The Top 6 FAQ About Hemp for Pets
As our understanding of cannabis and its incredible effects on the endocannabinoid system of animals continues to expand, more and more pet parents are turning to hemp-based products to provide their favorite four-legged friends with optimal health, comfort and care. However, it’s important to note that there’s still a good deal of confusion surrounding cannabis products, both in terms of their legality and how they affect our animal companions. Consequently, some pet parents want to learn more before investing in cannabis-based supplements or oils.
At Canna Companion, we’re passionate about providing pet parents across the country with all of the resources and support they need to understand and leverage the potent benefits of pet-friendly cannabis products. That’s why we produce Canna Companion supplements and oils. These powerful hemp products for pets are designed to enhance the supportive benefits of the cannabis plant while negating the “high-inducing” capacity of THC, making them a perfect choice for cats and dogs in need of natural support for their neurological, physiological, immunological and endocannabinoid systems. Today, we’ll be helping you to determine whether hemp products are the right choice for your canine or feline by running through six frequently asked questions about hemp for pets.
1. How Does Hemp Differ From Marijuana?
Both marijuana and hemp are members of the cannabis family, meaning both contain a variety of beneficial phytocannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenoids that can help improve your pet’s overall quality of life. And while marijuana products can do incredible things for humans, they aren’t ideal for pets. Thanks to its high concentrations of THC (a psychotropic compound found in cannabis), marijuana can cause a number of negative effects in pets, including anxiety, aggression, incontinence and extreme lethargy. Hemp, on the other hand, contains a THC concentration below 0.3%, enabling it to provide all of the benefits of the cannabis plant without subjecting your pet to the adverse effects commonly associated with marijuana.
2. Are Hemp Products Legal in the United States?
Yes! Unlike marijuana (which is illegal in several states, even for use as a pet supplement), hemp products are completely legal to purchase, possess and use throughout the United States. One of the primary reasons this question is so prevalent is because there’s a difference between the legality of using hemp and cultivating it. While using hemp is completely legal in all US states, that legality is subject to parts of the plant used in the product. Only mature stalks and seeds of the cannabis plant qualify as legal in the eyes of the DEA. Feel free to check out this NCSL page for more information on the subject.
3. How Can Hemp Products Help My Pet?
Once again, hemp contains a host of natural compounds (including phytocannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes) that can be used to support the health and general well-being of your pet’s body and mind. For example, our Canna Companion supplement leverages hemp to provide a variety of invaluable benefits to cats and dogs, including immune system and joint support, maintenance of healthy neurological systems and relief from temporary and situational anxieties. Canna Companion can also be used to support key digestive processes, maintain a healthy GI tract and assist in “end of life” comfort and care. It does this by supporting the normal function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS): listen to and correct cellular stress signals.
4. How are Hemp Supplements and Hemp Oils Different?
Each type of hemp-based product utilizes unique CBD:THC ratios and terpenoid profiles. Generally speaking, hemp supplements from the same brand will use different CBD:THC ratios to provide a range of ECS support. Beyond that, hemp oils can provide more immediate endocannabinoid system support and are easier for some dogs and cats to utilize, which might make them a better choice depending on your companion’s needs and constraints. Capsules are often better for support when secondary and tertiary metabolic compounds are desired — which is most of the time. These compound often provide more support or your pet’s cannabis system than oils simply, and because capsules take longer to digest and metabolize, they are often the ideal choice. Consulting with your veterinarian before purchasing is the best way to determine which type of product will work best for your pet.
5. Can Hemp Products Cause Adverse Side Effects?
Every type of cannabis for cats or dogs has the potential to cause side effects, including hemp. One of the most common side effects of hemp-based products is mild lethargy (due to the effect of CBD on the brain), which usually subsides within three to four days. Softer stools and increased bowel movement frequency can also occur due to the high fiber content of hemp. Very rarely, cats and dogs will experience vomiting or increased skin sensitivity when using a hemp-based product, necessitating discontinuation. Cats and dogs can also overdose on hemp products depending on their size, weight, species and individual response to the compounds they contain. Pets who overdose on hemp may experience significant lethargy or lack of coordination for a matter of hours, as well as diarrhea for up to 3 days. However, there are no known long-term adverse side effects of overdosing on a hemp product.
6. How Can I Be Sure Hemp Is the Right Choice for My Pet?
As always, your veterinarian should be your first source of guidance and advice when deciding whether you should invest in a hemp product for your pet. This veterinary expert has an intimate understanding of your animal’s specific needs and can help you to assess whether a hemp-based solution will work well for them. Your veterinarian can also aid you in deciding on which CBD:THC ratios and terpenoid profiles will provide optimal support for your canine or feline. The world of cannabis for dogs and cats can be complicated, so never hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian (or us!) if you’re struggling.
Contact Canna Companion
Have any other questions concerning hemp for pets? Then be sure to contact Canna Companion today! You can also shoot us a message if you would like to learn more about our industry-leading hemp supplements and oils. We would be more than happy to chat with you and set you up with any other information or advice you need to provide the highest level of care and support for your four-legged friend.
