Many pet owners have found the benefits of “weed” treats for their pets, especially when they suffer from different kinds of ailments. However, these are not marijuana that is used for medical treatments but treats that are infused with CBD oil.
Many might wonder what the difference is. The medical field includes several legitimate uses of medical marijuana, which are used for treating different diseases and chronic illnesses. More states are authorizing use of medical marijuana for different situations across the US. When it comes to pets the American Veterinary Medical Association is yet to take an official stance. In most cases, veterinarians cannot prescribe medical marijuana legally even if the situation demanded it. This remains as a Scheduled 1 Controlled Substance as per Drug Enforcement Agency. There is, however an alternative available that is made viable by the industry as noted with these Simply Pets CBD guides.
Hemp is part of the same plant family as marijuana. The difference lies in marijuana providing an intoxicating substance found in its resinous glands while hemp is used for making textiles and rope.
Among the key differences between these two plants, CBD produced from hemp is known to contain only trace elements of THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol which is known to create psychological effects. This however has several medical benefits, the main being it binding to the endocannabinoid system of the body through CB1 as well as CB2 receptors in the body. This system connects with the brain as well as nervous and the peripheral systems that are responsible for emotions, pain, memory, neural activity, carcinogenesis as well as development of the embryo. CBD can help in managing these conditions, from pain to seizures as well as controlling diabetes as well as cancer. Dogs are known to have high concentrations of CB receptors among mammals and hence the effects of CBD as well as THC are profound on these animals.
Hemp is legal which is another key difference to note. CDB is added in topical creams, oils, capsules and treats that can be given to pets. Industrial grade hemp is used to extract such CBD and many brands dedicated to pet welfare produce such products to help different chronic conditions and also offer CBD oil-based products derived from organic hemp.
Toxicity is another concern. Live hemp or marijuana plants can be toxic for dogs or cats, but products made from CBD derived from hemp plants are deemed safe. Dosing needs to be done as per the weight of a pet. Medical marijuana usually contains concentration of THC that might be dangerous for pet health. It could accelerate the heart rate of your pet to dangerous levels or the pet could have allergic responses; it could also go into a shock. Such effects could be due to over dosage of medical marijuana. In case of CBD oil or CBD supplements these effects need not be feared.
It is also important to keep medical marijuana away from pets; those who use such substances at home need to keep these away from their pets.
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