This article is intended to provide the veterinary community with a concise, understandable, and clinically relevant review of cannabis medicine in companion animals. Included are descriptions of the structure and function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), outlines of the pharmacologic effects of biologically active compounds produced by the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids), potential clinical uses and toxicities, relevant legal updates, and an overview of the most relevant veterinary research.
These days, it may feel like you’re hearing about CBD oils and other new CBD products having a positive impact on health and wellness—for us and for our dogs and cats.
But what exactly are CBD products for pets? Do they really work? And more importantly—are they safe?
It can be hard to sift through all the marketing speak and get down to the facts about CBD for dogs and cats. I’ve put together this reference article to help you learn all about the terminology, the potential benefits, and the things you should consider when speaking to your veterinarian and shopping for products.
As a cannabis educator who tackles issues for both people and their pets, the question I’m most often asked is “Can my CBD help my dog’s arthritis?” It’s not surprising, given that cannabidiol or CBD is popping up everywhere. Today’s pet parents have an enhanced awareness of their options, and the desire to provide the best possible care to their furry children. As a result, our pets are living longer, happier lives. As our pets age however, like us, they too can suffer from the typical aches and pains that go along with living a full life. It’s no wonder that more and more pet parents are asking about CBD to help alleviate some of the common symptoms of arthritis or “joint pain” in their senior pets.
CBD is everywhere these days! People are investigating its use for themselves and their pets for a variety of health conditions. One of the most prominent conversations on the use of this incredible cannabinoid is for seizure disorders in people. Naturally, pet parents are listening and want to know if this can help their furry children afflicted with the condition. In my years of experience treating pets with epileptic seizures, I’m all too aware of how frustrating it can be for the veterinarian and the pet’s family, as well as the tremendous burden it places on caregivers.
With the plethora of cannabis and CBD (cannabidiol) products out there for pets, it has become a very daunting prospect for the newly interested pet owner to enter this world. Nowadays, it’s impossible to turn on your computer, scroll through a social media feed, or even get through a week’s worth of news without seeing a story or multiple marketing campaigns for CBD products. In fact, according to a CNBC report, the Brightfield Group estimates that the market for sales of CBD pet products could balloon to $1.16 billion in the U.S. alone by 2022.
As a cannabis educator who tackles issues for both people and their pets, I’m used to fielding questions on a wide range of cannabis-related topics. Nevertheless, I was recently asked about a topic that struck me by surprise…that is, the growing concern among some pet owners regarding the question of toxicity of CBD (cannabidiol) and if they need to be worried. This was shocking to me, because those of us in the cannabis industry largely regard CBD as being relatively safe. However, if the concern exists, there must be a reason. So what gives? Do pet owners really need to worry? Is CBD toxicity a thing? While many pet parents are using CBD products in their pets without issue, others are wondering “could CBD cause toxicity in my pet?” Allow me to address this issue and alleviate some of these concerns…
In the past year, the veterinary profession has seen a huge spike in interest, and thus information, about the potential therapeutic use of cannabinoids. This increase in media and institutional attention mirrors the widespread legalization of cannabis as it spreads through the nation, and indeed, the world. A milestone event that propelled this uptick in interest was the passing of the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, aka the Farm Bill.1 This legislative victory was a game changer for this industry.
With the growing number of states legalizing the use of cannabis, access to products is becoming easier and more widespread. Unfortunately, with increased accessibility, there’s also been an increased incidence of accidental exposure to cannabis products in children, as well as pets. In fact, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center noted that in the first few months of 2019 there was a 765 percent increase in calls about marijuana ingestion by animals, compared to the same period the year before.
In the last article, we discussed inflammatory conditions in general and their devastating effects on the body. This month’s topic is inflammation within the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and muscles), one of the most commonly affected body systems for this disease process.
There are multiple inflammatory conditions associated with the 3 major components of the musculoskeletal system, and in general terms, they are referred to as osteomyelitis (bones), arthritis (joints), and myositis (muscles). Some well-known examples of these in people are fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammatory syndromes include a wide range of diseases and conditions, but they are all share the characteristic of unregulated and uncontrollable inflammation within the body. Scores of humans and their pets suffer from this chronic disease state, many with ineffective or disappointing treatment results. The array of conditions falling under this umbrella is so vast, it includes diagnoses ranging from allergies to cancer.
