Cannabinoids are a group of organic chemical compounds that affect the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biochemical system responsible for regulating many physiological and cognitive functions. It consists of endogenous cannabinoids, enzymes that regulate the biosynthesis and biodegradation of endogenous cannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2). It regulates cognitive processes in the central nervous system, as well as the functioning of the immune system and the proper course of the inflammatory reaction.
There are three groups of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are obtained mainly for medical purposes from hemp inflorescences (Cannabis sativa). Over 100 cannabinoids have been isolated from Cannabis sativa tissues, the most well-known of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol, cannabigerol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, cannabidivarin, and cannabichromene.
The widespread use of phytocannabinoids in medicine is limited by the possibility of undesirable psychoactive side effects, mainly due to one compound – THC. Unlike THC, CBD is devoid of psychogenic properties, which significantly affects the safety of therapy and does not generate legal problems.
Hemp inflorescence extracts are successfully used in the treatment of many diseases in humans, although the use of hemp preparations in veterinary medicine has been unknown for many years. However, they have found documented use in the treatment of degenerative joint diseases, epilepsy, and behavioral disorders.
This work aims to systematize and summarize the available knowledge on the use of cannabidiol in the treatment of canine and feline diseases.