Which Product Is Right For You and Your Pet?
In recent years, products containing cannabidiol (CBD) have become increasingly popular for both human and animal applications. With all the buzz that surrounds these products, many consumers experience confusion when they go to make their purchase.
At the store, we hear many questions from shoppers such as “Why should I buy one brand over the other?”, “What dose should I be buying?”, and “What form should I be looking at?” In this blog post, we’re here to demystify CBD and give you the inside scoop on purchasing CBD products for you and your pets.
Understanding CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many chemical compounds that is naturally occurring in the cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike it’s more well-known compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD has no psychoactive effects. It is completely safe to use and it is legal (with some restrictions) in all 50 states.
CBD interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). According to the MedTerra website, “The ECS is involved in communicating with nearly every system of the body including the central nervous system, immune system and organs.” CBD fills the cannabinoid receptors within the body to keep the body in balance.
There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. “CB1 receptors have been found to play a role in memory processing, motor regulation, discomfort sensation, mood, and sleep,” explains MedTerra. “CB2 receptors are primarily found on cells in the immune system and its associated structures. When activated, they stimulate a response that fights inflammation, which can reduce discomfort and minimize damage to tissues.” By filling these cannabinoid receptors, CBD has been shown to mitigate a variety of symptoms.
In fact, some studies have shown that CBD decreases anxiety and may reduce pain and inflammation. More research is under way, but it is evident to many scientists and health care professionals that quality CBD products are a valuable piece of the healthcare puzzle.
Choosing a Brand
With the recent surge in the number of CBD products on the market, it is important to shop wisely. Currently, there is no government regulation on the proof, potency, and effectiveness of these products. This is why you need to find a trusted retailer who can sell you a quality product. Before we bring any new products into The Cheshire Horse, we research them heavily and use them ourselves so that we are able to provide our customers with the highest value products for their money – and ones that we believe have personal benefits as well.
The very first CBD product line that we brought in is Super Snouts. Veterinarian-approved and -formulated, Super Snouts partners with fully licensed suppliers in Kentucky and Colorado. The hemp is organically farmed, and it’s free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, and herbicides. Every batch harvested is tested for safety and potency, while holding a guarantee that they contain 0.0% THC. With a dedication to transparency, lab results for the testing of each batch are always available on their website. Super Snouts has a broad selection of products for pets and a line of human products called Soul Vibe that are all produced in their FDA Human Grade Facility. Their products come in topical gets, gel caps, dropper bottles, soft chews, and even peanut butter. All Super Snouts CBD products are backed by their 100% satisfaction guarantee so that you can be confident in your purchase.
Another great line of CBD products on our shelves is from Green Coast Pet. They are currently the CBD company on the market that holds a National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal. In order to qualify, they must comply with rigorous testing to assure that what they state on the label is in fact what is within the bottle; their facilities also must meet NASC standards. All Green Coast Pet products are sourced completely in the USA from organically grown hemp. Their innovative product line revolutionizes how to give CBD to our four-legged friends into many tasty forms, including unique CBD peanut butter paste with MSM, CBD peanut butter with flax seed, and CBD soft chews. The vast Green Coat product line contains equine, canine, and feline CBD supplements.
MedTerra is a unique, up-and-coming hemp company that has released an extensive product line, including CBD supplements for humans, horses, dogs, and cats. As a U.S. Hemp Authority Certified manufacturer, they have undergone several layers of testing and auditing by third parties. Because they own all of their hemp fields, they control the entire process from seed to extraction; all MedTerra products are guaranteed to be non-GMO and contain no THC. Their product line features everything from a women’s supplement to a pain relieving cream infused with manuka honey extract. MedTerra truly has something for the whole family.
CBD for Humans
Consider the desired effects when choosing a form of CBD for yourself. If you are looking for a slow all day release or supplemental health, use CBD capsules such as the MedTerra Monthly Women’s Health Capsules. These formulations stay in your system at a low concentration over a period of time.
On the other hand, using an oral CBD tincture will have a strong, fast effect in the beginning. These are great for pain, anxiety, fatigue, or in situations where you are looking for a potent fast relief.
Creams are prefered for transdermal absorption, making them ideal as an anti-inflammatory pain reliever for a specific area of soreness or injury.
Because they work differently for everyone, we recommend trying another product if you don’t have the expected results from the first one you try. With the endless benefits and healing properties available, you may find you enjoy products from different brands for different purposes. There truly is a CBD product for everyone.
CBD for your Pet
When purchasing a CBD product for your pet, the form, use, and dosage will be the factors you should consider in order to determine which product you try first. Much like their human counterparts, all pets react differently to CBD, so products or forms will work better for certain animals.
One of the most common forms available, classic droppers of CBD oil are great for strong, broad-spectrum absorption. Typically, droppers are used for anxiety and pain relief. They are most effective when given in the gums or under the tongue so the CBD can be absorbed into mucous membranes.
Another common form is CBD soft chews. They are wonderful for long term support with a specific issue, since they will be slowly absorbed as they are digested. For example, Super Snouts has a line of chews infused with CBD and a few of them, like their Hemp+Joint chews, even have additional ingredients to help benefit a specific issue such as joint health.
Many dog owners love the CBD-infused peanut butter. We carry lickable forms of this delicious supplement from both Super Snouts and Green Coast Pet. Peanut butter with CBD is great for picky pets or those who love peanut butter. These products are good for everyday use, or you can give your dog a higher dose a few hours before a stressful situation or travel.
For fast relief or in an emergency situation, check out the Zen Pen from Earth Animal. It comes in two different doses and is ideal for dogs and cats who suffer from severe anxiety during thunderstorms and fireworks, with guests, with other dogs, or during travel. It is a highly concentrated gel inside of a syringe with a soft tip applicator. Simply place the soft edge of the syringe on the inside of your pet’s ear flap, then push the end of the syringe for a pre-measured squirt of the gel onto the skin. The veins in the ear are perfect for fast transdermal absorption. The Zen Pen contains a higher dose of CBD per pump than most products, so it is meant for occasional use in emergencies or highly anxiety-inducing situations. We recommend keeping a pen in your pet first aid kit.
When shopping for CBD products for you or your pet, it is important to have an idea of what to look for in your CBD brands and knowledge regarding the use of each product. Many times, we recommend that our customers have more than one product on hand for different situations and uses.
Some people and animals react to various forms or products differently, so we urge you to try multiple ones. Try different doses to see what works the best. There are so many options to choose from; all of our CBD inventory is from reputable and safe brands. Our staff is always here to help you find just the right product for you or your pet. Visit us in store or online to explore these great products and see how they can benefit the health of you and your loved ones.