CBD FOR PETS AND ITS USES

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CBD FOR PETS 

Today CBD is being credited with changing the health and lives of both humans and their pets.  Since its legalization, researchers have been working hard to understand its full potential. The evidence in new studies opines that CBD serves as a panacea for a wide array of ailments in both humans and pets. These recent findings and scientific breakthrough centered on the CBD have made many pet parents employ and, of course, use CBD for their pet’s health and wellness routine.

CBD: For Wellness of Humans and Their Pets

Engineered by years of extensive research, CBD is just the panacea we all have been waiting for, especially for the wellness of our pets. Although pets cannot use CBD produced for humans, there are many products just for pet consumption and flavored just for pets. Like humans, pets have an endocannabinoid system, charged with keeping various functions in balance and at homeostasis. With that in mind, the consumption of CBD for pets works the same way as it does for humans, which is, interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which improves its functionality.

The Rise of CBD for Pets

The rise in popularity of CBD has meant a slow decline in the demand for prescription drugs for pets as well as veterinarian services. With proper usage instructions, pet parents can easily navigate their way when it comes to dosage and uses. Without the numerous side effects associated with prescription drugs, CBD is a wonderfully natural product that is, of course, void of harmful side effects to pets.

CBD: The Panacea for Pets

The effectiveness of CBD for humans is one of the most exciting natural breakthroughs in recent times. There is evidence for the potency and natural homeopathic powers of CBD, for pain, insomnia, anxiety, anxiety-related disorders, and many more. As useful as CBD is for humans, it is also a potent panacea for a wide array of pets ailments. Research shows evidence that it helps a full variety of ailments affecting the wellbeing of our most cherished pet(s). Some of which include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Neurological disorders
  • Tumors
  • Muscle spasms
  • Loss of appetite or anorexia
  • Cancer
  • Aggression

CBD Dosage for Pets

While most prescription drugs administered to pets have similar methods of administration, CBD, on the other hand, comes with a multitude of dosing methods. With the most common being

  • Applying under the tongue of the pet
  • Giving your pet a CBD enhanced pet treat.
  • Add CBD extract to your pet’s current favorite Non-CBD treat.
  • Better still combine the CBD  extract with your pet’s food

Dr. Robert J Silver, a licensed veterinarian and member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, stated that when “using CBD for pets, starting with a smaller dosage is key.” He termed this process, the “tiered dosage.” to get the best results whenever you dose pets with CBD, always begin with a small dosage before upping it over time for effective results.

Final Note

Pet parents make use of this method, considering there is less risk of overdosing the pet(s) with the CBD at one go. With that said, pet parents should get in touch with their veterinarian to help guide them through every step of the treatment process.

By

Mike McCoy – author

The ABCs of CBD oil for your Dogs and Cats

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CBD dispensaries have popped up in many states all over the country in people’s hunt for wellness. But CBD oil can also be used to help dogs with anxiety and other issues. What is CBD, and how does it work? And, will it give your dog the munchies? First, let’s define some of the terms that can be confusing.

“Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a cannabinoid — a naturally occurring compound found in both hemp and cannabis (cannabis also referred to as marijuana),” says Jodi Ziskin, director of communications with Treatibles in Petaluma, California.

Hemp and marijuana are “Both members of the Cannabis sativa plant and share similarities but have very distinct differences due to each plant’s biological structure,” says Jon Neveloff, partner with King Kanine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Consider that a rice cake and rice pudding are from the same plant but quite different.

“CBD is one of the hundreds of compounds found in cannabis. It is the most prevalent compound in hemp. Which is a special strain of cannabis that has only trace amounts of THC, the substance in medical and recreational strains of hemp that is associated with psychoactive effects,” says Joey DiFrancesco, CEO and founder of LolaHemp in New York City. This is crucial because THC can be toxic to pets. (For more THC specifics, see “Why the Farm Bill Matters” on page 38.) “CBD is non-psychoactive,” Joey adds. It won’t get your dog high in any way.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil

Both CBD oil and hemp oil come from the same plant, but CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves, and stalk of the hemp plant, while hemp oil comes from the seeds of the industrialized hemp plant.

Hemp oil is a nutritional supplement full of nutrients that can be used in cooking and for moisturizing — like in soaps or lotions. It has a variety of other manufacturing uses, such as making plastic and bio-diesel fuel.

CBD oil is a supplement used for medicinal purposes, like treating various conditions, such as inflammation and anxiety, among others.

Help for anxiety

Many owners report benefits when using CBD oil for dogs, and CBD oil is said to assist with many ailments that plague our furry friends, including anxiety.

“The most common conditions that relate to anxiety include location and separation anxiety, as well as noise phobias,” says Annie Chrysler, CBD specialist, and product manager with SpaRoom based in Cleveland, Ohio. “For example, CBD oil can provide noticeable relief to dogs who demonstrate car ride anxiety or who experience anxiety when visiting the veterinarian’s office. CBD oil can also provide noticeable relief for dogs who have noise sensitivities such as fireworks and thunderstorms.”

Amanda Howland, co-founder and CTO of ElleVet Sciences in Portland, Maine, explains further. “Pain and anxiety are so interrelated in dogs that we wanted to have both a profound anti-anxiety effect and an extremely effective pain management effect, to help the pet feel better in every way.”

Angie Krause, DVM, with Boulder Holistic Vet in Boulder, Colorado, says in her experience CBD is consistently effective for treating dogs with mild to moderate anxiety. “For severe generalized anxiety, I have more success with drugs like Prozac,” she adds.

So how does it work? Everything is science is based, the same science that explains how CBD works with man and man’s best friend, who have some biology in common. That’s because all mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS.)

Jillian Dutson, marketing and advertising manager with Pet Releaf, based in Littleton, Colorado, explains. “When your dog consumes CBD, his ECS is activated. The ECS works as a two-way communication system with various systems in the body, such as the immune, nervous and digestive systems, just to name a few. This two-way communication allows these parts of the body to speak to one another to help them function at optimal levels of health.”

And there’s more to it: “Although further studies are needed, initial findings show that CBD binds to several endocannabinoid receptors,” says Lauren Brychell, marketing coordinator for a CBD company in Charlotte, North Carolina. “These receptors regulate everything from inflammation to pain perception, and CBD has shown the ability to potentially raise dopamine levels and improve mood while reducing symptoms of anxiety.”

Speaking of studies, “Most of the research done on cannabidiol, indeed cannabis writ large, has taken place outside of veterinary research, which is not uncommon, as vet research typically lags behind human medicine,” Joey says.

More benefits and dosage

There are many common uses for CBD oil in dogs, other than anxiety. “I use CBD for dogs with seizures, arthritis, cancer, pain, chronic inflammation, and allergies,” Dr. Krause says.

Joey, too, cites success in using CBD for the Big C. It can “Shrink tumors in several types of cancer both because it appears to have antitumorigenic properties of its own and because it appears to enhance the effectiveness of some chemotherapy agents.”

CBD oil can also be used to treat the following ailments:

  • Sleep issues
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Muscle spasms
  • Glaucoma
  • Digestive problems and appetite loss
  • Skin conditions

As with any supplement or medication, getting the correct dose is crucial. Many of the manufacturer’s state dosing suggestions should be determined based on each dog’s stats and condition. Some suggest generic guidelines as a starting point: 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight twice a day; Dr. Krause recommends 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily for anxiety.

Of course, always get input from your dog’s vet on any treatment. “First, many symptoms that CBD may help with can be an indication of a deeper and more serious medical problem in need of treatment,” Joey says. “Second, CBD oil can interfere with the metabolization of other drugs (in a similar way that grapefruit does). Third, the answer to dosing questions is dependent on what condition you are treating.”

And don’t assume you and Fido are in for a quick fix. “While some dog owners may notice an immediate difference in their pet, we suggest waiting two to three weeks to see the full effects,” Lauren says.

Giving to your dog

Whatever the dosage, you have a couple of options on how to administer CBD oil: topically or ingested. But which is better?

“The answer ultimately depends on the individual dog,” Annie says. “More commonly, topical application can provide a more localized sense of relief, such as pain relief in the hips and legs. Ingesting can provide a broader sense of relief, such as separation anxiety relief.”

Angela Ardolino, founder, and CEO of CBD Dog Health in Tampa, Florida, lists other conditions that lend themselves to direct applications. “It has incredible benefits for skin issues, including allergies, hot spots, bug bites, skin tumors, warts, and cysts when applied topically,” she says.

If you do decide to go the oral route, you have more choices here, too. According to Angela, “The best way to administer CBD is to lift the dog’s lip and administer it right onto the gums (Absorption is through capillaries in the gums).” Putting it under the tongue is also common. CBD oil can be mixed in with your dog’s food or treats made with CBD oil.

It may come down to what your dog — and wallet — prefer. “The oils and treats that I use in my practice have the same hemp extract in both,” Dr. Krause says. “The oil is more cost-effective.”

Sharing the pros and cons

If you have other pets at home with similar conditions, they may also benefit from the same product your dog uses — with different dosages, of course. “There is a big difference in dosing for dogs and cats,” Amanda says. “Cats are not small dogs! The half-life in cats is extremely short, meaning they metabolize it very quickly. We have precise dosing for dogs and cats based on science.”

According to Colette Florido, founder, and president of CR Pets Thrive in St. Petersburg, Florida, says, “A high-quality CBD product will work equally well for both cats and dogs. The main difference you’ll find between options for cats and dogs is what other flavors are combined with the CBD, knowing that each pet has their preferences.”

The most important part about sharing CBD oil is never to share products made for humans with your dog or any other pets. “It is vital to make sure that the oil you are buying is not just a human product with a paw print on the label,” Angela says. “Human products may contain artificial flavoring, like xylitol, that is toxic to dogs.”

Joey gave a flavor-specific example of toxicity. “Wintergreen oil, which is perfectly fine for people and probably won’t bother a dog, is potentially toxic to cats, and is commonly found in CBD products made for people.”

There is much more research to be done on using CBD oil for your dog, but hopefully, you now know more about how it works and how it might help. And just to confirm: CBD oil won’t give your dog the munchies. If your dog is craving Scooby snacks, it has nothing to do with a supplement.

Reprinted from an article by Elizabeth Anderson Lopez

How Does the Body Absorb CBD?

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Scientists are regularly learning more about cannabidiol (CBD) and how it interacts with receptors throughout the body to elicit balancing and healing effects. Studies suggest that CBD may be able to minimize and even eliminate seizure activity, reduce anxiety and depression, manage pain, fight some cancers, and provide anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that could potentially be beneficial for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis. For CBD to influence our systems, the natural non-psychoactive compound first needs to be absorbed.

When we talk about the absorption of CBD, we’re referring to its transfer from the site of administration to the bloodstream, where it can then be transported throughout the body to interact with or influence cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, and non-cannabinoid receptors like serotonin receptor 5-HT1A and vanilloid receptor TRPV-1.

How CBD is absorbed depends on the route of administration, or how it’s consumed. Whether CBD oil is ingested, situated under the tongue, inhaled, or applied topically plays an essential role in the uptake, distribution, and elimination of the compound. It can, therefore, influence how effective cannabinoid treatments will be at eliciting their natural balancing effects.

Absorption After Ingestion and Sublingual Methods

The most common route of CBD oil administration is orally, or through the mouth. When CBD is ingested, it is absorbed by the digestive system. From the stomach, the compounds enter the hepatic portal system, where they are carried through the portal vein into the liver. The liver then metabolizes the CBD molecules, in what’s referred to as the “first-pass effect.” CYP450 mixed-function oxidases enzymes in the liver act upon CBD, reducing the concentration of the compounds before passing on what remains to the bloodstream.

Ingestion, while considered by most to be the easiest administration method, isn’t the most efficient for absorbing high levels of CBD. Studies have found, however, that consuming CBD oil with fatty acids can help bypass first-pass metabolism and increase how much CBD is absorbed through ingestion.

If CBD oil is held under the tongue for 60 to 90 seconds before being swallowed, the mucus membranes in the mouth can absorb the compounds. This sublingual method allows CBD to bypass the digestive system and liver metabolism altogether, so the compounds can avoid being broken down by enzymes and reach the bloodstream more quickly.

Absorption After Inhalation

When CBD oil is inhaled, such as through vaporization, the compounds are absorbed through the alveoli in the lungs, which offer a large absorptive surface area. Once through the alveoli, the CBD molecules are immediately transferred into the bloodstream. Compared to ingestion, the inhalation method allows more CBD to be absorbed and offers faster absorption.

Absorption After Topical Application

When CBD oil is applied topically, or directly to the skin, it never reaches the bloodstream but can be absorbed through the skin’s surface to interact with nearby cannabinoid receptors.

Human skin, in general, has low permeability, which means it blocks most substances from entering. It has an unusually low absorption rate for cannabinoids, so the application of CBD balms, salves, and lotions need to be heavy enough to overcome this barrier. However, when applied liberally, CBD is permeable to the skin through its pores.

Now that you know that the way that CBD is absorbed varies depends on the administration method, you may decide that one approach is ideally better than another depending on your needs. However, selecting the manner with which you feel most comfortable is essential as you’ll more likely be able to be consistent with your servings.

You can learn even more about CBD administration methods and the types of CBD products available on our education page.

BY echoconnection.org

Latest Arthritis Foundation Guidelines for Taking CBD

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The Arthritis Foundation is one of the leading organizations working toward arthritis research and education. Not only do they inform patients on how they can best take care of themselves, but they also educate outsiders on the importance of donating to arthritis research.

In recent years, many arthritis patients have been utilizing CBD to battle several symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation is outlining some new guidelines related to using CBD if you have arthritis. They will describe the appropriate ways to integrate CBD into your life. Due to the overwhelming anecdotal and clinical evidence that CBD could work for arthritis. Patients that are looking for the appropriate ways to integrate CBD into your life, keep reading to see the Arthritis Foundation’s suggestions.

While there are no official guidelines to go off of from a clinical standpoint, experts within the Arthritis Foundation have collaborated to agree upon some points to consider. For starters, the foundation emphasizes the fact that no clinical studies have conclusively confirmed that CBD can help arthritis symptoms. However, many CBD users and arthritis patients have expressed that they have seen personal results when using CBD to treat their arthritis symptoms.

Next, the Arthritis Foundation assures users that no significant health or safety issues have been reported as a result of taking CBD in moderate doses. In short, this means that self-medicating with CBD, as long as it’s a reasonable dose, doesn’t come with any significant side effects or health risks.

However, research shows that CBD can interact with certain medications and perhaps make them less effective when used together. For this reason, you should consult with your primary care physician before starting to use CBD to make sure you aren’t taking any medications that would negatively interact with it.

While CBD can help with your symptoms, the Arthritis Foundation also recommends that you shouldn’t be using CBD as a replacement to any of your traditional medications. These medications used in the treatment of arthritis were designed to slow and stop the progression of inflammation, while CBD has not conclusively shown that it can achieve that yet. Therefore, using CBD as a replacement for medications would become potentially dangerous and would be unlikely to slow the progression of the disease.

Finally, the Arthritis Foundation reminds users that there are no established guidelines for what the most effective method is to use CBD or how much you should take. Instead, users need to be incredibly careful to always start with a dosage lower than what they think they’ll need, increasing in small increments only as necessary to achieve comfort. It would be best if you only were increasing this dosage every week, be sure not to overwhelm your body, and keep track of how your symptoms behave.

The Arthritis Foundation offers some of the most comprehensive guidelines on the web for how arthritis patients should be administering CBD. The most important thing to keep in mind when using CBD is that it affects everyone differently. Your symptoms might need a much higher or much lower dosage than someone else’s, and you’ll need to start at a low dose to determine how much you’ll need correctly. Also, be sure to only buy products from retailers or dispensaries you trust, and always check for third-party lab testing before investing in a new product to be sure it’s pure.

BY BRI STEPHENS  echoconnection.org

What is The Entourage Effect

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The entourage effect refers to how various cannabinoids and other natural constituents work together synergistically to magnify their potential therapeutic properties. Introduced in 1998, a study by Israeli researchers Shimon Ben-Shabat and Raphael Mechoulam, the entourage effect theory maintains that isolated or synthetic cannabinoids aren’t as effective at eliciting curative effects as when all of the natural constituents work together harmoniously.

The two significant cannabinoids (CBD) and (THC) garner most of the attention for their ability to provide therapeutic relief work in conjunction with over 400 additional compounds to treat a multitude of medical ailments.

When cannabinoid oil is derived from the plant’s stalk and seeds, the extraction process draws out all of the plant’s terpenes, essential fatty acids, waxes, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, magnesium, iron, calcium, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and vitamins A, B, C, and E, and beta-Carotene, as well as other various cannabinoids. This “full-spectrum” oil allows you to take advantage of the whole plant and it’s natural healing properties.

Benefits of the Entourage Effect

By working together synergistically, the whole plant extract of cannabinoids and other natural constituents can affect multiple targets throughout the body. One recent study investigating cannabinoids’ potential therapeutic effect on muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis found whole plant extract to be more effective than administering THC alone.

The entourage effect also improves the absorption of active ingredients. Because cannabinoids are chemically polar compounds, sometimes it can be difficult for them to be absorbed. The other natural constituents may help improve their absorbability and viability.

Cannabinoids and natural constituents that work together also can better overcome bacterial defense mechanisms. While cannabinoids have shown to be potentially useful for treating bacterial infections, bacteria develop defense mechanisms over time. The other non-cannabinoid constituents found in cannabis also have antibacterial properties, utilizing different pathways to combat the bacteria.

While working together, cannabinoids and other natural constituents also minimize unwanted side effects. While THC alone can cause a euphoric response, and at times elicit anxiety and paranoia, CBD has shown it can modulate those undesirable effects.

When a complex mix of cannabinoids works in tandem with the essential nutrients and other natural components, they’re better able to provide their therapeutic and healing effects.

CBD and SLEEP

Studies have shown that as many as 60% of CBD users cite insomnia as the main reason they take CBD, and other studies have cited CBD’s ability to aid with stress and anxiety that can exacerbate sleep issues. But does CBD really make you sleepy?

The Endocannabinoid System

There is still some debate over whether CBD induces sleep or drowsiness. We do know that CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system to help our bodies achieve homeostasis or balance. Homeostasis can lead to less stress and a feeling of overall relaxation and well-being, which could, in turn, improve sleep quality. The endocannabinoid system is a cellular-signaling network that plays a role in our mood, pain, appetite, and almost every physiological process in the body. Researchers are still learning more about the calming effects of CBD. Still, they know that CBD interacts with many different brain chemicals and receptors, and these interactions influence a variety of functions, including sleep.

CBD and Sleep Research

Research on CBD and sleep is currently somewhat inconclusive. In a 2013 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, scientists found that mice given smaller amounts of CBD became more active, but higher doses did make the mice drowsy. A much earlier study published in 1981 found that subjects who received CBD slept longer and more deeply with fewer interruptions.

However, a 2016 study found that CBD activates neurons in the hypothalamus, which promotes alertness, meaning CBD could actually make you feel more focused and awake. A 2018 study found that CBD did not alter the sleep patterns of individuals with already healthy sleep cycles. A 2017 review of all literature related to CBD and sleep concluded that CBD does have potential as a treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Should I Try CBD for Insomnia?

In conclusion, CBD may help with many of the underlying causes of insomnia or other sleep issues, and for many, may provide effective relief. More research is needed to find out exactly why so many find CBD useful for sleep issues, and ultimately, each person’s experience with CBD is unique.

CBD for SENIORS

Health deterioration is an almost unavoidable part of the aging process, often leading many seniors to turn to a variety of pharmaceutical drugs with complicated side effects. Many senior citizens are turning to CBD and are discovering the positive impact on their overall wellness and vitality.

Here are just a few of the common ways seniors can benefit from CBD.

  1. Joint Swelling and General Pain Relief

Most seniors will, at some point, deal with aches and pains and joint soreness. Several studies have shown CBD to be a promising treatment for joint pain as well as its underlying causes. This is because CBD attaches itself to the CB-2 receptors, reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort in almost any part of the body. The overall relaxation effects of CBD can also provide tremendous benefits for overall pain relief.

  1. Brain and Vascular Health

Scientists are beginning to understand CBD’s potential to support brain and vascular health and aid in post-injury recovery. A Neuropharmacology study revealed that rats administered with CBD experienced an improvement in brain excitotoxicity and neurobehavioral function. A 2015 study in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism demonstrated CBD’s promise as a “neuroprotectant,” with positive pharmacological effects.

  1. Sleep Disorders

Quality sleep is necessary for health and vitality, especially as you age, and sleep issues are common among seniors. CBD has shown to decrease chronic muscle spasms caused by neuromuscular disorders or random spastic episodes that can often interrupt sleep. Furthermore, CBD helps maintain homeostasis in our body’s endocannabinoid system, which can increase sleep quality and regulate sleep stability.

  1. Heart Health

Studies show that CBD has tremendous benefit for our cardiovascular system in several ways. First, it causes vasorelaxation in our arteries, which can support healthy blood pressure and increase blood flow to the heart. Also, it’s known to alleviate ischemic tissue damage, which can prevent the heart from receiving enough oxygen. CBD does not have to be smoked and can instead be consumed through oils and tinctures, making consumption for seniors easy and healthy. It can also be more cost-effective than using pharmaceuticals and produce fewer side effects.

 

All products contain less than 0.3% THC

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