What do dogs, cats and humans have in common with Cannabis?
We share a lot of traits with our furry friends. Animals like cats are likely to feed on foods we set on our tables with little harm, find comfort in similar surroundings, and even feel stress in unknown circumstances the same way we do.
Vitamin and mineral supplements have become part of our dietary additions over time, and the same has been true for our pets.
Names like CBD oil pop up along the way, with some therapeutic qualities, observed. We need to keep in mind, however, that some of these items that suit human consumption may have a different effect on animals. Innovet Pet has a comprehensive collection of foods, including CBD treats.
Some of the foods or nutrient supplements we use may not be fit for our felines for instance. There are distinct genetic differences that differentiate the pet parents from their pets.
These variations are the root of the apparent differences in reaction to a different food or medicinal compounds. However, humans and cats are both mammals. As a result, some similarities remain evident.
Most of the similarities are in the underlying anatomy. The reaction to substances such as cannabis, for instance, there is a matching likeness. So, what do dogs, cats, and humans have in common with cannabis?
The simple answer is the endocannabinoid system.
Understanding the endocannabinoid system in humans and pets
To better understand the similarities, we need to understand what the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is and how it functions. In simple terms, the ECS is at the center of core bodily functions like pain, emotion, sleep, mood, appetite, hormonal balance, and the immune responses.
With these primary functions essential to how our bodies function, any compound with an effect on that functionality needs observation. Humans, cats, and dogs all have the endocannabinoid system, and the responses to substances such as CBD oil is similar.
A closer look at the endocannabinoid system
All mammals have an endocannabinoid system. This list is inclusive of horses, dolphins, elephants, rabbits, and so on. Modern science is bent on establishing possible avenues for the development of cures for common health complications with this system in mind.
For a start, we need to understand that there is endogenous production of endocannabinoids which in dogs, for instance, are responsible for the natural balance in your canine’s body. It is the endocannabinoids which naturally stimulate the animal’s ECS to maintain specific core body functions.
This process is in itself internal simulation, giving a natural balance. External simulation comes about from the use of cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD). It is crucial to understand that this compound is essentially a non-psychoactive compound present in cannabis sativa.
The defining characteristic of cannabidiol is that it is a compound that brings out the medicinal aspects of cannabis without the high, brought about by THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol.
CBD oil comes from a particular strain of hemp that has a low THC content and a high amount of CBD. This ratio is meant to be high, giving the oil some strong medicinal qualities. Pure CBD isolate, for instance, has a 99 per cent composition of CBD.
CBD functionalities find root in its ability to stimulate the body for the production of additional cannabinoids. CBD oil in itself affects some receptors, inclusive of dopamine, serotonin, and opioid.
How CBD works
The use of CBD impacts the body through the ECS, with the effects most felt in areas with the most significant number of receptors. CBD considerably brings down the effects of THC. Cannabinoids make their impact felt through interaction with two major types of receptors:
- Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) – these receptors reside in the animal or human brain
- Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB 2) – these are receptors commonly found in the gastrointestinal and immune systems. These receptors are present in the spleen, thymus, tonsils, B cells, T cells, mast cells as well as the microglia.
It is important to know that even in the brain, we have CB2 receptors. However, in the neural system, CB1 receptors are more prominent, with the CB2 more expressed in the immune as well as gastrointestinal systems. THC, the psychoactive component present in cannabis, binds more readily to CB1 than the CB2 receptors.
Any tangible malfunction of CB2 receptors remains synonymous with almost all varieties of diseases in humans and animals.
Issues in CB2 receptors are likely to cause neurodegenerative, gastrointestinal, psychiatric, cardiovascular or autoimmune problems. This receptor system plays a crucial role in the health of the kidney, bone, skin, and even pain-related complications.
Animals face a very similar spectrum of health problems as humans, with their system relying on a developed receptor system for core functionalities that affect both physical and mental health.
THC has a strong affinity and readily binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors. In contrast, the binding affinity is only marginal when it comes to CBD. This limited affinity means that the medical effectiveness of CBD comes through indirect actions.
Cannabidiol brings about these healing effects through the activation of TRPV1 receptors. This class of receptors plays a vital role in managing body temperature, soothing pain, as well as keeping inflammation in check.
CBD inhibits FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase). The inhibition subsequently results in increased levels of endocannabinoids such as anandamide. Anandamide, ‘the bliss molecule’ is a core element in the brain’s generation of motivation and pleasure.
The name ‘ananda’ is in itself a Sanskrit term meaning bliss. This capability to induce a good feeling without the effects of the typical high from cannabis considerably improves mood and motivation. Anandamide is also crucial in improving appetite as well as facilitation of embryo implantation in the initial stages of pregnancy.
Consensus
CBD has a profound impact on the endocannabinoid system, in a mostly positive way. This cannabis extract has a very different effect that brings about some established medical gains without the high associated with cannabis products.
Some of the scientifically established benefits of using CBD products – such as CBD oil – are:
- CBD products relieve chronic pain. CBD can reduce the severity of illness, along with reduced joint inflammation.
- CBD products play a crucial role in reducing anxiety, especially in humans as well as pets. CBD can activate serotonin receptors, which regulate appetite, mood, and sleep. This ability brings about relief, anti-anxiety and antidepressant qualities
- CBD oil reduces the effects of cancer symptoms, and this may have an anti-tumour effect. The American Cancer Society, as well as the National Cancer Institute, attest to the ability of CBD oil to contain the spreading of cancer cells.
- Select cannabis products aid the reduction of seizures as well as epilepsy. CBD is proven to reduce the effects of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome as well as the Dravet syndrome.
Subsequently, there has been approved by the FDA for the first prescription of Epidiolex. Epidiolex is a cannabis drug aimed at keeping these forms of epilepsy in control.
- The use of CBD alleviates the risk of diabetes. A study revealed that CBD considerably reduces the chances of diabetes in mammals.
- CBD can treat sleep issues, with its effect on the endocannabinoid system. This medicinal aspect can easily soothe restless pets, like sleep and proper rest reduces chances of unwarranted aggression and agitation.
The endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in the everyday function of the mammalian body.
All compounds that streamline this functionality go a long way in easing day to day life. Pets, in particular, benefit greatly from the use of CBD and hemp oil.
Take time and talk to an authorized retailer such as Innovet Pet about the potential benefits of these products to you or your pet.
More Interesting Articles:
http://healthchanging.com/hilarious-tricks-train-dog/