Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a compound derived from hemp or cannabis plants and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. But despite its wide array of beneficial effects including pain relief, anxiety reduction and even cancer prevention, not all are sure whether it’s safe to give your pet CBD. Here is how to Find the best CBD for dogs.
What is CBD?
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the hemp, cannabis and the resinous variety of cannabis plant. Since the 1940s, CBD has been used to treat inflammation and pain associated with a range of conditions including multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, asthma and epilepsy. It has also been used to relieve psychological effects like anxiety and depression. Today, some products are approved in several states for certain conditions.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
Until recently, it was unclear whether or not CBD was safe for animals. On July 29, 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CBD to treat seizures in humans. According to the FDA, “CBD may be used in order to treat epilepsy that has been resistant to other treatments.”
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) issued a warning about giving pets CBD-based products on June 20, 2017. In response to this warning, many pet food companies have removed CBD-based products from their shelves.
The FDA currently has no restrictions or regulations on CBD or cannabis itself and does not require manufacturers to provide scientific evidence that their products are safe and effective. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not recommend giving pet CBD or cannabis. The ASPCA recommends that pet owners speak to both a veterinarian and a medical professional before deciding on whether to give their pet CBD or cannabis.
What’s the difference between hemp-based CBD and cannabis-based CBD?
The raw material for making CBD oil is hemp-derived, which contains very little THC, the compound in marijuana that makes you high. (See section 4 for more details.) Hemp-based CBD oil is typically said to be safe for dogs because it contains no THC. Cannabis-derived products are made from the whole marijuana plant, including its flowers and seeds, which contain high levels of THC, the compound that makes you high.
What Is CBD Oil?
One of the most popular ways to get CBD into your system is through oils and tinctures. Oils are typically derived from hemp plants and tinctures are derived from cannabis plants. Hemp-based oils are legal in all 50 states but cannabis-based oils can be legal in some states depending on their THC content.