CBD for Animals: A Guide to the Laws
As humans fight for our right to partake in CBD and medical cannabis, we are discovering the myriad benefits of cannabis on the brain. But do these benefits apply to pets too? Is it even legal to give CBD products to our pets?
Due to the cultural stigma against hemp and cannabis products, it has been difficult for scientists and researchers to learn more about the benefits of cannabidiol. What research we do have, however, shows that CBD can considerably improve your pet’s well-being.
Regulatory boards have been waging an unfair war against hemp producers, demonizing CBD. This makes the process of choosing CBD products for your pet confusing: you don’t want to accidentally break a law trying to help Fluffy feel better!
Luckily, there is still plenty of reliable evidence that your pets will benefit from CBD and hemp supplements. Using CBD for animals can help with separation anxiety, inflammation, and even seizures. But what are the laws?
CBD: An Overview
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the hundreds of different compounds that can be extracted from cannabis plants. Though cannabis also produces THC, a psychoactive compound, cannabidiol produces no psychotropic effects.
CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in your brain. Every mammal’s brain has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is partly responsible for your sleep cycles and pain reactions.
Your brain naturally produces cannabinoids, but CBD improves ECS function. This can lead to improved sleep, reduced pain, and better mood. Consider it caffeine for your ECS, in a way.
All that is to say: CBD makes you feel good, and can even stop chronic pain and seizures. But it won’t get you high. And it’ll work on your pets!
Why Should I Give CBD To My Pet?
It may be difficult to get a straight answer about CBD from your veterinarian. This is because in many states, they’re not allowed to endorse or even discuss CBD with you! It’s frustrating, but does not negate the fact that many studies have found empirical evidence that CBD is helpful to pets.
CBD is best known for being an anticonvulsant, meaning it can stop or lessen seizures. Multiple clinical trials have shown that CBD is powerful in stopping seizures, even though the research is in its infancy.
In addition to that, CBD is a great pain reliever. If you have an older or arthritic pet, doses of CBD oil can lessen their pain considerably. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, so again: great for pets with joint pain!
There are a ton more benefits and side effects to CBD supplementing. Some trials have even shown that CBD usage can shrink tumors! The field of CBD research is vibrant and exciting, and new benefits are being found every day.
Always use a CBD dosage calculator when giving your pet any CBD products. Because the FDA is purposely blocking mainstream use of CBD, the safest way to dose your pets is by size and weight. Too much CBD can be bad for your pets, so err on the side of caution.
What Are The Laws On CBD For Animals?
There are few laws that specifically reference CBD use for animals. In general, your pets can consume CBD oil made for humans. However, products geared toward pets will include other supplements and ingredients that are beneficial to them.
Here’s the good news: CBD oil made with less than .3% THC is legal in all 50 states. This is CBD made from low-THC hemp plants, and must be sold as a dietary supplement. That means the CBD product must fully comply with the FDA’s rules around CBD and other supplements.
If your state has legalized recreational marijuana, you’ll be able to buy CBD products that also come with THC. Though CBD itself is a wonder, its effects are strengthened when THC is in the mix (more on that later). Of course, you shouldn’t give your pet a high-THC CBD product, but a little bit in their oil could intensify the benefits.
The War On CBD
Here’s the bad news: a lot of people are trying to block CBD from reaching the market. In 2018, The Farm Bill was passed, which took industrial hemp and CBD off of the controlled substances list. This was a great step forward, but the FDA continues to fear monger.
The FDA immediately tightened their rules around the distribution of CBD products, which has led many companies to instead sell their products as “hemp oil” or “phytocannabinoid extract”. Their rules led to CBD companies finding more ways to skirt the rules, and less certainty that you’re really buying CBD. Paired with the cultural stigma around cannabis products, the CBD industry has faced many hurdles.
Stick to trustworthy businesses that advertise the quality of their ingredients. Make sure your product is always marked as real CBD oil, and that they can tell you the exact amount of THC.
Full Spectrum CBD And The Entourage Effect
As mentioned before, though CBD does not inherently contain any THC, the combination of the two is powerful. Adding terpenes – another chemical compound found in hemp – intensifies the oil further. CBD oil that contains THC and terpenes is referred to as full spectrum CBD.
When CBD, terpenes, and THC all bind to your cannabinoid receptors together, this is known as the entourage effect. It just means that these compounds intensify each other’s benefits and counteract their negative effects. An oil with more CBD than THC won’t cause the paranoia or “munchies” side effects usually seen.
When purchasing CBD oil for your pets, try and get full spectrum. The entourage effect will make ]a huge difference in their quality of life.
CBD Law Is Changing
As more people and pets experience the therapeutic effects of CBD, the law will change with their attitudes. Though the cannabis research community is facing roadblocks, their hard work has shown that CBD for animals can fix their ailments unlike any other drug. There is a strong future in CBD, and make sure you’re getting in on the ground floor.
So no matter what state you live in, order some CBD oil for your pet. They will thank you.
