How can your pets benefit from cannabis?

With the legalization of weed in Canada in the late months of last year, a growing number of cat and dog owners have become more aware of cannabis medicine for pets and the endless benefits it can have. Cannabis, particularly CBC oil, is not the only extract being used to treat medical conditions in animals. Extremely low doses of THC can also be incredibly favorable when it comes to alleviating pain and seizures. That’s right! Your favorite furry friends can benefit from cannabinoid medicine. But what’s known about the science behind it?

What is CBD oil?

CBD is a cannabinoid that is found in the Sativa strain. Hemp is much higher in CBD oil and contains smaller amounts of THC, which is well-known for its psychoactive properties.

What are the health benefits for your pets?

Since CBD oil is usually used to treat pain, rather than get high, there are numerous ways that your pet can benefit from the cannabinoid.

Anxiety: If your pet has separation anxiety or phobias, CBD oil may be able to help with their high levels of apprehension.

Cancer: Studies on humans have shown that CBD oil has the potential to combat cancer cells from growing and improve the immune system functions.

Seizures: It may aid as an effective drug alternative when it comes to pets that suffer from seizures (it’s not known to be harmful to the liver).

Inflammation: Activating cannabinoid receptors has the ability to reduce inflammation.

Pain: CBD Oil has been used to treat chronic pain and is often associated with the treatment in beings with mobility issues.

CBD oil has also been used to treat animals with sleep issues and allergies.

There’s peer-reviewed research

In July of last year, a clinical study was conducted and published in the journal, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, that examined the effects of hemp-based cannabidiol on arthritic dogs. The results remarkably found that 80% of the dogs that participated in the study saw a significant decrease in their pain and their ability to move.

Although this is only one study, and unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of studies that have been conducted just yet. However, it’s important to be open to the idea of cannabis medicine for pets and understand that there are other paths in terms of treatment.

Are veterinarians on-board?

While cannabis is legal in Canada, pot for your pets may take a little bit longer to regulate. Keeping that in mind, there is currently no lawful avenue that allows your veterinarian to prescribe pot to your pooch. Although The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is hopeful that Health Canada will eventually approve cannabis medicine for pets.

What’s your opinion on cannabis medicine for pets? Tell us in the comments section below.

Alex Wilks is the Social Media & Content Creator for Trek Marketing. Her work has been featured on Global News, Black Press Media, and the Kwantlen Chronicle