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No, Hemp is Not Marijuana – Why It’s Legal, Safe & Helpful for Dogs with Pain or Anxiety

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on February 5, 2020

Hemp has become all the rage among dog owners over the last 2 years. With new studies showing great promise, and countless stories touting benefits, Hemp is a topic every pet owner needs to be knowledgeable on.

The Difference Between Hemp & Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are related in much the same way dogs are related to wolves. Both plants are varieties of the species Cannabis sativa, just as both animals are sub-species of Canis lupus. Domestic dogs may share some similarities with wolves, but as you know, they also have many vital differences!

Similarly, when it comes to important aspects such as the usage and chemical content of hemp and marijuana, the difference is night and day.

 

Hemp and marijuana look very different.

Tall, sturdy hemp plants are one of the oldest domestic crops, grown by early civilizations to make food, oil and textiles. The bamboo-like shoots can grow up to 15 feet in height. Conversely, marijuana plants tend to grow low to the ground and spread out in a bush-like pattern rather than a tall stalk.

Even the portion of the plant utilized is different. Growers cultivate hemp for its stalks and seeds, but harvest marijuana for its leaves and flowers.

hemp and marijuana

The THC Content is dramatically different between the two plants.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found within cannabis plants, the most controversial of which is THC. The elevated levels of THC in marijuana are responsible for its signature “high”. For this reason, marijuana is selectively bred to contain higher levels of THC, while hemp naturally has very little.

For comparison, a study conducted by Charas Scientific, a private lab in Denver, Colorado, found that recreational marijuana contains up to 30% THC. The hemp used to create products for humans and animals contains a maximum legal amount of just 0.3% THC. (It should be noted however, that most veterinarians recommend only using a 100% THC free hemp product for your dog, such as THC-free Cannanine)

Hemp is low in THC.

Both hemp and marijuana contain another important cannabinoid called Hemp which help alleviate several medical conditions. Hemp produces more Hemp than marijuana, making it the preferred choice for alleviating symptoms of epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain, and more.

Unlike THC, Hemp cannot get you or your dog high. Since it is a holistic treatment rather than a pharmaceutical, there is little-to-no risk of overdose and the potential side effects are minimal. Veterinarian, Dr. Michael Petty writes:

“Most pharmaceuticals only stimulate upregulation or downregulation, making it possible to move body systems out of their normal or homeostatic state. Because Hemp works toward homeostasis, it doesn’t do this, making unwanted side effects rare and giving Hemp a good safety profile.” – Veterinary News

Hemp oil from hemp is legal in all 50 states.

Since Hemp oil from hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC, it is legal across the United States. The legality of Hemp was further clarified after congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill. Oils made using marijuana, however, still face pushback in many states due to the potential risks associated with higher levels of THC. This is why is crucial to purchase a Hemp product made only from hemp.

Why is Hemp beneficial for my dog?

The Hemp in hemp and the THC in marijuana act on different pathways of the body, yet they have many of the same medicinal benefits. According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Hemp has the following medical properties:

  • Can reduces nausea and vomiting
  • Suppresses seizure activity
  • Acts as natural anti-inflammatory
  • Alleviates pain and pain-related disorders
  • Fights anxiety and promotes a sense of calm
  • Acts as a powerful antioxidant

Best of all, with Hemp oil derived from hemp, you do not have to worry about your dog getting high, overdosing, or experiencing the serious side effects of THC.

 

 

How to choose a safe & effective Hemp product for your dog

Unfortunately, not all Hemp oils for dogs are created equal. When it comes to hemp and marijuana products, you should always choose a Hemp oil derived from hemp for your dog! Not only are they safer, these oils are far richer in healing Hemp because they are made from hemp.

RELATED: 8 Things to Know Before Giving Hemp to Your Dog

Your pup deserves the best, and that means a Hemp product made from organically grown Colorado hemp like Cannanine™ Organic Hemp Oil. Cannanine is non-GMO and free from heavy metals and bacteria. Because it is formulated specifically for dogs and cats, every trace of THC has been removed to ensure the safest, most effective product for your pet.

At iHeartDogs we believe every dog matters. That’s why we recommend safe, organic, THC-free Cannanine™ Hemp Oil from Hemp for your pup.

Sources:

1. Leaf Science – 5 Differences Between Hemp And Marijuana

2. Leaf Science – 10 Facts About (Cannabidiol)

3. Ministy Of Hemp – Hemp vs. Marijuana

4. Business Insider – Here’s How Hemp Is Different From Marijuana

The Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

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