Hemp Oil for Dogs: Anti-anxiety effects

While the majority of research on hemp oil is done with humans, there is some research into the use of hemp oil for dogs, particularly in the areas of pain, anxiety, and seizure disorders. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of hemp oil for dogs. However hemp product are readily available for dog owners and dog owners and ready to use it.

anti-anxiety effects of Hemp Oil

Hemp oil contains several compounds that have been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, including:

1. Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been shown to have anxiolytic and calming effects in some studies. CBD may help regulate the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, which are important for regulating mood and anxiety.
2. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that is converted in the body to prostaglandin E1, a compound that helps regulate inflammation and immune function. GLA has been shown to have anxiolytic effects in some studies.
3. Terpenes: Hemp oil contains a variety of terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that give plants their characteristic scents. Some terpenes found in hemp oil, such as linalool and limonene, have been shown to have anxiolytic effects.
4. Phytocannabinoids: In addition to CBD, hemp oil contains other phytocannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN), which may have anxiolytic effects.(2)

It’s important to note that individual responses to hemp oil and its components can vary. More research is needed to fully understand the anxiolytic effects of these compounds.

phytocannabinoids

Cannabinoids are active ingredients that can cause medicinal or drug like effects in the body. Research has found that the cannabis plant produces between 80 and 100 cannabinoids and about 300 non-cannabinoid chemicals.

Hemp oil contains several phytocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids that are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. Although THC and CBD may be the most well-known phytocannabinoids, the cannabis plant produces many others. The main phytocannabinoids found in hemp oil are:

1. Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been shown to have a variety of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and relieving pain and inflammation.
2. Cannabigerol (CBG): CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is considered a precursor to other cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. CBG has been shown to have potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain, and may also have antibacterial and neuroprotective effects.
3. Cannabinol (CBN): CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is produced from the breakdown of THC. CBN has been shown to have potential sedative effects and may help improve sleep.
4. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, and is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. However, hemp oil typically contains very low levels of THC (less than 0.3%), which is not enough to produce psychoactive effects.

Other phytocannabinoids found in hemp oil include cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin (CBDV), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), among others. It’s important to note that the exact composition of phytocannabinoids in hemp oil can vary depending on the strain of hemp and the extraction method used.

Legality

The legal status of hemp oil and other hemp-derived products varies around the world, as laws and regulations regarding hemp and cannabis can be complex and often differ by country.

In the United States, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) are legal under federal law, although some states may have additional regulations or restrictions. Other countries may have different legal limits on the amount of THC allowed in hemp-derived products.

In some countries, such as Canada, hemp and hemp-derived products are legal as long as they meet certain criteria, such as containing less than a certain amount of THC. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, hemp-derived products are legal as long as they do not contain THC above a certain limit.

It’s important to note that laws and regulations regarding hemp and cannabis can be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the current laws in your area before using or purchasing any hemp-derived products.

References

Hazzah T, Andre C, Richter G, McGrath S, Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine:A Critical Review, AHVMA Journal • Volume 61 Winter 2020, Retrieved Feb 2023, https://www.ahvma.org/wp-content/uploads/Cannabis-in-Veterinary-Medicine-A-Critical-Review-Vol-61_LR-3.pdf