two and three following injections.
The authors note that although CBD concentrations in plasma were relatively low, tissue distribution may better reflect therapeutic levels, given CBD’s lipophilicity and tendency to accumulate in fat and muscle. They also highlight that the metabolite 7-carboxy-CBD, while not associated with seizure control in epilepsy, may contribute to anti-inflammatory or analgesic effects.
Overall, the study suggests that liposomal CBD injections every 6–7 weeks can safely deliver sustained CBD exposure and meaningful pain relief in large animals. The findings add translational value for potential use in human medicine, offering a non-addictive analgesic option with long-lasting effects and without the variability of oral administration. The authors note that larger, controlled studies will be needed, but the early evidence supports further exploration of this delivery method as a long-acting pain management strategy.
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