Calming Down Cujo BY AYA HAMLISH
In 2018, the U.S. Congress signed and passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which removed hemp from the Federal Controlled Substances Act (1). CBD is a compound that can be derived from the hemp or cannabis sativa plant (2). With CBD becoming popular in recent years for its potential health benefits, there is a demand from pet owners (93%) (3) and veterinarians (91%) (1) for more scientific research on the benefits. Although it is often associated with its use in humans, it has shown promise in supporting the health and well-being of pets, especially cats and dogs. As a result, some pet owners are turning to CBD treats and oils as a natural remedy to treat a variety of diseases and illnesses in their pets.
WHAT IS CBD? CBD or cannabidiol is a compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, commonly known as hemp (1). Hemp is a form of cannabis sativa that has low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (< 0.3%). Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not cause a “high” in humans or pets (4). Instead, it improves mobility in animals with osteoarthritis (OA) as well as reduces anxiety, pain, and occurrences of epileptic seizures (5). The science behind CBD is still ongoing, researchers are making advancements and are starting to understand how it works in the body.
HOW DOES CBD WORK IN PETS? Like humans, pets have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that plays a role in maintaining their health and overall well-being. CBD interacts with the ECS, a complex network of cannabinoid receptors (CBs), endogenous enzymes, and endocannabinoids that regulate a variety of physiological processes, including the modulation of pain and inflammation (6). When CBD is consumed, it binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system, particularly in areas of the brain that are involved with memory, emotions, motor activity, cognition, and appetite. While, CB2 receptors are predominately located in the immune system, in both the cells and tissues (6). The endogenous enzymes involved are crucial. The two primary enzymes involved in this process are amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), they are responsible for recycling and breaking down endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their function in the body. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds produced by the body that binds to the receptors. The two most well-known endocannabinoids are 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (6). While we know all the components that make up the ECS, researchers are not sure how they are involved in processing CBD (7).
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