Is it Legal to Give My Dog Cannabis

The public and the government’s stance and perspective on cannabis and cannabis products has evolved from a strict taboo into situational acceptance. When it comes to legalities, the difference between hemp and marijuana is key to understanding the regulations put on any product that is yielded from a cannabis plant. Canna Companion creates hemp supplements for cats and dogs meaning that federal and state agencies recognize us as a pet supplement company.

Marijuana is defined in the federal Controlled Substances Act:

“The term ‘marihuana’ means all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant, its seeds or resin. Such term does not include the mature stalks of such plant, fiber produced from such stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of such plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of such plant which is incapable of germination.” 21 U.S.C. 802(16).

Canna Companion, a pet supplement with a THC concentration below 0.3% and derived from the lawfully-imported hemp using only the seeds and mature stalks of the cannabis plant, and does not fit the legal definition of marijuana (WA state definitions mimic federal). Therefore, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board does not require Canna Companion to register as a marijuana-related business, nor do Canna Companion products need to be registered on the list of approved marijuana products.

Canna Companion products are legal for a number of reasons:

1. Canna Companion is a pet supplement company, not a marijuana-related business
2. Canna Companion pet supplements use seeds and mature stalks of the cannabis plant  not marijuana, for all ingredients
3. Canna Companion uses lawfully-imported hemp, free of harmful pesticides and heavy metals
4. Canna Companion pet supplements are exempted from the federal Controlled Substances Act
5. Canna Companion regularly tests to ensure THC levels are below 0.3%

What is a COA

COA stands for Certificate of Analysis. Certificates of analyses are test results from third party companies which prove a company’s products are as advertised. Most states require such testing for marijuana-based products, though the specifics of exactly what tests are required varies between states. There are no such requirements for hemp, but we believe consumers have that right to know what is in their pets’ supplements. We also believe disclosing COA information provides information about the end product, not proprietary or trade secret details. If you are interested in obtaining a batch associated COA Synopsis (comprising all our ingredients) from Canna Companion, you may receive one by contacting our customer service department.

The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana

In the mind of many, the line between hemp and marijuana can be very blurry. In fact, up until recently, even the government didn’t differentiate between the two substances. The fact of the matter is that both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, Cannabis Sativa L, but they are not the same thing. The biggest differences between hemp and marijuana are THC content and hemp’s dominant genes.  If hemp is planted near marijuana plants, hemp phenotype (how the plants look) and chemotype (chemical makeup) will win every time, producing plants with higher CBD levels and more robust fiber contents. THC is the psychotropic compound responsible for the “high” effect we experience while ingesting marijuana based products. While marijuana products have high levels of THC, hemp products typically have little to no THC present. In the case of Canna Companion, we utilize trace amounts of THC in our products based off of the recommendations and 16 years of research performed by our veterinary professionals.  

The hemp strains we utilize in our supplements were chosen due to their ability to enhance the cannabis receptor system’s supportive benefits of the cannabis plant while negating the ‘high-inducing’ capacity of THC. In layman’s terms, this means that your pet will not become “high” after taking Canna Companion supplements. At Canna Companion all of our products have been formulated by veterinarians who have taken an oath to protect your pet’s welfare. In our eyes, getting your pet “high” is not protecting its welfare.

The Benefits of Hemp for Dogs

Just like people, animals can benefit from the use of hemp capsules and oils. While marijuana can offer many benefits for humans, it is not ideal for pets. As mentioned above, THC is what causes the euphoric effects of cannabis, and while there are trace amounts of THC in hemp supplements, there are much higher doses in marijuana products. Marijuana can lead to many adverse side effects and ailments for your pet, including:

• Low blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Incontinence
• Inability to walk straight
• Extreme lethargy or excessive pacing

At Canna Companion we craft our supplements with manageable and non-psychotropic levels of THC for your pet. Hemp is internationally recognized as cannabis with a THC concentration below 0.3% but we take it one step further and make sure your pet’s cannabis receptors have ratios of CBD:THC 3:1-7:1.  These ratios support the receptor system and prevent your pet from getting high while keeping to international standards for THC and hemp. Some THC is necessary for optimal support, and our hemp products maintain a CBD:THC ratio of >2:1 which means that the other ingredients present help keep in check any undesirable THC effects. Altogether, Canna Companion supplements can have an overwhelmingly positive effect on your pet.

Digestion

Dogs can have delicate digestive systems, even more sensitive than that of a human. Canna Companion supplements can support your dog’s digestive processes and can work to assist your pet in maintaining a healthy GI tract, and a happier pet.

Joint Flexibility and Mobility

Hemp supplements may be able to help your pet with the joint discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity and to support your pet’s overall joint health. Plant-based hemp products can promote normal joint flexibility and mobility in pets both young and old.

Immune System

Naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in hemp can work to support your pet’s immune system. Your pet can get the immune support he needs through natural hemp supplements.

Calm and Relaxed Demeanors

Pets with noise phobias, anxiety, aggression, and chronic fear may benefit from hemp supplements. When given regularly, hemp supplements may be able to help settle your pet during times of stress and fear.

Neurological System

Hemp can help your pet maintain a healthy neurological system by regulating such functions as comfort, care, calm, and relaxation. Help your pet find his balance through the use of hemp supplements.

Comfort and Care

If you have an aging pet who’s quality of life is being affected by age-related lessened mobility or discomfort, hemp supplements may be able to give your pet a better quality of life. More and more pet owners are turning to hemp supplements to provide end of life care and comfort for their aging pets. Canna Companion supplements may help promote relaxation and comfort for animals of all ages.

Learn More About Cannabis for Your Dog With Canna Companion

Cannabis can provide many benefits for pets young and old. If you have questions, feel free to contact our team veterinary professionals or schedule your free consultation to learn more about how cannabis can benefit your pet. We look forward to helping you and your pet with our scientifically studied hemp supplements.