Could medical marijuana help your dog?

In some states across the country, medical marijuana is an option for people who suffer from various diseases and seeking relief. Now, with research that continues to emerge, pet parents and veterinarians find out that medicinal cannabis can also provide positive benefits for dogs. Cannabis oil may be an alternative medication to help treat the symptoms if your dog has cancer, seizures or anxiety.

Cannabis oil is a liquid derived from the marijuana plant. There are many ways to extract oil from the plant, including CO2 extraction, says Dr. Tim Shu, founder, and CEO of a Pets cannabis company in California called VETCBD.

"Marijuana flower contains trichomes, which are glands that contain essential oils. Once separated from the glands from the plant, they can be formulated to find the ideal proportion of cannabinoids, " he says.

The cannabis plant has a lot of different chemicals, including terpenoids and flavonoids, CBD, phytocannabinoids. Humans and other mammals have specific cannabinoid receptor sites. These sites are found mainly in the brain and central nervous system, and in peripheral organs, especially immune cells. They form what is called endocannabinoid system.

Studies confirm that a lot of cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects, and can help with pain, tumors, seizures, muscle spasms, skin conditions, appetite stimulate, aggression, anxiety and neurological disorders. CBD hemp can help with chronic and serious diseases.

Among chronic conditions, it can help with arthritis, compromised immune systems, stress responses, aggression and digestive problems. There are also ongoing studies on the effects of CBD’s on Type 1 diabetes, organ diseases, and cancer. Veterinarians also found CBD hemp can be helpful in the treatment of acute diseases, such as sprains and strains, torn ligaments, bone breaks and even during the care after surgery to reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness.

CBD hemp may make it possible to use fewer doses of medication to achieve therapeutic effects if your dog is taking conventional medications for any of these conditions. Because traditional medicines have side effects, this is a useful benefit of CBD.

Remember, like any medication, an overdose can lead to potential risks for pets. According to Richter, "the most important is THC toxicity, which means, basically, they are high. Depending on how significantly a pet has been an overdose, the effects can be quite long-lasting, even days." During these episodes, pets may not be able to stand or eat. If you suspect an overdose, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.