Hemp for Pets

Hemp is one variety of the cannabis plant. Unlike marijuana, another variety of the cannabis plant, hemp does not contain any psychoactive properties, meaning it won’t get your dog high. While both hemp and marijuana are technically considered “Cannabis Sativa,” the major difference between the two is that hemp is only considered hemp if it contains no more than 0.3 percent of THC by most state and federal laws. Marijuana plants, on the other hand, average 15% THC and can reach upwards of 30% for some prized strains. What that really means is that it is virtually impossible to consume enough hemp to get you, or your pet, high.

While both come from the cannabis plant, the reason they are different and have varying levels of THC is that each type of cannabis plant contains a unique footprint of compounds called cannabinoids. Scientists have identified over 80 different cannabinoids in cannabis, but THC is by far the most well-known–which is why many think that any cannabis plant is going to impart a psychoactive effect. But whether canine or human, the majority of those cannabinoids actually have great health benefits which have nothing to do with getting high. In fact, one of those cannabinoids, CBD, has been known to counter the intoxicating effects of THC.

So, now that you know hemp (aka Cannabis Sativa without the THC) will NOT cause any psychoactive or mind-altering effects in dogs, the big question is “what’s the benefit?”

Benefits of a synergistic hemp formula: There are several hemp supplements now available for dogs, and Therabis is a synergistic hemp formula specifically designed to help dogs with common ailments, like anxiety, itching and joint mobility.

Remember those cannabinoids we talked about earlier? We know the hemp plant is low in THC, but what other types of cannabinoids are present in hemp? Well, the most important for pet health is Cannabidiol (CBD). But there are also lesser known trace cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC and CBN which have benefits of their own.

In addition to hemp, the Therabis formula is strengthened with other natural ingredients that work synergistically with the cannabinoid blend to provide greater benefits. Key components that round out the base of each formula include green lipped mussel, which is high in omega 3 which increases mobility, and vitamin C which improves joint health. Other constituents that can be found in our formulas include Quercetin, a flavonoid that relieves the need to itch and L-theanine, which can assist in calming even the most anxious dogs. Combined with hemp derived cannabinoids, these formulations have shown great results in field testing.

Still not convinced that you should be feeding your dog hemp? Believe it or not, the brain naturally produces endocannabinoids which regulate major bodily functions in both pets and people. But how?

All mammals have cannabinoid receptors present throughout the body. Our brains produce endocannabinoids which stimulate these receptors, allowing communication and coordination between different cell types. Without the endocannabinoid system our bodies could not sustain a variety of physiological processes.

So now we know that a functional endocannabinoid system is essential for pet health and that pet’s bodies naturally produce cannabinoids. The big question now is, can we enhance our pet’s health by taking cannabinoids derived from hemp?

Research has shown that small doses of cannabinoids from hemp (AKA: phytocannabinoids or cannabinoids derived from plants) can signal the body to make more endocannabinoids and build more cannabinoid receptors. These phytocannabinoids keep the receptors working at optimal capacity and increase efficacy of the endocannabinoid system. All that said, dietary cannabinoids from hemp can have a very positive effect on your pet’s health. As a matter of fact, Therabis founder, Dr. Stephen M. Katz, determined that incorporating additional cannabinoids and companion ingredients (mentioned above) created a synergistic effect that made the overall formula more effective than any one of those ingredients alone.

In closing, it’s certainly OK to feed your dog hemp. To take advantage of any health benefits, however, you really want to focus on one of the active hemp compounds. Cannabinoids can help with everything from aches and pains to nervousness/anxiety and skin health in pets. Try incorporating a hemp enhanced formula, like Therabis, to your dog’s food for total-body wellness.

James Sharkey, Ph.D., has played a pivotal role in the development of dietary wellness supplements, including Aceso and Therabis, ailment targeted products created from hemp-derived cannabinoids. He has authored and contributed to several notable peer reviewed publications and abstracts, and in the past, has led biomedical studies for various applications at educational institutions.

For more information about Therabis hemp products for dogs, visit therabis.com.