INSIDE THE WORLD OF CBD

A deeper dive into the acronym buzz

By Dave Clark

The use of cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is becoming more and more mainstream as a treatment for ailments in humans and pets. While still in its relative infancy stage compared with other treatment options, the use of CBD continues to grow and be studied at a rapid pace. Before deciding if CBD is right for you or your pet, learning more about what CBD is and what it may be able to do is a great first step.

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound known as a phytocannabinoid that is naturally produced by the cannabis plant. One hundred thirteen unique phytocannabinoids have been identified with CBD and its close relative, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) being two of the most popular.

Cannabis sativa L. and hemp are scientifically defined as the same species of plant. But for the purposes of commercial production of CBD, hemp is the plant used. Hemp has been selectively bred to enhance production of some compounds over others, resulting in a high CBD yield and a low, very low, or nonexistent THC yield. Both plants produce the same compounds, but in different concentrations.

CBD differs greatly from THC, the compound that causes the “high” for which cannabis is known. THC levels in typical cannabis (non-hemp) plants can usually range between 5–30 percent, producing “highs,” while to be used commercially, the hemp plant’s THC levels have to be at or below 0.3 percent. Both compounds have been used to treat ailments in different ways (both legally and illegally), but CBD acts without the accompanying “high” due to its very low THC content.

Three main types of CBD

There are three main types of CBD: CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD. CBD isolate is pure form CBD and contains no other compounds besides cannabidiol. Because of this, there is no THC content whatsoever in CBD isolate. Full spectrum CBD contains all parts of the cannabis plant, including THC, terpenes and other cannabinoids. Broad spectrum CBD is composed of less cannabis plant material than full spectrum, but still contains other compounds besides CBD.

Regardless of “type,” CBD is extracted by similar means, usually involving extraction or distillation. Solvents, lipids and/or carbon dioxide are common vehicles used to extract the desired CBD compounds.

CBD isolate tends to work best at specific doses, while full and broad spectrum CBD’s effects increase as the dosage increases. The use of isolate guarantees that only pure CBD is being administered, making it easier to gauge the CBD’s effectiveness.

Researchers have found that multiple parts of the cannabis plant working together can create a more potent effect when used to treat specific issues in humans, something known as the “entourage effect.” While this may be advantageous in humans, it’s not recommended for your pets, according to Dr. Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA, a holistic veterinarian in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

“I’m a firm believer in the benefits of full spectrum hemp— that has been DNA certified as cannabis that will not produce THC—usage for dogs and cats. Adding hemp products to a pet carnivore’s species-appropriate diet and other functional foods or functional treats can decrease the need for medications such as NSAID drugs or conventional anticonvulsants. It is very important that the hemp product does not contain any THC, as this is toxic in our pets and accumulates easily as it is not metabolized the same in a dog or cat as it is in a person.”

Legal vs. illegal

According to Dr. Michael Macri, Founder/CEO of CannaRise CBD, “CBD can be found in different sources, such as black and pink pepper. But as a legal product, CBD has to come from the hemp plant,” said Macri.

In 2018, the United States passed the Farm Bill which included the legalization of hemp cultivation, based on the directive that the hemp plants contain 0.3 percent or less of THC when dry. Anything above this designation is considered “marijuana,” and therefore, illegal, according to the US federal government. Those allowed to harvest hemp include farmers with USDA-issued licenses, those with state or tribal approval, or individuals conducting certain permitted research projects.

Drug or herb?

According to ProjectCBD.org, “It wasn’t until June 25, 2018, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized cannabidiol as a medicine by approving Epidiolex, an almost pure pharmaceutical CBD formulation, as a treatment for two severe pediatric seizure disorders—Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.”

In September 2018, the DEA lowered Epidiolex from a Schedule 1 classification (considered “most harmful”) to a schedule 5 (“least harmful”), then later declassified it altogether.

By recognizing the medicinal benefits of CBD and approving it on a federal level, the US government effectively brought CBD into the mainstream as a legitimate and effective treatment for certain ailments. However, by labeling it as a “drug” rather than an “herb,” it limited its potentially much wider ranging use based on legalities and trademarks, and effectively cornered the market for the maker of Epidiolex.

Wide array of formats

CBD can be found in numerous forms and formats. One of the most popular is CBD oil. Tinctures, chews, and tablets are others. Shelf-life of the products can vary greatly depending

CBD continues on page 18 on format. As a general rule, oils and tinctures do not include preservatives, so they will not last as long as a chew or tablet; but they will last longer than alcohol-based CBD products.

The quality of the products and price point range as vastly as the cost of an automobile. Defining characteristics that will determine a product’s cost include: quality of product, how it is manufactured, labor intensity, and much more. Just like an automobile, you can get a functional ride or a luxury vehicle with all the bells and whistles. The same applies with the manufacture of CBD.

Greg Tilford, is local (Cave Creek) and world-renowned. When purchasing hemp for pets, one must trust the formulator/ manufacturer, as there are hundreds of products on the market and they are not all reputable.”

Dr. Macri expressed a similar concern. “The industry is in such high demand currently, there is not enough of the stuff. Everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon and wants to do it fast. There is no regulatory process letting you know the product you’re using is good.”

Risks

Dr. Sosnow says that although there is so much unknown within the nascent CBD industry, the product is generally well received by both humans and pets. When issues do arise, it’s usually either from consuming too much of the product or from interaction with other medicines.

Uses on pets

Just as in humans, CBD has been used to treat a wide range of ailments. From hip dysplasia to anxiety, success has been found in reducing these issues through the use of CBD. Dr. Josh Sosnow, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of CompanionCBD, LLC in Scottsdale, Arizona, cites three prominent uses for CBD in pets: arthritis pain, anxiety, and seizures. “We are learning more all the time and expanding usage as we gain knowledge from our various studies and experiences.”

Dr. Jodie Gruenstern finds a wide array of uses for non-THC containing CBD products.

“I use hemp for dogs and cats during the non-anesthesia teeth cleaning if needed for calming and relaxation,” said Gruenstern. “It is safely combined with a blend of skull cap, valerian, passionflower, and oat straw, and possibly California poppy if some mild herbal sedation is needed. These same options can be utilized for thunderstorm phobia and fear of fireworks, car rides, or groomers!”

“I also use a hemp complex blend from Standard Process, a company used by chiropractors for over 100 years. I have seen results in seizure patients, including my own dog, and those needing relief from the discomfort associated with musculoskeletal inflammation; for example, small dogs with luxating patellas and dachshunds with disc disease.”

Dr. Macri’s company, CannaRise, manufactures CBD products as “white labels” for over 200 different companies. “We have a 100 percent organic product,” said Dr. Macri. “Because of that, we get phenomenal results. With dogs specifically, the biggest thing we see is ‘pain reversal’; their energy goes up and they want to play. Anxiety is also often reduced.”

Concerns/watchouts

Dr. Gruenstern states that anyone considering using CBDbased products on their pet must be absolutely sure the source is reputable and trustworthy. She encourages those interested to do their research.

“I am very particular about the hemp that I use primarily in my holistic veterinary practice,” said Gruenstern. “The manufacturer,

“For the most part, CBD is very well tolerated,” said Sosnow. “Common negative side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, but often that has more to do with the formulation than the products themselves. It may be the carrier oil, not the CBD, that may not agree with your pet. And, of course, the potential is there for a negative reaction if your pet is on other medications while taking CBD. But these negative effects are typically very short lived.”

Future of CBD

Because the industry is growing so quickly and changing constantly, where CBD will go next is anyone’s guess. However, a few things are becoming clearer each day. It seems that CBD has been found to be helpful not only on its own, but also when used in conjunction with other products. For example, the use of CBD along with glucosamine and chondroitin has been shown to have a positive effect on pets’ joints. CBD can also be used as a “contingency plan.”

“CBD is sometimes used as a second or third treatment option when the primary treatment does not yield the desired results,” said Dr. Macri.

Dr. Sosnow sees CBD, as a whole, becoming more and more accepted in the mainstream, much different than just a few years ago.

“Veterinary practice is a customer-driven industry,” said Sosnow. “Like it or not, you as a veterinarian have to answer your customer’s questions, so we vets have had to educate ourselves; we need to understand the science. The trend in the last two years is that more vets are becoming aware of CBD, have read about it, have clients using and asking about it, and now many are considering incorporating it into their treatment plans. There’s been a shift in both the science and utility of CBD.”

Although CBD may be a great new treatment option for your pet, realistic expectations should remain in place. “While CBD has a lot of potential benefits, it’s not a panacea, nor a cure-all,” said Dr. Sosnow. Those considering using CBD for their pet need to talk to their veterinarian and know how to appropriately dose it based on the science, not based on the marketing.”