CBD Overview

History of CBD

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of hundreds of molecules that come from the cannabis plant. Substances from this plant have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes across the globe and the CBD molecule was first isolated in the 1940s. In 1996, with the legalization of medical cannabis use in California for people, the modern medical community began to accept and study these compounds for medical use. Since that time there has been a rapidly growing number of studies exploring the use of CBD for pain management, anxiety, seizures, and much more.

How Does CBD work?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of chemicals and receptors in our bodies and our pets’ bodies that help regulate various physiological functions and maintain balance known as homeostasis. Think of it as a team of messengers and receivers working together to ensure everything runs smoothly. The messengers, called endocannabinoids, are naturally produced by our own bodies. They travel around and bind to specific receptors, known as cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout our body, including our brain, immune system, organs, and other tissues. Researchers have also discovered these endocannabinoids also bind to several other receptors.

When endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, they send signals that can affect things like pain sensation, mood, appetite, memory, sleep, immune function, and more. Essentially, the endocannabinoid system helps regulate these processes and keep our bodies in homeostasis.

In addition to the messengers and receptors, there are also enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids once their job is done. This ensures that the system remains balanced and doesn’t go into overdrive.

Interestingly, the endocannabinoid system can also interact with phytocannabinoids (also known as cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These cannabinoids can mimic the effects of our natural messengers – to an extent- or interact with the receptors in different ways, leading to various effects on the body and mind.

CBD Side Effects and Monitoring

Studies as well as our clinical experience has found CBD to be safe and well tolerated in dogs and cats. Some pet's may experience side effects like sedation or GI upset. Sedation is particularly common if products also contain THC, as dogs are very sensitive to this compound. If GI upset is experienced, it is usually transient.

Pets on CBD also have elevations in their liver enzymes. This has yet to be associated with significant liver problems, however we recommended routine monitoring of liver enzymes for any patient who is on CBD more than 3 months.

CBD Drug Interactions

Benzodiazepines- This is one of the most common drugs we see potentiating effects of even zero percent THC products. Animals may appear extremely lethargic or have symptoms similar to THC intoxication. While the idea of our animals being “high” may seem funny to some it is very stressful and potentially dangerous to animals.

Gabapentin, Acepromazine, Tramadol, Phenobarbital and Trazodone (or other behavioral drugs)- in some patients you may see lethargy, inappetence, abnormal behaviors and in severe cases urination. Dose de-escalating or escalating over time is usually warranted for the small percentage of animals that may experience these symptoms.

CBD Products

Products containing CBD are considered nutraceuticals, and therefore they are not tightly regulated by the FDA. This means there is a great deal of variation in safety and product quality in the products available today. Our Integrative Medicine Service takes great care in researching and selecting products. They are happy to review a product that your pet is already on, or a suggest a product tailored for your pet’s condition during an appointment. You can also learn more about production selection here.