If you’re an animal lover with pets that have health issues, here’s some information that bears repeating. Not only are CBD products good for all the humans in your family, they are also beneficial for furry family—your pets. A recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune noted that more and more, pet owners are turning to medical cannabis to alleviate a plethora of problems—seizures, inflammation, anxiety, the effects of cancer and pain. Even veterinarians are using cannabis for larger animals such as pigs, horses and domesticated wild animals.
One dramatic instance noted in the newspaper article was a cat that had arthritis so bad, it just hid; becoming isolated. Nothing that was available helped dear kitty. Until the owner started using cannabis. Now kitty is her old perky self, lounging, purring, basking in the sun and climbing on laps for attention.
Even though many people have taken their pets’ conditions into their own hands and used medical marijuana with better than average results, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved it. No surprise really, there is about as much research available showing its effectiveness for animals as there is for humans. Largely that research isn’t being currently conducted because marijuana is still considered a dangerous gateway narcotic.
Although, prior to earning that status, cannabis was tested and used with good results on animals as far back as ancient Greece. Why does CBD work on animals? Same reason it works on humans. Animals have cannabinoid receptors, too. Note that THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis is toxic to animals, but the CBD offers the benefits without causing harm. In addition, CBD products, derived from hemp oil are legal and available nationwide. With a little research, you can find topicals and edibles for your pet that can alleviate some of the symptoms and even help heal certain conditions.
So, if you’ve tried everything for your pet’s seizures, allergies, whatever, and it hasn’t worked, maybe cannabis is the next thing to try. But, just as for humans, the need for research, science-based education and regulation are important to know how to dose properly more accurately.