Disclaimer: This information is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnose or treat any health conditions. If your pet is experiencing issues with their health, please visit your vet as soon as possible. 

There’s no shortage of information on how CBD oil can improve the quality of human life. Yet there’s still a lot to learn about how it affects animals, particularly cats and dogs.

The good news is that CBD is safe to use for pets. But only on one condition: the CBD must be 100% natural, hemp-derived and non-psychoactive. Meaning, it must contain absolutely zero THC/tetrahydrocannabinol. Why? THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, is toxic to dogs and cats. So much so, that in the last six years the Pet Poison Helpline has seen over a 400% spike in calls for help due to pets accidentally ingesting cannabis with THC. Bottom line: never under any circumstance should a pet be given a product with any amount of THC in it.

However, CBD or cannabidiol is non-toxic to humans and pets—especially when derived from hemp and combined with high-quality ingredients using a safe, reliable process like the CO2 extraction method.

What are the benefits of using CBD Oil for your pets?

Cats and dogs have the same endocannabinoid receptors in their central nervous system and throughout their bodies as humans. So they can experience the beneficial effects of CBD similarly to the way humans do. Some of these benefits include:  

• Pain relief from arthritis and aging
• Relief of seizures and neurological problems
• Soothing of trauma and anxiety
• Pain relief from cancer or after surgery
• Help with digestive issues
• Relief of muscle spasms

How much CBD oil should pets be given? What are the dosage best practices?

Ultimately, how much CBD oil you give your cat or dog largely comes down to their body weight. Basic doses are 1 to 5 mg of CBD per every 10 pounds of weight for dogs or cats. 

Here are some recommendations: 

<10 pounds - very small 1-5 mg

10-20 pounds - small 2-8 mg

20-30 pounds - medium 3-12 mg

30-40 pounds - medium-large 4-15 mg

50-60 pounds - large 5-18 mg

>60 pounds - very large 7-20 mg

CBD oil may be given once every 8 hours. Your pet is unlikely to object to a small amount mixed in with their food. You can also administer the drops directly in their mouth. Just monitor them carefully to see if the initial dose provides relief. If your pet requires more, increase the dosage as needed. The key is to start small and work your way up. 

How To Find CBD Oil For Your Pet You Can Trust

Nothing is more important than your pet's safety. So make sure to look for CBD pet products that are made with natural, organic ingredients and are free of artificial colors or flavors. Also, pick brands who can prove that their products are:

• 100% non-psychoactive and free of THC 
• Thoroughly tested for quality
• Sourced from hemp

Most times, the best companies will offer different CBD products for your pet that you can explore. The majority of owners like tinctures or drops because they're simple to dose. But you might also find things like CBD-infused treats and powdered CBD supplements, as well as other products.

Explore Pure Hemp-Derived CBD For Your Pet From Bido CBD By Curaleaf Hemp

What makes our line of CBD products for pets so special? We combine pure hemp-derived CBD and only the best quality all-natural ingredients. Every product is 100% THC free and third-party tested to ensure purity, safety, and efficacy.

Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician or another qualified medical professional with any questions you have about back pain or any other health condition. Do not start or stop taking any medication without first discussing it with a doctor.

Now that CBD has catapulted its way into modern medicine, scientists are learning how it can be used to help reduce chronic pain and inflammation in the body. Experts estimate that up to 80% of the U.S. population will experience back pain at some time in their lives. Which is why the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases (NIAMS) says it's one of the most common health problems in the country. 

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain is practically inevitable as we age. It's a common product of stress, weight gain, sports, repetitive motion, excessive sitting, falling or physical trauma sustained from an accident. If serious, it can involve disc degeneration and nerve damage. Additionally, sprains, torn ligaments, and overworked muscles can all cause back pain. Also, there's a possible link between back pain and health conditions like arthritis or bone loss. 

As awareness of the opioid crisis drastically limits access to prescriptions for pain killers, doctors are cutting opioid use for back and neck pain, along with conditions like spinal stenosis. But in the wake of the CBD revolution, people with back pain are using this natural, non-habit forming pain reliever for its safety, efficacy, and accessibility.

Why Is CBD The Perfect Solution For Back Pain?

Research continues to blossom as CBD enters the mainstream following its full federal legalization. Cannabinoids are scientifically relevant and offer promise for a number of problems involving pain and the inflammation that plays a major role in pain. Because CBD is a cannabinoid free of psychoactive effects, it's socially (and legally) less controversial than THC. 

How Does CBD Work To Address Back Pain?

CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of specialized receptors that regulate pain, mood, memory, appetite, stress and the immune system. Basically, the ECS maintains how our body functions and our experience of pleasure and pain. When CBD communicates with these receptors, they react to form anti-inflammatory effects that can successfully reduce pain. 

What Are The Best Ways To Take CBD For Back Pain?

Topicals

A topical CBD lotion can be rubbed into the skin if the pain is localized. Your skin is a highly-absorbant organ. Thus, a CBD lotion can efficiently deliver the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD to alleviate pain. But the CBD in a lotion doesn't actually enter the bloodstream. Instead, it targets the area where you need relief most—making it an ideal option for people suffering from back pain.

Here at Curaleaf Hemp, we offer two CBD lotions: one infused with the cooling essence of menthol, and another with energizing lemongrass essential oil. Both contain 0% THC, are non-GMO, and made from hemp here in the United States. 

Tinctures

For those seeking quick relief, try a CBD tincture. A Tincture bypasses the digestive system's breakdown process. It's taken under the tongue using a dropper and delivers CBD directly into the bloodstream. So rather than working solely on a localized area, CBD tinctures spread the potential benefits of CBD throughout the entire body. Tinctures are a fan favorite in the CBD world because they're incredibly simple to administer and dose.

Vape Pens

Vaping CBD is also another method for fast-acting relief. It delivers CBD directly into the bloodstream from the lungs, helping it to be absorbed quickly. Typically, it takes about 10‒20 minutes to begin feeling the effects after vaping. For back pain, we recommend our relieve vape pen blend. It's infused with the anti-inflammatory properties of lavender and the calming essence of sweet orange. It also comes in a soothing tincture. 

Seeking Relief? Find Pure Hemp-Derived CBD From Curaleaf Hemp

Natural, non-intoxicating products for a better quality of life. That’s the promise of CBD, and Curaleaf Hemp is your source for the most effective CBD products that meet the strictest quality standards in the industry. Your wellness is our passion.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnose or treat any health conditions. If your dog is experiencing issues with their health, please visit your vet as soon as possible. 

For dogs experiencing pain, spasms, anxiety, nausea or inflammation often associated with cancer treatments, CBD (aka cannabidiol) may be a source of much-needed relief. Sadly, dog cancer is a lot more common than you might think. This year alone, it’s estimated that around six million dogs will be diagnosed. And, according to the Veterinary Cancer Society, nearly 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer while approximately one in four dogs will, at some stage in their lives, develop cancer.

At the moment, the most viable treatment options are just as limited for dogs as they are for humans—surgery (often very effective if caught early), chemotherapy and radiation. The downside is that chemotherapy and radiation cause a number of symptoms that can dramatically affect the physical, mental and emotional well-being of dogs. Such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Trouble eating
• Anxiety

This is where CBD comes in. 

What Is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a natural, non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Medical research shows it has many therapeutic benefits, including pain relief and anti-inflammation. And, since it doesn't cause an altered mental state like its cousin marijuana, CBD is federally legal.

As the scientific evidence of CBD's potential increases, its impact in modern medicine is quickly going mainstream. Already, CBD is being used to manage the symptoms of a variety of health conditions, like chronic pain, depression, epilepsy, as well as the symptoms of cancer treatment. Still, for all of the solid information that’s accessible on CBD, there’s even more misinformation—especially on the topic of its role in dog cancer treatment.

Here’s what the research has to say.

Fact: CBD Oil Is Not a Replacement for Vet Care Or A Form Of Dog Cancer Treatment

Currently, there is no scientific evidence that shows using CBD oil can replace a visit to the vet or formal cancer treatments. If left untreated, cancer in dogs will cause inflammation, pain, distress, deformity and eventually death. This is why you must always consult your vet about the best course of treatment for your dog. By no means is CBD a magical supplement that will miraculously cure dog cancer. So be extremely wary of any source that attempts to make such a statement without providing sufficient evidence from a credible study or research to prove their claim.

However, CBD oil has been clinically shown to help manage the symptoms of cancer treatment, which can improve a patient’s quality of life.

Fact: CBD Oil Can Reduce Inflammation

In one study, cannabis oil reduced inflammation—causing enzyme activity and tumor necrosis factor in the inflamed pancreases of study participants. The result: inflammation in those organs went down.

Another study showed that CBD oil reduced the lung inflammation of participants by impacting several inflammatory markers. Additionally, a separate study demonstrated a reduction in digestive-tract inflammation in participants, which would also help with common gastrointestinal issues.

Fact: CBD Oil Can Help Relieve Cancer Pain and Spasms

CBD oil isn't like aspirin. It doesn't work immediately on pain. But studies do show that, for example, after taking cannabis oil for four days, pain and inflammation were significantly reduced in study participants. Researchers also wanted to know if CBD can reduce pain in dogs without side effects. They found that giving 2 mg/kg (2 mg per 2.2 pounds) of CBD oil twice a day reduced pain and increased physical activity for canines without triggering side effects.

Fact: CBD Oil Can Lessen Anxiety

A review of 15 cannabis oil anxiety studies by researchers found that CBD can reduce anxiety symptoms in both humans and animals. Research shows that CBD interacts with a dog's natural cannabinoid receptors, acting as an "allosteric modulator." Simply put, when dogs take CBD  it causes a subtle feeling of contentment, not in a sedated way but in an "everything's gonna be alright" kind of way.

Fact: CBD Oil Can Reduce Vomiting and Nausea

A study confirmed that CBD oil produced an anti-emetic/anti-nausea effect in those exposed to toxic substances, including chemotherapy. It did so through "indirect activation of the somatodendritic 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors in the DRN," which stopped the symptoms. Next, a small controlled study of cancer patients found that participants in the CBD group were 49 percent more likely than placebo to experience "complete response," meaning that CBD could reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms.

Fact: CBD Oil May Slow the Growth of Cancer

Two studies performed by a team of researchers from Italy and the UK looked at how colon cancer cells in humans react to CBD. They found a clear "anti-cancer effect" for patients receiving CBD. It slowed the proliferation of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. Researchers believe that the cancer-slowing effects may be the result of CBD oil's ability to regulate hormones through the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Another study showed similar results in brain tumors. Brain cancer and colon cancer are relatively uncommon in dogs. Still, the same mechanism that helped reduce cancer growth in these patients theoretically could help with other cancers. But again, it has not been scientifically proven that CBD is an effective alternative to traditional cancer treatments. So always talk to your vet to determine what treatment options are best for addressing your dog’s cancer.

Fact: Quality Matters

CBD is an unregulated industry right now. Meaning, it’s important to watch out for companies making claims about their products that aren't true. Not doing so could potentially leave you with harmful products that are unsafe for your pet. Our advice: be cautious, be conscious and choose Bido Pet CBD by Curaleaf Hemp. We use only the best natural ingredients and pure hemp-derived CBD that is 100% free of THC. We also conduct rigorous third-party testing on every product to ensure purity, quality, and safety.

Explore Pure Hemp-Derived CBD For Your Dog

As CBD aka cannabidiol continues to rise in popularity across the U.S., more individuals are using it to improve the quality of their lives. How? CBD offers pain relief, is an anti-inflammatory, calms anxiety and comes from cannabis but will not get you high. Yes, you read that right.

Although CBD is a fiber of the cannabis plant—the same plant that can also be used to get high—it's completely non-intoxicating. This is because cannabis contains a diverse range of active chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. In addition to CBD, there are currently over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. One of which is THC aka tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound responsible for producing the euphoric “high” associated with cannabis.

CBD vs THC in Medical Studies

Historically when it came to understanding the difference between CBD vs THC, there was a much deeper focus on THC due to its psychoactive properties. But the rising demand for CBD products and its federal legalization has increased the amount of public information and research available on the full spectrum of its effects.

As a result, the U.S. National Library of Medicine has over 11,000 medical research articles about CBD. And, The National Institutes of Health (NIH)—a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—has funded more than 2,800 studies on CBD. THC, on the other hand, has been researched far less. The exact number of studies to date isn't clear. But in the fiscal year of 2017, the NIH supported 70 projects examining the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids, including THC.  

You might be wondering, why medical research on THC is so slight compared to the number of studies on CBD. This is due to the current federal prohibition of marijuana, which limits federally funded scientific and medical studies on THC. Still, the medical studies on cannabis and CBD that do exist prove cannabinoids have a place in modern medicine. And as more studies emerge, the more we’ll learn about the full scope of their potential.

CBD vs THC: Chemical Structure

The main reason why CBD will not get you high is that it has a slightly different chemical structure than THC—by exactly 1 atom. This might seem like a virtually insignificant difference, but it's actually major and affects the way your body processes each. Cannabinoids interact with your body's endocannabinoid system, a series of specialized receptors that regulate pain, mood, memory, appetite, stress and the immune system.

Scientists first discovered the endocannabinoid system in the early 1990s. They also identified two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system in areas associated with higher cognition, motor coordination, memory, appetite, and emotions. CB2 receptors are associated with our immune system and are mainly located in the gut, liver, spleen, heart, bones, kidneys, blood vessels, and reproductive organs.

The way cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors is what makes it possible to experience the benefits of each, such as pain and anxiety relief, appetite stimulation and more. Since THC and CBD have different molecular structures, they don't have the same interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. This means the effect each has on your body will be different.

CBD Vs THC: Health Benefits 

CBD is known for its ability to treat inflammation and provide pain relief through cellular regeneration. It's already being used to help with a variety of health conditions such as anxiety, depression, arthritis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, cancer treatment relief and more. 

THC is known to provide a euphoric feeling because of its psychoactive properties. But it also stimulates appetite, reduces nausea, relieves stress, and offers pain relief.

Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's The Difference?

CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana. Now, you may be asking yourself, “Aren’t they the same thing?” The short answer is no. They are simply two different members of the cannabis family. Hemp is a legal, non-intoxicating fiber of the cannabis plant, and is often used to make clothing, rope, and paper, but can also be used for its seeds and therapeutic oil. Marijuana is a psychoactive plant with THC levels anywhere from 12% to 30% and around 10%+ of CBD, depending on the strain. 

But when CBD is extracted from cannabis, there's a chance that it could contain some amount of THC. On the contrary, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC and 20%+ CBD. This is why it's considered the best option for anyone looking to experience the benefits of cannabis without the intoxicating side effects of THC. 

Here at Curaleaf Hemp, we offer a variety of pure, lab-tested, THC free CBD products made with the highest quality CBD and premium essential oils. Your wellness is our passion and we’re proud to offer the best hemp-derived CBD to help you live life well.

Explore Pure Hemp-Derived CBD Tinctures, Vape Pens, Topicals & More

Natural, non-intoxicating products for a better quality of life. That’s the promise of CBD, and Curaleaf Hemp is your source for the most effective CBD products that meet the strictest quality standards in the industry.

Whether you’re using CBD for chronic pain or to cope with anxiety, here’s something else to help you feel good about Curaleaf Hemp products: our environmentally-friendly business practices. At Curaleaf Hemp, we made sustainability a core part of our business when we decided to source our CBD exclusively from hemp plants.

We did this primarily due to the fact that unlike marijuana plants, hemp plants contain just 0.3% THC (which we eliminate during the broad spectrum extraction process) but using hemp also enables us to use the entire plant. In addition to being one of the most versatile fibers in the world, hemp is also a lot easier to grow than other crops.

Here are some of the environmental benefits of hemp along with some behind the scenes information on how we minimize waste and maximize efficiency throughout our organization.

1. Hemp is better for the environment because it requires no pesticides or herbicides

A big reason why hemp has been prized as a “wonder plant” is how quickly it grows with minimal care or effort. Hemp grows in dense clusters so it naturally prevents invasive weeds from taking root and competing for nutrients. Hemp is also naturally pest resistant which is why our plants require no pesticides or herbicides. That’s true for both our field-grown hemp as well as the hemp we grow in greenhouses.

2. We harvest the seeds from hemp plants for future crops

Depending on the growing conditions, we harvest hemp plants anywhere from 6-12 weeks after planting. For our purposes, the flower is the most important part of the hemp plant for two reasons:

•         The hemp oil that is the basis of CBD is contained in the flower
•         The flower also contains the seeds we use for future crops

The fact that we can extract seeds as part of the manufacturing process means we don’t have to purchase seeds from other companies and have them shipped to our growing centers which minimizes our carbon footprint. That’s in stark contrast to many fruit and vegetable growers that have to purchase new seeds for their crops every year. Those seeds are then shipped to a propagator that plants them and raises them into seedlings which they then ship by truck to the fruit/vegetable growers’ greenhouses. At Curaleaf Hemp, our growing operation is self-sufficient.

3. We sell the stalks from hemp plants to other companies

Once we’ve harvested the flowers and seeds, our manufacturing partners reserve the stalks for our other customers. We’re proud to partner with several small to mid-size businesses that use the stalks of our hemp plants to make everything from paper products to building materials.

4. Biomass from our hemp plants is used to make feed for animals

We don’t waste any part of our plants, not even the remaining biomass of the flowers after we’ve extracted the seeds and hemp oil from them. Our manufacturing partners turn this material into pellets for chicken feed and briquettes for horses/cattle which we sell directly to local farmers.

5. Hemp greenhouses use less electricity than other commercial growers

Unlike heat loving fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, hemp plants require less time under grow electric grow lights. Our growing center in Kentucky has the added benefit of being on an even less expensive hydroelectric grid – one of the cleanest ways to produce electricity.