Pet CBD and Human CBD
Buying cannabidiol (CBD) for human consumption and use by pets may not sound like much of a hassle. That’s because, according to many people, CBD products are all made equal. So, all you need to do is find a reputable vendor to order weed online, place your order, order cannabidiol online and wait for the product to be shipped to your doorstep, right?
Well, that’s wrong.
First, CBD products might have a world of difference despite both products containing cannabidiol as the main ingredient. Secondly, if you take a closer look, you’ll realize that CBD products intended for human consumption are quite different from those designed for use by our furry, feathery, or scaly friends.
But perhaps we should back up a bit and understand what CBD is before highlighting the differences between pet CBD and human CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is a pharmacologically beneficial compound found in cannabis. The cannabis plant contains over 100 other medically useful chemicals. However, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most popular ones. Most marijuana products you’ll encounter contain either one or both of these substances.
Both CBD and THC have numerous health benefits. The fundamental difference between these marijuana extracts lies in how each substance impacts your body.
CBD interacts indirectly with receptors located in the peripheral organs, whereas THC binds to receptors in the brain and central nervous system. That explains THC’s ability to induce mind-altering effects like euphoria and hallucinations. On the other hand, pure CBD is neither psychoactive nor intoxicating.
Difference Between Pet CBD and Human CBD
1. CBD vs. THC
As we’ve just highlighted, many CBD products also do contain traces of THC. THC is most famous among recreational marijuana users, thanks to its mind-altering properties. Low THC doses induce euphoria, while high doses can produce tranquilizing effects.
It’s important to note that only humans can use marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. Pets should strictly consume cannabis for medical reasons.
And since THC is mostly famous for its psychoactive properties, the best CBD for pets usually contains negligible amounts of THC. CBD to calm your pets
2. CBD vs. Other Cannabinoids
Numerous studies are suggesting that CBD, THC, and other lesser-known cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN) might have medical uses in humans. Many cannabis experts generally recommend consuming CBD products formulated with as many cannabinoids as possible. If possible, such products should also have significant levels of terpenes, the compounds in cannabis that give cannabinoids their distinct flavors.
But when it comes to pets, CBD remains the most widely-studied cannabinoid. Based on this information, you can easily distinguish human CBD from pet CBD to calm your pets .
Generally, CBD products intended for human use tend to contain many other cannabinoids, even if such products are formulated to exclude the mind-altering THC. On the other hand, pet CBD usually contains cannabidiol as the only active cannabinoid.
3. Delivery Method
CBD products are available in various forms, depending on the intended delivery method. They include:
- Inhalables like CBD-infused e-juices
- Smokables like dried hemp flowers
- Oral tinctures intended for sublingual administration.
- Edibles like CBD gummies and candies
- Topicals like CBD-enriched balms
It’s almost impossible to find pet CBD products sold as inhalables and smokables. That’s for the simple reason that it’s difficult to get a pet to vape or smoke anything.
This means that all CBD vape oils and dried cannabis extract you’ll ever find out there are intended for human and not pet consumption.
4. Flavor Enhancers Used
Hemp has a mildly bitter taste. To counter the bitterness, hemp-derived cannabidiol usually contains additional flavor enhancers.
Most CBD products intended for dogs contains beefy flavors. Cats are more into seafood. So, cannabidiol products designed for feline consumption tend to have seafood flavors like salmon.
Since cats and dogs are primarily carnivores, they’ll be more at home consuming CBD products infused with meaty flavors. The opposite seems to be the case for human CBD products, which contain fruity, minty, and chocolate flavors.
However, it’s also important to remember that there are plenty of flavorless CBD products out there. Such products could be helpful for both humans and pets.
Are There Similarities?
Despite the differences, there are a couple of similarities between pet CBD and human CBD. For instance, both products contain powerful analgesic and anxiolytic properties. That makes them effective against pain and anxiety, respectively.
CBD also contains anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Plus, the compound impacts humans and pets the same way. That’s because of the near similarities between the human and animal endocannabinoid systems.
Another outstanding similarity between pet CBD and human CBD is that both compounds might induce side effects. Generally, CBD has a higher safety profile compared to many alternative herbal extracts.
However, an overdose could trigger certain adverse effects, including nausea and fatigue. This underscores the importance of consuming cannabidiol in moderation. New users are advised to begin with the lowest doses possible and observe how CBD interacts with their bodies before upping the doses.
Needless to say, CBD laws are generally similar for both humans and pets. So, whether you’re looking for human or pet CBD, ensure that you can legally access cannabidiol in your jurisdiction.
Human and pet CBD may look similar to the untrained eye. However, these product categories have glaring differences. While human CBD won’t immediately hurt your pet and vice versa, it’s advisable to administer each product depending on the intended user.
