In 2018, the United States enacted the Farm Bill, making hemp-derived CBD legal, and the CBD sector is thriving. However, because there is no regulation, it might be difficult to know what you’re receiving and where to begin if you’re trying to buy CBD for your dogs. That’s why choosing the right CBD product is important.
Before you start buying, there are a few things you should know about CBD oil for dogs.
CBD Regulations
Unfortunately, the CBD business is mostly self-regulatory and unregulated. This means that no one, including the FDA, checks the labeling accuracy or safety of hemp CBD products sold in the United States. Some goods have been discovered to contain no CBD or potentially hazardous chemicals. The only way to determine if a product is safe and has the correct level of cannabinoids like CBD and THC is to check its Certificate of Analysis (COA), which should come from a third-party lab.
Researchers from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Clinical Sciences looked at 29 pet CBD products labeled “Full-Spectrum” (meaning less than.3% THC) to see if what they claimed on their labeling was indeed discovered in the product. Only ten of the 29 products were within 10% of their labeled total cannabinoid amounts, and four of them were heavy metal contaminated. Only 18 of the 29 were labeled correctly.
This is why it is critical to be well-informed and conduct thorough research. When looking for a safe and effective CBD product for your pet, there are a few things to look for, so we’ve put together a CBD Buyer’s Checklist to assist you and your pet.
Hemp Comes in Many Forms
To begin, CBD extracted from hemp comes in a variety of forms. A tincture, which is taken orally or absorbed via the gums, a salve, which is applied topically to the skin, or a variety of CBD-enriched food products are all options. CBD derived from hemp contains less than 0.3 percent THC and does not produce the euphoric effects that are associated with becoming “high.” There are a few more things you should be aware of before purchasing CBD for your dog.
Choosing a CBD Product With No Herbicides, Pesticides, or Additives
While hemp growers may not be able to obtain USDA organic certification, look for CBD companies that do not use pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals on their hemp plants.
CBD products should not contain any artificial substances or additions. The fewer additives and the more natural the ingredients, whether the company has added Xylitol for flavor or artificial preservatives, the better.
Look for Full-Spectrum CBD
Avoid CBD isolates and broad-spectrum products in favor of full-spectrum hemp CBD oil. Full-spectrum means you’re getting the most cannabinoids possible and that those cannabinoids work together to obtain optimum effects (also known as the entourage effect). Cannabinoids have been eliminated from CBD isolates or broad-spectrum products, frequently to make them have little to no THC, altering the overall effect of the plant. The 0.3 percent THC in the medicine is important since it helps to increase the other cannabinoids. Avoid anything with the words “Pure CBD” or “No THC” on the package.
America-Based
Look for brands that are cultivated and produced in the United States. There’s no way of knowing what you’ll get in the product if the company uses industrial hemp oil from another country.
Choosing a CBD Product Based on Extraction Method
Use CBD that has been extracted using CO2 technology. This signifies the oil was extracted using cold pressing rather than chemical solvents like butane (a lighter fluid!) or alcohol.
CBD Should Be Extracted from the Flower
Flowers should be used to extract CBD. CBD is taken from hemp stalks, and hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds, but the flower is the most potent and effective portion of the plant. The CBD content of the stalks is frequently low.
CBD Should Be Tested by a Third Party
Check to see if the company offers full panel third-party lab testing. This is how you can hold CBD manufacturers accountable and ensure that the purity and potency are as advertised.
A third-party lab should always issue a COA. That means the company has paid for an outside agency to examine the contents of their product and produce a report detailing everything you need to know about it. Check the document’s logo and contact information to see if it’s from a third party. If the lab’s logo or name is similar to that of the company from which you are purchasing, they are most likely affiliated.
Look for Companies that Educate
Look for CBD companies that focus on holistic pet health and strive to educate customers and businesses about the benefits of CBD. Stay away from a company that doesn’t know much about CBD.
Sources:
Department of Clinical Sciences | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine