CBD is the buzzword of the decade, it seems. While many people and pets are taking CBD on a daily basis, few understand exactly what it is that CBD is doing to their bodies. After all, what is it about CBD that makes it so popular among other wellness products? Well, it all comes down to the endocannabinoid system. As you’ll see, the information that is available on this complex bodily system is nothing short of fascinating and understanding how it works will give you a better grasp on CBD itself, whether you’re giving it to your furry friend or yourself.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
So, what is an endocannabinoid system, anyway? Well, the first thing that you need to know is that it’s found in every mammal, including humans, dogs and cats. This system is relatively complex and has only been discovered within the last couple of decades. However, since its discovery, lots of research has uncovered its unique purpose and functions.
Basically, the endocannabinoid system is in charge of what’s known as homeostasis. This is a bodily state in which all of the body’s complex processes are properly regulated, and therefore functioning properly. The endocannabinoid system consists of a series of cannabinoid receptors that exist throughout the body, including the skin, digestive tract, brain, thyroid, muscular tissue, reproductive organs and more. The endocannabinoid system takes cannabinoids and sends them to receptors that correspond with the bodily systems that require regulation. For instance, if a person were dealing with mood problems, cannabinoids would be sent to the neurotransmitter receptors in the brain in order to regulate the secretion of hormones that deal with mood. If a person were dealing with bodily inflammation, cannabinoids would be sent to cannabinoid receptors found in the immune system which is in charge of the inflammation response. The truth is that all of us produce our own number of cannabinoids, so that the endocannabinoid system could theoretically function properly with a sufficient number. The issue is that the large majority of us do not produce cannabinoids in a sufficient number.
Is a Dog or Cat’s Endocannabinoid System Just like a Human’s?
Like we said, every mammal has an endocannabinoid system. This means that cats and dogs have the same system that we have in our bodies. However, cats and dogs are smaller, and so their systems are smaller. More specifically, cats and dogs need fewer cannabinoids in their body in order for their endocannabinoid systems to work toward homeostasis.
What Does CBD Do to a Pet’s Endocannabinoid System?
Like we said, most of us produce an insufficient amount of cannabinoids for the endocannabinoid system to function at its highest level. However, we can acquire cannabinoids from plant sources – more specifically, cannabis. Cannabinoids that naturally occur in plant material are known as phytocannabinoids, which means that though they come from plants, the body metabolizes them just like cannabinoids that are self-produced. Therefore, giving your pet CBD gives them cannabinoids that are utilized by the endocannabinoid system for bodily regulation.
Is CBD the Only Cannabinoid in Hemp That Works with the Endocannabinoid System?
When we talk about hemp, we’re usually talking about CBD. After all, hemp-based pet products are almost always referred to as CBD products. However, CBD is just one of the cannabinoids found in hemp, and there are several that naturally occur in the plant. CBD is the most abundant in hemp, which is why it’s the most popular. There are other cannabinoids, however, that work with the endocannabinoid in the same way. These include CBN, CBG and CBC. Each type of cannabinoid has its own unique properties. When you give your pet a broad spectrum or full spectrum pet CBD oil, you’re actually administering to them a variety of cannabinoids, not just CBD.
What is the Best Way to Give the Endocannabinoid System CBD?
So, now that you know how the cannabinoids in CBD work directly with your pet’s endocannabinoid system, let’s talk about how to administer CBD to your pet with this knowledge in mind. The key is making sure that you’re giving your pet the right amount of cannabinoids in order to make an impact on their endocannabinoid system, and this largely has to do with their breed and body weight. Both of these factors determine how many cannabinoids they should consume daily. So, speak with your vet in order to come up with the right strength and dosage level for their unique body.
Another thing about cannabinoids is that they seem to best interact with the endocannabinoid system when they can first build up in the body. This is why some pet owners find that they need to give them a daily amount for a couple of weeks before they start seeing results.
Can Too Much CBD Damage the Endocannabinoid System?
What’s unique about the endocannabinoid system is that it seems to be highly efficient when it comes to storing excess cananbinoids for later use. This is why CBD is considered nontoxic to mammals. Rather than allowing the body to overdose on it, it just reserves what’s not needed at the moment for another time. However, you still want to
make sure that you give your pet the exact amount of CBD recommended for their size and breed. Still, it’s acceptable to gently increase the amount you give them as time goes on.
Next Steps
The endocannabinoid system explains why CBD seems to act in the body in the manner that it does, and why it’s so unique from other wellness products that are on the market today. It also explains why pets respond to CBD in the same way that humans do. Now that you grasp this fascinating bodily system, you can enjoy a deeper knowledge of what it is that you’re giving your pet when you pull out the hemp oil from Chill Paws.
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