CBD, short for cannabidiol, has gained significant popularity for its potential health benefits for humans. But did you know that CBD can also benefit our furry friends? Cannabidiol oil for pets, such as dogs and cats, is an emerging trend in the pet care industry. This article will explore how terpenes derived from the hemp plant can increase CBD’s efficacy and have your pet feeling the therapeutic effects quicker and more efficiently.
What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical-based compound observed in cannabis plants, specifically hemp. It is one of the many cannabinoids found in the plant, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most well-known cannabinoid. In contrast to THC, CBD does not have psychoactive side effects and, therefore, does not cause a “high.”
CBD is derived from both hemp and non-hemp plants. It is commonly extracted from hemp plants as they contain a higher CBD concentration and lower THC levels. Hemp is characterized as any component of cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC.
Research has shown that CBD has several potential health benefits. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which oversees various physiological functions such as pain, mood, inflammation, and immune response.
While CBD is an active ingredient in medical cannabis, it can also be explicitly taken from the hemp plant species or manufactured in a lab. This has led to the development of various CBD products, including oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, and topicals, that are widely available in the market.
CBD is still being researched, and additional studies are required to fully discover its possible health benefits and limitations. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any CBD products to ensure safety and appropriateness for individual circumstances.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are diverse organic compounds found in various plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for plants’ distinct aroma and flavour profiles, contributing to their unique sensory characteristics.
In cannabis, terpenes are essential in determining different strains’ specific aroma and flavour. They work alongside cannabinoids like CBD and THC to produce the plant’s overall effects and therapeutic potential.
Aside from their aromatic properties, terpenes also have potential health benefits. Research suggests terpenes may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and antimicrobial properties. They may also interact with neurotransmitters and receptors in the body, potentially enhancing or modulating the effects of cannabinoids like CBD.
Although cannabis is known for its terpene content, terpenes are also present in many other plants. For example, limonene, which gives citrus fruits their characteristic scent, is also found in cannabis strains such as Lemon Haze. Every terpene displays its distinctive characteristics and potential health benefits.
Understanding the terpenes in cannabis can help individuals select strains that coordinate with their preferred effects or healing needs. For example, strains high in the terpene myrcene may have a sedating and relaxing effect, while strains with high levels of limonene may have uplifting and mood-enhancing properties.
It’s worth mentioning that additional scientific studies are needed to comprehend terpenes’ individual effects and potential synergistic interactions with other cannabis compounds. However, they are an intriguing study area and are thought to contribute significantly to the all-around cannabis experience.
How do Terpenes help CBD?
Terpenes can play a role in enhancing the effects of CBD by working synergistically with it. The interaction between terpenes and CBD is known as the entourage effect, where the combination of different compounds in cannabis, including terpenes and cannabinoids, produces a more robust and potent impact.
Terpenes can influence how CBD interacts with receptors in the body, potentially enhancing or modulating its effects. They may bind to neurotransmitters and receptors, affecting how CBD interacts with them. For example, some terpenes can increase dopamine or enhance norepinephrine activity, potentially contributing to CBD’s energizing or uplifting effects.
Furthermore, terpenes themselves can have therapeutic properties. Research suggests terpenes may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and antimicrobial properties. They may also interact with neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain, contributing to the overall therapeutic potential of CBD.
The specific terpene profile of a CBD product, along with the concentration of CBD, can impact its effects and therapeutic potential. Different terpenes, such as myrcene, limonene, or linalool, have other properties and may produce different results when combined with CBD.
It’s important to note that more research is needed to understand the complex interactions between terpenes and CBD. However, their combined effects are believed to contribute to the overall therapeutic properties of full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products that contain a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Conclusion
CBD with terpenes can provide additional benefits to pets beyond those supplied by CBD alone. It is important to look for hemp-derived CBD products that include all the essential terpenes in the hemp plant. Many manufacturers exclude terpenes as they only use CBD isolate in their formulas. When in doubt, be sure to reach out to the supplier and request their 3rd party detailed analysis, which should indicate any terpenes found along with their amounts. The more terpenes, the better.
Pets are an essential part of our life. They have a relatively short lifespan, so we must make their lives as pain-free and comfortable as possible.
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