CBD and your Dog

First off, what the heck is CBD?

If you’re wondering what the heck is CBD, you’re not alone. Suddenly the initials are everywhere. You may know it’s not pot, but what exactly is it? CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived from hemp and, unlike THC, it’s nonpsychoactive, meaning it won’t get you—or your pet—high.

But is it legal?

In October 2018 Canada became the second nation in the world to legalize both the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana and marijuana-derived products like CBD. And Health Canada recently approved a clinical trial to research the use of cannabidiol (CBD) to treat animal anxiety.

In the U.S., it’s, well, complicated. There’s contradiction at the federal and state level—each state has it’s own thing going on while the DEA technically considers it illegal. So what does this mean? If you are in one of the nine cannabis-legal states (meaning they allow for recreational use—think California and Colorado), you can pick up CBD anywhere. Other states allow for medicinal marijuana (and derivative) use, and still others allow access to CBD. Most retailers, advocates, and aficionados say that CBD products derived from hemp are okay to use, buy, and sell, but best to check your
state laws.

Why is everyone obsessed with it?

There’s a reason everyone—from runners to rheumatic grandparents, cancer patients to chefs—is talking about CBD. It’s said to offer relief from pain, anxiety, and depression, stimulate the appetite and quell inflammatory response. Proponents testify it’s a remarkably effective, natural way to deal with all manner of ailments, including seizures, while helping people and pets alike relax. Many, many dog people have found that their dogs have a new lease on life following the administering of CBD.

Where can I find it?

Online, through your local dispensary, at pet stores, in acclaimed restaurants—CBD is suddenly everywhere. For people, it’s popping up on menus and cocktail lists across North America. LA-based restaurant Gracias Madre offers not one but four CBD-infused cocktails on their menu, while the New York City hotel The James New York (Nomad location) is serving up a complete CBD-inspired in-room menu curated by cannabis chef Andrea Drummer that includes CBD-infused dishes such as spicy meat balls, tater tots, and butter lettuce salad, as well as CBD toiletries, including lip balm and body scrubs. For pets, you’ll find CBD in tinctures, oils, dog treats, and orally administered sprays, available through pet stores,  dispensaries, and online shops. 

Why would I want to give it to my dog?

For the same reason people take it. Owners report that dogs suffering from pain, anxiety, loss of appetite, and seizures, among other ailments, have shown remarkable improvement without suffering the side effects of conventionally prescribed medicines. 

In short

The anecdotal evidence from pet owners having seen a remarkable turnaround in their pets after administering CBD is pretty darn compelling, but as with everything, check with your vet.