There has been many misconceptions and theories as to why manufacturers are selling CBD (Cannabidiol) oil product to humans and now, our pets. Many people still think that CBD-infused products will give them and their pets a ‘high’ and result in psychoactive tendencies. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you are curious about how the CBD compound works within a mammal’s body then stick around. 

UNDERSTANDING THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex major lipid signaling system that regulates homeostasis and balance in a human’s body. Research has proven that this system has also been identified within the bodies of certain animals that include dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. The system consists of receptors, cannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes. 

To regulate homeostasis in the body, this system naturally produces cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are also found within the cannabis plant. When your dog or cat are experiencing negative side effects from certain medical conditions, giving them cannabinoids can help the ECS improve functions faster. 

When the ECS is unbalanced it manifests in many different signs that include vomiting, stress, anxiety, lethargy, poor appetite, sleep issues, aggression, digestive issues, and inflammation or pain. A balanced ECS can promote a higher functioning immunity, mood regulations, better sleep, body temperature, better memory, and pain perception. 

To ensure the ECS is in balance, pets can digest high quality CBD oil products like those available from sites like holistapet. This assists the ECS in that it adds different cannabinoids into the system that will bind to receptors. CBD is the cannabinoid known as cannabidiol that helps stimulate certain parts in the nervous and immune system. 

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT CANNABINOIDS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

Research has proven that there are three main types of cannabinoids that connect with the endocannabinoid system’s receptors. They are known as endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglyerol) and AEA (anandamide). These compounds are produced within the fat cells of the body. They play an important role in regulating different central nervous system functions including regulating anxiety, and memory. 

Endocannabinoids are also found within the cannabis plant. Even though there are synthetic compounds available on the market, many people are preferring all-natural endocannabinoids that are extracted from the hemp plant in a 100% organic way. 

Cannabidiol found within the cannabis plant is one of the main carriers of these cannabinoids and that is why dispensaries are selling CBD extracts to consumers. 

There are two main receptors within the ECs; CB1 and CB2. Both are located throughout the entire body and can therefore connect to cannabinoids within the bloodstream. Researchers are still studying exactly what receptors connect to what percentage of cannabinoids in certain parts of the body. Knowing this will enable manufacturers to fine tune the CBD oil product in order to target specific functions in the body. 

CB1 is the receptor responsible for all psychoactive properties. This receptor usually connects with THC and has a neuromodulatory effect on the brain. Researchers have found that the CB1 receptors is in the muscular, fat, brain, and liver tissue within the body. 

CB2 receptors are those responsible for helping the body regulate balanced immune function. These receptors are also responsible for acting as anti-inflammatory compounds. Therefore, they assist the body in coping with pain caused by inflammation. Learn more about the ECS in your pet he   re: www.dvm360.com/view/endocannabinoids-in-inflammatory-cns-diseases-in-dogs. 

The overall function of the endocannabinoid system will help regulate the following within the body of a human or a pet: 

• Sleep
• Memory
• Metabolic processes
• Response to anxiety and stress
• Digestive system functioning
• Anti-inflammatory

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HUMAN AND ANIMAL ECS

Although both systems are very similar, the one big difference is that dogs have a higher percentage of CB1 receptors stored in the brain stem, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata. Because CB1 connect with psychoactive compounds within cannabis, the higher percentage of CB1 receptors within a dog’s brain will result in a much higher psychoactive experience. 

It is because of this reason that exposing your dog or cat to cannabis products that have high THC percentage levels is extremely toxic. When a human inhale about 160mg of THC-rich cannabis leaves, it will have a drug-like effect almost close to feeling drunk and high. But within an animal, it can cause serious medical side effects ranging from long-term nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.  

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to purchase a high-quality, full spectrum CBD oil for your pet. Make sure that the online dispensary you are choosing to buy from have an in-depth lab report available where you can fact check all the ingredients that are inside. To be sold legally, CBD oil products should not contain more than 0.3% THC. Also consider whether the product is organically produced and whether it contains any other harmful or hazardous substances. 

Even though studies are ongoing and have yet to prove how beneficial the ECS and cannabinoids truly are in your dog’s body, it sure is a mesmerizing and interesting system that runs through our body’s composition. Watch this illustrative video of the Endocannabinoid System in your dog to understand the functioning of it better: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2i6x3WyBpg. 

In the same way as you would introduce vitamin and mineral supplements into your pup’s diet, you can add a CBD oil supplement too. This will enhance their immune system and regulate homeostasis for a happy healthy life.