WHAT??
O.K., so your first question is, “WHAT is National CBD Month?” Followed by: “And WHY do we celebrate it?” Right? O.K., let’s talk.
A New Period of Awareness
You may never have heard of National CBD Month, because it has only been in existence since 2020. It was founded by cbdMD in recognition of the fact that CBD is helping people all over the world. CBD is said to be “taking the world by storm.”
As a result, there is increased availability of products to do that.
National CBD Month has been deemed a period of awareness by the Registrar at National Day Calendar® and declared it will be observed every year throughout January.
Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (sounds like can-na-ba-dye-al), commonly referred to as “CBD,” is defined by WebMD in this way:
“Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as cannabis or hemp. One specific form of CBD is approved as a drug in the U.S. for seizure. Over 80 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, have been found in the Cannabis sativa plant.” (WebMD, https://www.webmd.com)
THC v. CBD
Although both CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in marijuana, CBD does not get you “high.” Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other recognizable element of marijuana/hemp, is what gives you that well-known euphoric feeling. However, both chemicals are said to help treat certain conditions.
Comparison
| Comparison | CBD | THC |
| Used to treat Epilepsy | Yes | No |
| Relieves Pain | Yes | Yes |
| Helps to Ease Migraines | Yes | Yes |
| Helps Reduce Anxiety | Yes | Yes |
| Helps to ease Depression | Yes | No |
| Decreases Seizures | Yes | No |
| Is Anti-Inflammatory | Yes | Yes |
| Helps with Insomnia | Yes | Yes |
| Helps reduce Nausea | Yes | Yes |
| Used to treat other conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Gets you “high” | No | Yes |
| Shows on drug test | It may | Yes |
| Appetite Increases | No | Yes |
| Legal or Illegal? | See Below | See Below |
CBD for Dogs
According to an American Kennel Club article by Caroline Coile, PhD:
“Success stories abound of dogs overcoming anxiety, slowing seizures, and even beating cancer due to cannabidiol (CBD), one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. But how can one substance help so many unrelated problems? Or can it?”
In her article, Dr. Coile tells us about two dogs that were experiencing dire conditions before being introduced to CBD.
Topper
The first is Topper, a 7-year old Ibizan Hound who could hardly walk because of a severe arthritic condition resulting from Valley fever. After three days’ use of CBD, he was able to walk on all four legs. His fur mom said, “it was the miracle we needed.”
Lady Amelthia
The second is Lady Amelthia, a Greyhound totally petrified of storms. Her fear had caused her to destroy a crate in her efforts to escape. Holding her didn’t reassure her; it only resulted in Lady Amelthia clawing to escape. The ThunderShirt and vet-prescribed trazodone helped, but it was the CBD that brought her ’way down on the anxiety scale – from 90 to 5!
Is It Harmful?
This is a primary question, isn’t it? Will it hurt my baby?
Documentation shows that unlike THC, CBD does not cause toxicity, and use of it has not caused any fatalities. However, it is prudent to never give CBD to your dog without your veterinarian’s knowledge – especially if your dog is taking other drugs.
Ongoing Research
The next question: Is it safe?
There are around 23,000 published researched papers regarding the efficacy of CBD – based on laboratory studies of animals to humans, regarding challenges that include arthritic pain, anxiety, nausea, seizures and even cancer. And our much-loved canines are often included in that research.
The answer to the question is: It depends on what the ailment is.
How to Choose CBD for Dogs?
Dr. Coile suggests looking for a product with the following “assurances”:
Does the product bear the NASC (National Animal Supplement Counsel) Seal of Quality Assurance?
Does it provide a third-party certificate of analysis which includes potency, lists all ingredients, discloses the possible presence of heavy metals, mycotoxins, or pesticides?
Clearly, one should avoid giving their beloved pooch products that have been prepared for human consumption. They might contain ingredients that are toxic to pets – like xylitol.
Does it contain THC? Walk away from it quickly.
Finally, be mindful of how much of any product you’re giving your dog – too little can often be as detrimental as too much.
Is CBD Legal or Illegal?
Federal Law
In 2018, the president signed the Farm Bill into law. This law exempts hemp and hemp-derived products from the Controlled Substances Act. Prior to that, CBD and other hemp-derived substances were classified as Schedule I Cannabis products. That meant, according to the federal government, they had no acceptable medical use, and they had a high potential for abuse.
The 2018 Farm Bill lifted federal restrictions on CBD and legalized the cultivation, manufacture and sale of these products.
So, based on federal laws, it may be legal.
State Law
“As of May 18, 2021, 36 states and four territories allow for the medical use of cannabis products.
“As of November 29, 2021, 18 states, two territories and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation to regulate cannabis for nonmedical use.”
(https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx)
So, based on the laws of your state, it may be legal.
Caveat Emptor
Therefore, anyone with an interest in CBD should, by all means, familiarize themselves with laws before acquiring and using CBD or THC. It’s your responsibility to do your own due diligence before buying and using CBD. “Let the buyer beware.”
sk.
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Resources
American Kennel Club
Article: Does CBD Work for Dogs?, by Caroline Coile, PhD, July 1, 2021
American Spa
https://www.americanspa.com/cbd/january-national-cbd-month
Epilepsy Foundation
healthline
National Conference of State Legislatures
https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
Zen Leaf
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