Pets & THC: As with Everything, the Poison is in the Dose
Cannabis contains hundreds of beneficial compounds like CBD and THC. Once the 2018 Farm Bill passed, people rushed to use legal cannabis for health reasons.
But did you know that cannabis also helps your furry friends?
All animals, humans included, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabinoids from cannabis work in this system to maintain homeostasis. Insects are the only creatures without an ECS.
Yes, cannabis works on pets. It doesn’t mean you should go out and give your pet cannabis products made for humans.
How can you safely improve your best friend’s life with cannabis? An important step is to learn the difference between CBD and THC found in cannabis.
Is There a Difference Between CBD and THC?
A cannabis newcomer can become overwhelmed by all these new terms. Until recently, all anyone talked about concerning cannabis was THC. Legalizing industrial hemp opened the doors to research on other parts of cannabis.
A lot of that research is centered on cannabidiol (CBD). Early testing on animals showed that this non-intoxicating compound eased anxiety. Further testing in recent years proved that CBD works within the ECS to maintain balance.
We call this internal balance homeostasis. Without homeostasis, a body stops functioning.
THC, on the other hand, doesn’t work in the endocannabinoid system the same way. It targets certain neuroreceptors and alters how the brain functions. Because animals have more ECS receptors in their brain, cannabis affects them more dramatically.
When a human ingests THC, they know what to expect. Animals lack a prefrontal cortex, so they can’t think rationally. When THC enters their system, the changes cause them to panic.
What is the Entourage Effect?
In 1998, scientists came up with the theory of the Entourage Effect. The theory states that cannabinoids work better when paired with fatty acids.
Cannabis already contains these fatty acids. But most CBD products are made with a CBD isolate. The refining process eliminates the fatty acids that make the CBD more effective.
A decade after the original theory went public, other scientists expanded its definition. The expanded definition of the Entourage Effect’s mechanisms are:
- The ability to target and affect many parts of the body
- The ability to boost the absorption of active ingredients
- The ability to better defeat bacteria
- The ability to reduce bad side-effects
This is why full spectrum CBD products are a better choice for your pets. The extra compounds ensure the product works as intended.
Yes, full spectrum CBD products include THC. Rest assured, these products contain only traces of THC. CBD products do not contain more than 0.3% THC.
If you live in a state with recreational marijuana laws, there are CBD products with more THC. They’re only sold in dispensaries. Before you buy CBD for your pet, read the product label.
By buying a full spectrum CBD oil, you won’t need to use as much for your pet. You’ll save tons of money and your pet will have a nice, calming treat.
What Other Helpful Cannabinoids are in Cannabis?
Research on individual cannabinoids expands each year. Recently, scientists looked into other non-psychoactive cannabinoids and their effects.
The news is promising. These cannabinoids all have certain ECS receptors they target the best. Some proved to be vital to the entourage effect.
Common cannabinoids you’ll find in full spectrum CBD:
- CBDV (Cannabidivarin) – Reduces seizures, restores memory, improves locomotion
- CBG (Cannabigerol) – Reduces eye pressure, reduces inflammation from irritable bowel disease
- CBC (Cannabichromene) – Inhibits tumor growth, works with THC to block the pain from osteoarthritis
Keep in mind, this information is based on a handful of studies. Scientists continue to test new cannabinoids, In time we will have a full understanding of how they work.
CBD was approved by the FDA for use in Epidiolex to treat epilepsy. The same drug company currently has a product with CBDV in the works. This new cannabinoid-based drug will likewise treat seizures.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the chemicals responsible for determining how cannabis smells and tastes. They are also an important part of the Entourage Effect.
CBD heavy cannabis strains generally have the same terpenes.
Terpenes found in CBD strains include:
- Myrcene – Has a spicy scent and it may help those with insomnia
- B-caryophyllene – Has a smell like cloves and may reduce swelling
- Limonene – Produces a citrus scent and may reduce anxiety
- A-pinene – Smells like pine trees and may reduce pain
- Terpinolene – Produces a floral scent and may act as a mood booster
Studies are still being done on terpenes to determine how they affect the body.
Full spectrum CBD products benefit greatly from terpenes. CBD isolate products tend to be bitter. The terpenes in full spectrum products make them palatable.
We all know how picky animals can be when it comes to flavors. Terpenes ensure your pet will enjoy their daily dose of CBD.
The Importance of Shopping Safely
The CBD market is huge and intimidating for newcomers. Often shady businesses will take advantage of this with bad products.
To avoid these sellers, you need to look for a company that tests its products. The third-party lab tests should be easy to find and read.
If you don’t read the lab reports, you risk exposing your pet to too much THC.
What happens when your pet has too much THC:
- Nausea
- Low heart rate
- Tremors
- Inability to walk correctly
- Drooling
- Inability to hold urine
- Seizures
The severity of their reaction depends on how much THC they consume. It takes a dose of 3 grams of THC per kilogram of body weight to cause an overdose.
Animals usually overdose because they got into their owner’s cannabis stash. Full spectrum CBD oils with less than 0.3% of THC won’t make your dog sick.
Treat Your Furry Friend with Full Spectrum CBD
If you stick to a trustworthy CBD company, you won’t have to worry about THC in your pet’s treats.
Take the time to do a little research before buying CBD treats. Make sure they use full spectrum CBD so your pet gets the full benefit of the Entourage Effect.
Looking for quality CBD products to give to your pets? Check out our line of full spectrum CBD products.
