What is CBD?
CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in certain trains of the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa L. Despite the common misconceptions, this is not the same as the strains that contain THC. This is a completely different chemical, which is contained in marijuana, and that’s what alters your mental state. CBD has no such effect and has been successfully applied in medicine for quite a few years now, both in treating human ailments and those of our animal companions.
Is it safe for your dog?
Yes, absolutely! It has been thoroughly tried and tested. For example, at this link you can fins a study about its application in treating osteoarthritis in dogs. The canines show betterment after this treatment, and dog owners from round the world report that their pets suffer far less from aches associated with similar conditions, and even have seen a reduction in the occurrence of seizures.
What about the legal side of things?
CBD is non-psychoactive, and so whether it is considered legal or illegal will depend entirely on the powers that be in the state in which you live. Always make sure to research with the relevant state and county authorities (you can typically find the info you want on their respective official websites). Keep in mind, though, that looking at it from the federal legislature viewpoint, medicinal hemp is A-Okay.
Medicinal marijuana is a different story, and you have to be careful not to mix up the two. Due to its psychotropic (mind-altering) components it is entirely illegal for your vet to prescribe it. Marijuana is presently considered to have no medical benefit and is treated as a controlled substance by the law. It is ranked as “schedule 1”, which means that it is seen as either entirely non-beneficial, or its side effects and risks outweigh any potential god effects by such a large margin that it isn’t even worth considering. In this particular case, marijuana is seen as posing high risk of addiction and substance abuse.
So, you might encounter it in a research lab, but never at a vet’s office. Thus, be very careful if you go out to purchase CBD medicine for your doggo on your own, and especially if you opt for an online seller whom you cannot check physically. Lots of shady dealers will try to pass off the illegal stuff for the legal, and you’ll be the one getting into trouble for it. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is perfectly legal, so make sure that’s what you’re getting. You can read more about the bill in detail here: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
Okay, so what benefits does it have?
What we know so far about the veterinary benefits of CBD oils has mostly been compiled form laboratory testing done on rodents (in particular, Guinea pigs, rats, and mice). These lab studies have demonstrated beneficial effects in treating issues such as cardiovascular system problems, cancer, general pain, respiratory system anomalies and disorders of the metabolic cycles.
There still isn’t very much hard science available when it comes to applying cannabis-based treatments to dogs and cats. When it comes to large animals and pet veterinary medicine, the focus of all research up till now has been on the levels of toxicity, as well as general effects and side effects, instead of specifically therapeutic use. The most performed veterinary cannabis studies at current time concentrate on the issues of treating skin disorders, various cancers, glaucoma, and pain in general.
Quite a number of pet owners have tried to treat their furry friends with marijuana, usually in the form of feeding them tinctures or applying oils topically. According to the experts at Holistapet, this is not the way to go.
Although weed treatment may help relieve your pet of its ails, it is also too risky. The THC gets absorbed into the pet’s system and is likely to result in weird behavioral shifts: it is psychoactive to anything with a brain, not just us humans. Your dog’s or cat’s mental state can go askew as well, and they can get addicted too. Be responsible and stick to hemp instead.