Plant Based Cannabidiol for our Pets

​What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol or CBD, is one of over 60+ naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds found in Cannabis, an annual herbacous plant.
CBD oil is derived from an organic substance formed in the plant's secretions.
Both marijuana and hemp are forms of cannabis, but it is important to note that cannabis does not mean marijuana. Cannabis is the genus name and general umbrella term, under which all forms of marijuana and hemp fall.

Of the 60+ cannabinoids, there are two that are well known:

1. The first and most well known cannabinoid in marijuana is THC which is the physcoactive cannabinoid causing the well known ‘high’.
2. The second most prevalent cannabinoid in marijuana, and the top cannabinoid found in hemp is CBD, and, unlike THC, it is non-physcoactive.

 
What does CBD have to do with our pets?

For sometime now it has been known that the mammalian body, also naturally produces cannabinoids known as endocannabinoids.  
The mammalian body has an endocannabinoid system made up of receptors which are located throughout the body and that sends and receives signals through the brain, nervous system, internal organs and cardiovascular system. This system is primarily responsible for regulating and supporting many central nervous system functions, which, in turn supports the immune system. 
 
The Endocannabinoid system has four primary purposes:

1. adding neuro-protection
2. bringing about stress relief
3. boosting the immune response
4. regulating the body’s general state of balance, impacting faculties such as appetite, sleep, mood, and pain.

Research into the cannabinoid, CBD, started as early as 1940. There is literature that states a poet gave it to his son for epilepsy treatment in the 15th century. It was not until 1963 that it was properly identified, and, only in the 1990's and 2000's that research was taken further. 

---

Two Tales of CBD and its positive affects

This is Pao. He is being given CBD for pain caused by a hernia in his neck. Originally he was given a chemical pain killer but suffered side affects of drooling and incontinence. There was also concern about damage to his kidney and liver. 

This is China. Her hooman decided to treat her naturally with CBD for arthritis and osteoporosis. Her choice to use CBD was because of the damage that chemical drugs could do to China's liver and kidney over a long period of time.

Both Pao and China have responded positively to CBD. China has regained a childlike energy and is back to her normal activities. Pao licks his paws significantly less due to the pain of his neck hernia.

Will CBD give your pets a high?
THC is the cannabinoid known to interact directly with the two classical cannabinoid receptors that are found in the mammalian body (CB1 and CB2), causing the well known high.
CBD, on the other hand, does not interact with these receptors. Instead, CBD inhibits the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids, leading to an increase in your body’s naturally-produced cannabinoids

What is the legal status for CBD in Spain in 2018?
CBD is legal in Spain since it is not psychotropic. On the other hand, THC remains illegal. CBD is legal in many other European countries such as Germany, France, Netherlands, and UK, because it does not contain or contains less than 0.2% of the physcoactive component THC.
 
What are the medicinal benefits of plant based CBD?
CBD can benefit pets for many of the same conditions as humans:

• Arthritis
• Joint issues
• Neuropathic disorders (or nerve damage caused by diabetes or chemotherapy treatments)
• Neurological disorders such as seizures
• Blood disorders
• Kills cancer cells and slows tumor growth
• Supports the immune system allowing the cells to fight off free radicals helping to prevent the development of cancerous cells
• Boosts the immune system

• Manage inflammation and pain
• Helps Young active pets recover from injuries
• Providing relief to older pets who struggle with activity due to joint issues
• Reduces anxiety
• Stimulates appetite
• Helps with diabetes

 
How to choose CBD for your pet?
It is important to know that CBD has no toxicity and your pets cannot overdose on it. The benefits of daily use increase as CBD builds up slowly in the body. Choosing the right CBD is critical. You need to get a high quality CBD product to get all the benefits. Usually the fewer ingredients the purer the CBD you are getting.
The best CBD oils:

•  come from hemp (it has non detecable levels of THC)
• are organic
• are processed without using toxic substances
• Is free from additives or preservatives
• Is independantly tested
• Has a very low level of THC, less than 0.03%

Always consult a veterinarian for professional advice and before changing any medications that your animal maybe taking.

Plants Not Pills (https://www.plantsnotpillscbd.com/who-we-are)
This is the product that has recently come to my attention through the two dogs, Pao and China above. Please browse their website. They fulfill all the necessary requirements for a high quality CBD product. 

Contact details for any questions or research you may like to do.

​Vet Clinic:
Clinica Veterinaria Volpevets, 931189789, Vet called Nacho, Barcelona
Visits a domicilio 650 85 56 62
Website: www.plantsnotpillscbd.com
Contact person for PlantsnotPills: Lili @ 63823 92 64 
Utube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trQh2E7CHtg&feature=youtu.be

 References
Plantsnotpills
Dogs Naturally Magazine
The Guardian
Bluebirdbotanicals
​cen.acs.org