sciencetech-blog

comments

Hemp is used legally in a range of ways - from its seeds to its oils - with many touting its health benefits.

And now its medicinal properties are being used by pet owners to treat their cats and dogs.

There are a rising number of firms in the US that sell biscuits containing cannabidiol extracted from hemp, believed to alleviate joint pains, treat mood disorders and even help animals lose weight.

There is a rising number of firms in the US that sell dog and cat biscuits to pet owners containing cannabidiol, or CBD, taken from hemp. Compounds in the plant have been known to alleviate joint pains, treat mood disorders and even help pets lose weight. Stock image of a chocolate labrador is pictured

Research has also suggested that CBD can relieve pain and discomfort in dying pets and calm animals down.  

Cannabis plants contain more than 60 unique compounds called cannabinoids.  

Two of the most common compounds are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the psychoactive chemical that produces the cannabis high - and cannabidiol (CBD).

Marijuana plants and leaves contain high levels of THC, classed as illegal in many countries and states, and hemp contains very little. While hemp contains higher levels of legal CDB.  

Hemp is legally refined in industrial factories for products such as hemp seed foods, hemp oil, wax, resin, rope, cloth, pulp, paper, and fuel.

As a result, its production and sale is legal in many countries and states including the UK. 

It naturally contains compounds which affect the endocannabinoid system, an internal pathway found in mammals. 

Nearly every tissue contains receptors which respond to the components found in cannabis.

Once triggered, these receptors activate chemical reactions that boost the body's natural stress response mechanisms.

Canna Companion, based in Sultan in Washington, uses hemp from the Cannabis sativa strain in its capsules and biscuits for both cats and dogs. It is run by vets Dr Greg Copas and Dr Sarah Brandon. 

'The phytocannabinoid and terpenoid profiles work perfectly for pets,' explained the firm. 

'Due in part to their small body size, dogs and cats can take advantage of small amounts of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids found in hemp and can therefore reap the benefits of this great plant.' 

'We are not interested in, nor are we advocating the administration of, the well-known psychotropic compound THC, in concentrations sufficient to produce the 'high' or psychotropic effects which are normally associated with marijuana. 

'We are not advocating the administration of marijuana, by any route, to animals in order to produce medical benefit or to produce any psychotropic effect.

Canna Companion, based in Sultan in Washington, uses hemp from the Cannabis sativa strain in its capsules and biscuits and ships internationally. While Canna-Pet sells boxes of CBD biscuits (pictured) for $16.49 (£11.20) and these can be bought online in any state of the US, but not shipped internationally

Cannabis plants contain more than 60 unique compounds called cannabinoids. Levels and usage is shown in this chart. Hemp is legally refined in industrial factories for products such as hemp seeds, oil, wax, resin, rope, cloth, paper, and fuel. As a result, its production and sale is legal in many countries and states

Marijuana plants and leaves (left) contain high levels of THC, classed as illegal in many countries and states, and hemp contains very little. While hemp contains higher levels of legal CDB. Biscuits, such as those sold by Treat-ibles (right) contain less than 0.3 per cent THC meaning they can legally be sold 

'Rather, we are advocating the administration and continued research into the non-psychotropic compounds for the purposes of therapy in animals.'

Each of its capsules contain a combination of compounds found in hemp as well as so-called flavonoids, which are already found in cat and dog foods. Hemp additionally contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamin B6. 

And because Canna Companion contains less than 0.3 per cent THC and is not intended for human consumption, it meets the current definition of hemp supplements under US federal law. 

Canna Companion asks for a pet's information and a referring veterinarian when orders are placed, and will make recommendations on sizing and frequency of administration. Capsules start at $1 each. 

It ships to all regions other than Australia, where a licence is required to import hemp products into the country. 

Another firm called Auntie Dolores, which already specialises in the sale of medical marijuana in food products for humans, recently launched its Treat-ibles range. 

Hemp contains compounds that affect the endocannabinoid system, an internal pathway in mammals. Nearly every tissue contains receptors and once triggered, these receptors activate reactions that boost the body's natural stress response. CBD is not psychoactive, and has actually been found to reduce the effects of THC

A box of Treat-ibles biscuits costs $22 (£15) but can only be bought online by people in California. 

A third firm is Canna-Pet. It sells boxes of CBD biscuits for $16.49 (£11.20) and these can be bought online in any state of the US, but not shipped internationally. 

Canna-Pet describes itself as 'one of the first companies to discover that some animals thrive on hemp-based supplements containing non-psychoactive, hemp-based cannabinoids'. 

The US government defines hemp as cannabis that measures less than 0.3 per cent in THC, which means Treat-ibles and Canna-Pet can be sold legally, and why the latter can be sold across state lines. 

Each site explains how much CDB is advised for dogs and cats of varying sizes and gives advice on frequency. 

However, as Canna Companion added: 'While Canna Companion will likely benefit your pet, it is not designed to be a magic bullet, but rather should be part of a comprehensive care program.

'It works best when admininstered under the direction of a veterinarian as part of a total health care regimen.'

It advises pet owners never change prescribed medication doses or frequency of administration without advice from a vet.