Medicinal Marijuana use is a hot topic in human medicine right now. Mirroring that trend, CBD oil is skyrocketing in popularity for both people and companion animals. But there are important differences between CBD and marijuana. Let’s take a look at CBD oil for dogs and cats and whether it can benefit your four-legged companion.
What is CBD & How is it Different From THC?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally-occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s important to note, however, that CBD is not “pot” and will not produce a feeling of being “high” or “stoned.” CBD comes from the hemp plant, a different strain of Cannabis sativa than the marijuana plant, which is famous for its TCH (tetrahydrocannabinol) content. TCH is a psychoactive compound that does produce that “stoned” feeling. Hemp contains no more than 0.3% TCH, while marijuana contains much more – as much as 12% TCH.(1)
How Does CBD Compare to Dietary Hemp Seed Oil?
Both CBD oil and the hemp seed oil you find in grocery stores come from the hemp plant. However, they are not the same substance. CBD is extracted from the stalks, leaves & buds of hemp plants, while dietary hemp is produced from the plant’s seeds. Dietary hemp contains important essential fatty acids (linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid), but it does not contain medicinal benefits.
Benefits of CBD Oil
Studies show that CBD oil potentially provides a variety of benefits, including:
- Alleviating anxiety and depression
- Increasing appetite
- Decreasing seizures
- Decreasing symptoms associated with arthritis
- Helping psychotic disorders
- Improving memory
- Modulating the immune system
- Promoting normal sleep
- Promoting proper energy metabolism and mitochondrial functioning
- Reducing pain
- Reducing possible development of diabetes
- Can reduce tumor volume and metastasis
- Regulating mood (2)
CBD oil appears to be safe based on current literature. However, potential side effects include tiredness, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. CBD may also interact with certain drugs, increasing or decreasing the metabolism of the drug or the CBD. (2) Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable holistic veterinarian prior to giving CBD to your dog or cat.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4987131/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
Originally posted 2018-08-17 09:55:48.
