Cannabis for Canines?
November 19, 2020
There is no doubt that over the last several years you’ve heard about medical marijuana, cannabis, or medicinal hemp, one of the most popular and fascinating revolutions occurring in health care today. Scientific and clinical research – much of it sponsored by the US government – underscores the potential of cannabinoids as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including Arthritis, Diabetes, Alcoholism, MS, Chronic Pain, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Depression, antibiotic-resistant infections, Epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.
The list of conditions in animals continues to grow as well; Including Anxiety, Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, and skin conditions. In addition, the anti-cancer properties of cannabinoids are currently being investigated at several academic research centers in the United States and around the world.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many cannabinoids extracted from the medicinal hemp plant.
∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another cannabinoid that produces the euphoric and psychotropic effects of Marijuana. CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause intoxication.
Our bodies, and those of every vertebrate, dogs and cats included, have a naturally occurring cannabinoid (called endocannabinoid) system consisting of CB1 and CB2 gene receptors. These CB gene receptors are located all over the body including in the brain, skin, connective tissue, glands, immune cells, digestive tract, and reproductive organs. They also play an important role mammalian health and homeostasis.
THC has a stronger affinity for CB1 receptors, found in high concentrations in the brain, and so causes the psychoactive effects of marijuana. These effects can not only be uncomfortable but dangerous in animals.
Dr. Robert Silver DVM, MS, CVA who wrote the book, Medical Marijuana and Your Pet: The Definitive Guide, writes “Studies on dogs, conducted in the 1970s, helped us to understand the workings of the endocannabinoid system,” and “it was determined that dogs, as compared to all the other species studied, have the greatest number of endocannabinoid receptors in their cerebellum and brain stem, which govern coordination and other basic necessary functions like breathing and heart rate. Due to this high density of endocannabinoid receptors in its brain, dogs are extremely sensitive to THC…”
This extreme sensitivity to THC in dogs greatly limits the ability to use traditional medicinal marijuana products in our furry friends. Dogs can easily overdose on THC or have severe negative reactions. This toxic reaction is called Static Ataxia. Too high a dose of THC containing products will turn your animal into a furry zombie. Some of the symptoms of this toxicity include: glazed eyes, excessive drooling, loss of bowel and bladder control, rapid breathing, falling over and an inability to get up again.
These risks are further increased by the lack of regulation in labeling CBD and Hemp Oil products, and very limited expertise and information available at vape stores, “headshops” and online retailers. Any product with less than 0.3% THC can legally be labeled as “THC-Free”, making it impossible to really know what is in a product without third party laboratory testing.
Products that are certified as 100% THC-free, solvent-free, pesticide-free, heavy metals-free, 100% Organically Farmed, and 100% USA grown are safest and most reliable. Many people believe that cannabinoid products without THC are not effective, however, research does not support this view.
The numerous endocannabinoid pathways offer a wealth of healing potential for humans and animals.
“Oliver is 15 years old and has arthritis. Within 2 weeks of using CBD there was a noticeable difference in his energy and movement. Fast-forward 6 months and Oliver continues to improve and has less anxiety too. CBD has been a life preserver for my sweet pup!”
To learn more and read additional pet CBD testimonials, please visit: https://labnaturalscbd.com/testimonials.html