by A lot of pet owners might have heard of the word CBD at least once in these last couple of years. Considering how famous it has become all around the world, it wouldn’t be a surprise if you have heard of it as well!
Yet, the word CBD carries a lot of mystery behind its back. Something a lot of people are sure about, though, is the fact that it can be used for a lot of medical reasons, and it is, to a certain extent, a very similar form of treatment to medicinal cannabis.Geek bar flavours
However, there is a huge difference between medicinal cannabis and CBD-based treatments, and if you are a cat owner that is interested in using CBD for the first time, knowing this difference, and the way you can actually use it in your cat, can make a huge impact on the way you perceive it, helping you decide if you should try it out or not.
That is why, in this article, we will try to show you some of the most important aspects you should know about CBD as a whole, and how the ECS, also known as the Endocannabinoid System, is heavily related to it.
With that out of the way, let’s jump right into it and talk about the most important thing to know about CBD: Its correlation to medicinal cannabis as a method of treatment.
CBD vs Medicinal Cannabis
The first thing you need to know is that there are many different derivations of the cannabis plant. These derivations enter different categories as well: Indica, Sativa and Hybrid. You can learn more details about them at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/indica-vs-sativa.
These derivations of the cannabis plant are categorized based on the amount of cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, and other compounds they have. Just so you know, cannabidiol is the actual name of CBD!
Now, the sativa plant is famous for having a very energizing effect. People tend to use it for recreational purposes, or when they need a boost in their energy levels. Some people even use it for creative purposes!
The indica, on the other hand, is well known for its relaxing effects. And this category is the one we should be paying attention to, since most CBD-based products are actually created using a specific type of indica plant known as hemp. Hemp is a derivation of cannabis that contains higher levels of cannabidiol, and much lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol than regular plants.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, also commonly referred to as THC, is the one compound that decides the intoxicating capabilities of the plant; thus, higher levels of THC means that you will get a high that is stronger and more durable, and it is the main reason why cannabis products do get you high.
Thankfully, since cannabidiol products are created using the hemp plant, they only contain around 0.3% of THC, making it pretty much harmless for anyone who consumes them. And for cats, this is absolutely essential.
THC is Actually Toxic for Animals Because of Their ECS
The way these products act in the body is very complex, especially for animals. We humans can handle a certain level of THC in our bodies, and we can even control it to some degree. However, animals don’t have this advantage, solely because of their Endocannabinoid System.
As shown over here, the endocannabinoid system is a complex system of neurotransmitters that is capable of influencing several functions of the body, from our mood to the appetite, memory, and even our inflammatory responses to injuries, diseases, and conditions.
The thing about animals is that their endocannabinoid system is a lot more sensitive than ours, and THC can be a little too aggressive for them, intoxicating them much harder and causing varios side-effects that can last for days, even weeks if untreated properly.
Some of the side effects animals can experiment because of it, include:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drowsiness
- Loss of balance and motor coordination
- Depression
- Anxiety-related problems
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Thankfully, products like cannabidiol oil or other similar presentations are incapable of causing the same effects, solely because of how little THC they contain. This makes cannabidiol a much more dependable medical option for pet owners! But why would you want to use it?
The Reasons Why Pet Owners Use Cannabidiol
Products like CBD oil and treats for cats are, first of all, a lot safer than many other traditional choices out there when it comes to dealing with pain, inflammation, and anxiety, especially in the long-term, since they are capable of causing liver damage. As shown at this cbd for cats price guide, it is also very easy to get, fairly affordable, and can last for a long time since cats don’t need too much of it to receive its benefits.
The main reason why pet owners do use it, though, is because of its anti-inflammatory capabilities and how it is capable of efficiently alleviating pain, very common problems found in elderly cats.
It is also very useful for certain situations as well. Moving, going on a trip, meeting with a new pet or family member, visits to a professional groomer, and in some occasions, visits to the vet, can be a lot more easy to handle if you use CBD oil, thanks to its relaxing capabilities, especially if your cat is on the anxious side of the spectrum!
