CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the active Phyto compounds of cannabis. It is found in both hemp and marijuana but is typically extracted from hemp.
CBD was legalized in 2018 with the passing of the Farm Bill, thus leading to the birth of the multi-billion dollar CBD economy.
CBD is nowadays ubiquitous, with manufacturers adding it to different verticals. Some of the popular CBD products include tinctures, gummies, and topicals.
Since we knew that CBD was beneficial to us, it was just a question of time before we wondered whether CBD would be good for our pets.
And now, pet CBD products are available. We now have all kinds of pet CBD products that cater to diverse pets including horses, cats, and dogs.
But, the one question that every CBD user asks themselves is whether CBD designed for humans can be administered to pets and vice versa.
Common Ingredients in CBD Products
The ingredients in a CBD product will vary depending on the type of product and the ingestion method. But, these are some of the main ingredients of CBD products:
Cannabidiol: it’s the non-psychotropic compound of the hemp plant.
Terpenes: these aromatic compounds led to CBD a distinct scent.
Flavonoids: these phytonutrients enhance the integrity of CBD compounds.
Carrier oils: usually MCT oil, carrier oils promote the absorption of CBD.
Organic compounds: these have different purposes like optimization and enhancement.
When buying a CBD product, it’s recommended to check the label to see the ingredients. Quality CBD products are made out of organic ingredients.
What Would Happen If You Administered Human CBD To Pets?
You know how you could be eating some steak, and your dog comes up to you salivating, and you give them a chunk? It may not be as rosy if you give your dog some human CBD.
Unless the CBD product is food grade and certified as safe for both humans and dogs, if you administer human CBD to your dog, they might display the following behaviors:
- Aggression
- Restlessness
- Sleepiness
Why Humans CBD Shouldn’t be Administered to Pets and Vice Versa
Even though CBD products for both humans and pets have similarities as far as the major ingredients, humans CBD shouldn’t be given to pets and vice versa.
Both products are optimized to meet specific needs in either consumer. For instance, CBD must be prepared in safe and non-toxic environments and optimized for absorption and digestion in the human body.
On the other hand, pet CBD is subjected to various modifications to make it more palatable to specific pets. And so, if a human being ingested CBD, they ran the risk of experiencing various complications.
How THC Content Influences the Effects
CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, and there are three main forms of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and isolate CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD is a form of CBD that contains the naturally occurring nutrients, compounds, and cannabinoids, including THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD is a CBD form that contains the naturally occurring nutrients, compounds, and cannabinoids, save for THC.
Isolate CBD doesn’t contain most of these naturally occurring compounds and cannabinoids; it’s quite literally the purest form of CBD.
Generally, most people prefer full-spectrum CBD products, as they contain THC, which works synergistically with other compounds and elements for greater therapeutic benefits.
Now, the chemical compound THC possesses psychoactive properties. Pets have a greater sensitivity to even small THC content, and THC can predispose them to abnormal behaviors.
Thus, full-spectrum CBD products for humans shouldn’t be given to pets as they contain THC.
How CBD Concentration and Dosage Influences the Effects
Some people ingest CBD products and then complain that they see no change. Well, the lack of effects could be down to concentration and dosage.
If you buy a product with a low CDB concentration, depending on factors like your body weight and metabolism, there’s a possibility of missing CBD effects.
CBD effects are also dependent upon the dosage. You should not take too much or too little, else you may not experience the positive contribution of CBD.
And considering that humans and pets are on different levels when it comes to the ideal CBD concentration and dosage, it’s not proper to administer human CBD products to pets and vice versa.
Benefits of CBD to Humans and Pets
The soaring demand for CBD products tells you one thing: CBD products are packing tremendous value.
Human CBD: humans have been ingesting CBD since the dawn of time, but surprisingly, CBD has been opposed by governments. But, in recent times, research has unearthed the therapeutic benefits of CBD, and it has led to the legalization of CBD, and millions of people have incorporated CBD into their daily routines to improve their wellness.
Dog CBD: CBD for dogs makes up the biggest percentage of pet CBD. Some of the common dog CBD products include bites, drops, and topicals. Daily application of CBD helps dogs overcome separation anxiety, pain, and lead active lives.
Cat CBD: cats are little cuties, and also benefit from CBD. CBD for cats helps with managing anxiety, relieving pain, and supercharging their bodies.
Horse CBD: the demand for equine CBD supplements is growing, which means that horse owners are appreciating the importance of CBD in maintaining proper health in horses.
Factors to Consider When Buying CBD for Both Humans and Pets
There are thousands of brands for CBD products out there. But, not all of these brands are trustworthy. A good number of these CBD companies are out to get you.
When buying CBD products for personal use or for administering to your pets, always make sure to consider the following factors:
100% organic: the reason why people are shifting from conventional OTC drugs to alternative health solutions is mainly down to organic products. And so, make sure to buy CBD products that contain 100% organic ingredients. Watch out for CDB companies that use synthetic industrial hemp to prepare their products.
Third-party lab tests: quality CBD companies typically subject their products to independent lab testing. These independent lab tests help certify that the CBD product contains all the ingredients in the required amounts and that the product is free of harmful substances like heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents.
Online reviews: check to see what the gang is saying about the product. Online reviews not only provide social proof but also give you an insight into how to use the product and achieve the best outcome. Scamming companies typically attract nothing but one-star ratings; quality companies may not necessarily have a five-star rating, but it’s always clear they have a good reputation.
Which CBD Products are Most Suitable for Humans and Pets?
It’s not like you can go, this is the best CBD product because the utility of a product is determined by other external factors.
But then again, we can suggest that specific CBD products are, on average, packing more value and can be considered the go-to CBD product.
What are these products?
Humans: for humans, tinctures have greater concentrations, and deliver rapid effects. Tinctures are available in a range of strengths and flavors and can be taken daily.
Dogs: dogs are very sensitive to flavor, and so, edibles like CBD treats and CBD soft chews are ideal. They enjoy the treat while the CBD is delivered in the background.
Cats: cats are not only sensitive, but they’re not eager to please you as dogs would. And so, CBD treats are most suitable for cats as opposed to tinctures and drops.
Horses: horses need CBD to improve their digestive health, hoof condition, and circulation. Equine CBD pellets are ideal for horses.
The Takeaway: Don’t Administer Human CBD to Pets
As the demand for CBD soars, what has been observed is that more pet owners are administering this CBD goodness to their furry friends. But then, CBD products for humans and pets undergo different formulations, which is why CBD for humans shouldn’t be administered to pets and vice versa.
Sources
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- Pavlovic, R., Nenna, G., Calvi, L., Panseri, S., Borgonovo, G., Giupponi, L., … & Giorgi, A. (2018). Quality traits of “cannabidiol oils”: cannabinoids content, terpene fingerprint and oxidation stability of European commercially available preparations. Molecules, 23(5), 1230.
- Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., … & Weller, A. (2020). The “entourage effect”: terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Current neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87-96.
- Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials. Journal of clinical medicine research, 12(3), 129.