Cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from the flowers and buds of cannabis. But, CBD does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana since it does not contain the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis plant; however, contain different levels of THC. While marijuana contains as much as 30% THC, the hemp plant only has a maximum of 0.3% THC. While CBD products have been proven to offer positive effects to humans, they have found to give the same benefits to dogs and cats. A lot of veterinarians have begum recommending CBD for pets to address some of their health issues.
If you are considering CBD for your fur friend, make sure to keep the following things in mind:
The Originating Plant
One of the main determinants of the quality of a CBD product is the originating plant. The plant influences everything that follows in the production of CBD oil. Cannabis has been bred for a lot of different things; however, only until recently has it been recognized for its CBD content. Thus, the majority of companies abroad are stripping CBD from industrial hemp byproducts as a secondary market meant for CBD extraction. Such substandard products can have harmful chemicals not meant for human consumption.
Because hemp is a bio-accumulator of soil toxins, you must know where and under what conditions the hemp was originally grown before importation. Find cbd pet products from a known growth source and from a country that keeps track of soil conditions.
How CBD Was Extracted
The most popular method of extracting CBD from the plant is super critical CO2. CO2 is quite safe as it does leave a solvent residue behind. But it has a tough time pulling behind terpenes from the organic plant structure.
Butane and ethanol extraction are also popular methods. These are cost-effective solvents but this does not mean they are not desirable. However, for safety purposes, it is best to shop for products that use safer extraction methods like Super Critical CO2 or food-grade ethanol solutions.
What the Label Claims
A lot of CBD brands provide different kinds of CBD oil with many concentrations. You must pay attention to product labeling. Find products with clear labels that show the quantity and ratio of CBD and THC per dose. Also, ensure the label indicates how much actual dosage it is per serving. Some companies are not clear about proper dosing for pets. Make sure to choose CBD products with quality ingredients. Thus, they should not have corn syrup, artificial additives, GMOs, transfats, coloring, thinning agents, and preservatives.
