Do you know the facts regarding the use of CBD oil for pets and hemp extract?
CBD oil and hemp extract oil are high in cannabinoids. Scientists have discovered over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Different cannabinoids interact with different receptors in the body, producing various effects.
Hemp Extract Oil May Help with the Following:
- Reduce anxiety
- Reduce nausea
- Increase appetite
- Reduce types of seizures
- Ease inflammation due to arthritis and pain
- Reduce dermatitis and other allergic reactions
How Hemp Oil Works and the Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoid binding sites exist throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Cannabinoids act as neuromodulators. Being neuromodulators means cannabinoids regulate many processes, including:
- Motor learning
- Appetite
- Pain sensation
- Cognitive processes
- Physical processes
The two primary cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. Some studies show another binding site may reside in the brain.
Phytocannabinoids
Over 100 different phytocannabinoids exist in cannabis plants. The two most studied cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is psychotropic. CBD is not psychotropic. Both CBD and THC have many benefits and are the most widely studied of all phytocannabinoids.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is the most studied phytocannabinoid after THC. It is non-psychotropic and helps many conditions.
CBD affects the CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the body. Studies show no toxicity in humans to 1500 mg per day orally or 30 mg per day via IV.
Industrial Hemp
The Farm Bill of 2014 allows farmers to grow industrial hemp. Industrial hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, and hemp extracts must be the whole plant. Hemp may be domestic or imported. No current USDA Organic Certification exists for industrial hemp.
Industrial hemp is different from marijuana:
- Industrial hemp is very fibrous and has few flowering buds, while marijuana is bushier and has many.
- Industrial hemp has high CBD content and low THC content. Marijuana has a high THC content and low CBD content.
- Industrial hemp is used for medicinal purposes, fiber food, rope, paper, and more. Marijuana is mainly consumed medicinally and recreationally.
- Because of the lack of quality control, you must be aware of Hemp sourcing. Although hemp detoxifies air and soil and is often used to do so, hemp grown for detoxification purposes may produce contaminated products.
Possible scenarios producing low-quality or contaminated hemp are:
- Asian hemp grown to remove heavy metal toxicity might be contaminated.
- Hemp will absorb carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from polluted air.
- Hemp will absorb toxins if the crop isn’t treated organically.
Cannabis Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, and Hemp Extract Oil
What’s the difference?
The names cannabis oil, hemp seed oil, and hemp extract oil all sound similar, but the products are very different!
Cannabis Oil
Cannabis oil comes from Cannabis that is greater than 0.3% THC by volume. It comes from cannabis containing between 6% – 20% THC and is psychotropic. Cannabis oil has medicinal benefits but is only legal in states that have passed medicinal or medical marijuana laws.
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil comes from cannabis seeds. It is non-psychotropic and contains no THC or active cannabinoids. It is more like sunflower and avocado oil, containing healthy fats. Active cannabinoids only occur from plants with growth and flowering, not from seeds.
Hemp Extract Oil
Hemp extract oil is non-psychotropic and comes from industrial hemp (less than 0.3% THC). It is a whole plant and full spectrum oil containing active cannabinoids like CBD and CBN. Hemp extract oil is legal in all 50 states.
Phytocannabinoid Extraction Methods
The hemp oil extraction method is a very important for a quality end product.
Ethanol
Ethanol extraction is one of the cheapest forms of extraction. It is also one of the most popular in the plant oil industry.
Ethanol extraction uses a harsh solvent, usually in large drums. The manufacturers soak the hemp plants in ethanol and then rotary-evaporate to separate the ethanol from the extract.
Some remnants of ethanol remain in the end product. Also, ethanol may destroy the plant waxes.
Hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbon extraction uses hydrocarbons like butane to “blast” through the plant, extracting the oils.
The manufacturer must remove the hydrocarbon after extraction. If the hydrocarbon is not removed, the extract will be toxic.
Isolate
Isolate extraction uses harsh solvents like butane, hexane, chloroform, etc. Manufacturers often use isolate on hemp that has been exposed to pesticides or is moldy.
Harsh solvents used may degrade the cannabinoids, and there is a chance of residue of harsh solvents in the end product.
If the solvents are not completely removed, there is a risk of allergic or other reactions.
Supercritical CO2
Supercritical CO2 is the only form of extraction free of harsh solvents. The process increases liquid CO2’s pressure and temperature to a supercritical state.
In the supercritical state, CO2 can pass through hemp-like gas, drawing out the extract like a liquid.
There is no possibility of solvent residue because there are no solvents involved.
CO2 is minimally invasive. Termed “tunable,” changes in temperature and pressure can affect what CO2 extracts
Know Before You Buy: How to Evaluate the Label
You’ll have to read the labels carefully to get quality hemp extract oil. Below are some tips to help you understand the labels.
“Manufactured By” Versus “Manufactured For”
“Manufactured by” means the company extracts and produces the product. The company is accountable and can trace the extraction hemp used, etc. “Manufactured for” or “Distributed by” means the company is not producing/extracting the product and is not directly accountable for quality.
USDA Certified Organic
USA Certified Organic is a keyword used on labels to give people the impression the hemp extract is USDA organic. It is not. No USDA certification exists for hemp. The company is using the loophole that if <95% of the product is USDA organic (like the MCT oil or coconut oil) then the company can legally call the whole product organic.
99.9% Pure
99.9% Pure is a code word for a company using isolate without saying the word “isolate.” The terminology seems appealing and of better quality. But, isolate is powder from CBD processed using toxic solvents.
0.00% THC
0.00% THC is a statement like a “99.9% pure” claim. The only way to get 100% THC is to bring it to isolate. Some testing will show trace THC but the only way to extract all THC is via toxic solvents.
Cold Pressed
Cold-pressed seems appealing because of cold-pressed juices or essential oils. But cold-pressed in hemp refers to either inactive hemp oil or oil obtained by ethanol extraction.
Other Label Tips
The company should explicitly state the method of extraction on the product label.
The company should state where they grow their hemp.
The website should show the entire label somewhere. If not, they may be hiding where and who does the extraction.
OneFarm CBD is a premium option we recommend at our clinic for its high-quality, full-spectrum hemp extract. Sourced from organic farms and rigorously tested for purity, OneFarm CBD provides natural, effective relief that aligns with our commitment to holistic pet care. Its comprehensive profile supports joint health, reduces anxiety, and promotes overall pet well-being, making it an excellent addition to wellness routines. Our clinic prioritizes products that match our high safety and efficacy standards. OneFarm CBD meets these with a trusted formulation that owners can feel confident giving their pets.
Contact our office today to see if CBD oil will help your pet!
