CBD: What's all the buzz about?
@comebackdaily
If you haven't heard, CBD is the best! But seriously, what is all the buzz about?
Well, the buzz is well deserved. CBD is a game-changer for so many reasons, but let's start with exactly what it is. CBD is short for cannabidiol, a substance originating from a cannabis plant species called Hemp, and Hemp is different from Marijuana. While both Hemp and Marijuana come from the cannabis family, the substances they create within their plant bodies are quite different. Marijuana contains a large amount of THC, the psychoactive component most people know that gets you "high," and a very small amount of CBD. Hemp, however, contains a very small amount of THC and a larger amount of CBD. When it comes to CBD, we are talking about a component mainly extracted from the Hemp plant. While THC treats a select amount of conditions, CBD has a broader range when it comes to supporting the body and inflammatory conditions.
All cannabinoids (CBD and THC are cannabinoids) activate a very special system in our bodies called the Endocannabinoid System. The Endocannabinoid System is responsible for regulating every system in the body; the nervous system, digestive system, immune system, etc. are all supported by the Endocannabinoid System. You could think of CBD as more of a food than a supplement since it feeds an entire system that few other substances can touch. Without CBD, the endocannabinoid system will lay dormant, and the crucial support system it lends is left neglected.
Because CBD is such an essential substance in regulating all of the body's functions, its absence in animals creates a huge missing link. CBD can be used at any age, for almost any issue. While it is not a cure-all by any means, what it does to support the body cannot be discounted. For many conditions, CBD can completely eliminate or alleviate them, but in the cases where it is not a direct treatment, it will still support the body and help the body take care of itself. How? By creating "homeostasis" in the body, that is, bringing all of the body's functions to an even playing field, where the body can better manage the acute condition.
These days every person and animal has some sort of condition or issue that comes up from time to time. Joint stiffness and lack of mobility, for example, are very common issues and are managed incredibly by CBD.
Now that we know how great CBD is, and why everyone should be using it, what kind of CBD should you be buying? That's where it gets tricky. CBD is currently, mostly, unregulated, so everyone is making CBD without much oversight or consideration into what they're doing, which can muddy the waters when it comes to knowing what company to choose. So sourcing is critical when it comes to the CBD you choose.
In my opinion, the only CBD to use is a flower-only extract meaning only cannabinoids from the flower (or bud as you might know it elsewhere) are used vs. the whole plant (stems, seeds, leaves, etc.). This yields a much more powerful and potent product with a greater diversity of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids (the complimentary substances that support CBD's activation in the body).
The cannabis plant can pull toxins from the soil (did you know they are growing cannabis all over Chernobyl to pull radiation out of the soil?). Therefore, confirming your CBD has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) guaranteeing the CBD is free of heavy metals and pesticides is absolutely critical. In addition, you should ensure the COA is done on the finished product (not the raw material) and is conducted by a third party lab. COAs also ensure you are getting a genuinely full-spectrum product, not a broad spectrum. Full-spectrum ensures there is a small amount of THC present in the product, as well as other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavanoids. Don't worry; your animal will not get high from this small amount of THC. However, without some THC, the CBD oil will not work as effectively, since THC is part of the "entourage effect" needed for the oil to work the best in your pet's body.
Finally, the method of extraction should be considered. There are various ways to extract CBD from the hemp plant, and every company can skew their method to sound like it is the right way to extract. Without boring you with a blog on extraction methods, I will make it short and sweet: go with a cold-pressed CO2 method or vapor distillation. Any method using solvents like ethanol or butane, or using heat will yield a sub-par product.
Choosing your CBD wisely will not only save you money but will assure you that you are only putting the best into your body and your pets'. I recommend CBD Dog Health. Through my research of CBD, I developed a relationship with the owners and believe they are the premium provider. They have a curated selection of oils, treats, and salves, and their knowledge of CBD is second to none. In a market where many are in it for the short game, CBD Dog Health is here to improve the industry, and our pet's health is the foundation of their mission.
When it comes to supplements and food in the dog world, CBD is both. It feeds a system in the body while also supplementing other processes in a way no other substance can. Is it a cure-all? No, but it may be considered a missing link in the daily routine for every mammal.
Author: Krysta Fox, Owner of Bruce & Willy's in Geneva, IL
In the end, we all want our pets to be the healthiest possible and live the longest life possible, and we want to help everyone's pet stay healthy and happy! The more we study and learn of better avenues, the better their diet, their health, and their overall life will become. Have a topic you'd like us to discuss? Send an email to info@itsallaboutthepaws.org.
