Anniversary Letter from Canna Companion CEO Sarah Brandon, DVM
Dear Canna Companion Pet Parents, Colleagues, and Partners,
It’s hard to believe five years have passed since Canna Companion’s inception. It has been fascinating being both an observer and participant at the crossroads of the veterinary medicine, animal supplement, and cannabis industries.
Allow me to introduce you to Riley!
Here is Riley, pictured playing with his favorite Kong toy.
Riley was our very first cannabis patient (my own pet) and forever altered the way a small group of licensed veterinary professionals practiced medicine. Riley was a Rottweiler that came to be a research subject at the end of winter in 2000 seeking mobility support. Within a few hours of administering a small amount of cannabis to Riley, we began to observe significant improvement in his mobility. Naturally, we began to question the role cannabis may play in Riley’s joint support. As a result, we began to study the endocannabinoid receptor system and its function in veterinary medicine.
We continued to administer cannabis to our pets while keeping track of all responses in journals. What started out as a simple observational test to hopefully improve the quality of life of one pet, ultimately led our small team in Oklahoma to a journey we’re continuing to this day in Washington.
When we moved to Washington in 2002, where medical marijuana was legal, we continued our studies with Lisa Anderson, an experienced and dedicated licensed veterinary technician, using CBD-heavy strains. Our years of documenting the use of measured amounts of state-tested products to our personal pets, fosters, friends’ pets, and eventually patients, all without getting them high, led to the development of what-is-now Canna Companion’s proprietary database that thousands of patients and their pet parents helped build.
As the database grew, it revealed patterns that helped us determine what would be effective for companion animals. Soon after, we realized it was time to share our knowledge with other veterinary professionals. In early 2014, we channeled our scientific background to form a company that produces high-quality products to reach a larger patient population. Hemp was our clear answer to meet regulatory demands and online sales began in March 2014.
Some customs from our experience of managing veterinary clinics transferred to Canna Companion. Our early clients dutifully filled out intake forms prior to purchasing our hemp products. We meticulously filled each capsule by hand, storing them in green Mason jars until orders came in. As clinicians, we followed up with our clients, offered consultative recommendations, and tweaked our formula to what it is today.
Without the input of our pioneering clients, we would not be here today.
As a company founded by licensed veterinary professionals, Canna Companion’s aim is to be a source of education for pet parents and veterinary professionals with regards to the endocannabinoid system, and the functions our products can play in the lives of their animals. We have created a culture which honors the Veterinarian’s Oath, extending that obligation into the products we produce and expectations for industry standards.
Since 2014, we’ve celebrated many accomplishments, including:
- Collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration and National Animal Supplement Council on good manufacturing practices and compliance.
- Launching three product lines for three unique uses, consistent with findings from our database for cats and dogs.
- Hiring a talented team from across the country who are passionate about our company goals.
- Cultivating a culture of compassion for those we serve and commitment in providing high quality products that any veterinary professional would be willing to use on their own pet.
- Distributing hemp products across the country to help as many companion animals as possible.
Our greatest accomplishments, however, are the ones our clients share with us. It brings real, unadulterated joy when clients relate stories showing how our products deepen the bond with their pets.
As the cannabis industry steps out of prohibition in the coming years, our commitment to professionals and pet owners is to:
- Continue being your trusted source in veterinary cannabis education.
- Deliver quality products consistent with that education.
- Navigate the regulatory landscape to ensure the support of your pet’s endocannabinoid system.
As a way of thanking you for being part of this journey, Canna Companion will be holding its first sale ever! Don’t forget to use the coupon code 5YEAR to receive 10% off your next order. The code is valid through this Friday, March 8, 2019 and cannot be combined with other discounts.
Dr. Sarah Brandon
Chief Executive Officer
Canna Companion Services LLC
