CBD Oils For Horses
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the beneficial compounds found in cannabis plants. These molecules, known as cannabinoids, are potent substances. There are over a hundred cannabinoids, but CBD is one of the best-known.
The horse endocannabinoid system
There is a massive wave of enthusiasm for CBD treatments right now, and to understand why, you’ll need to know a little about the science behind it. About 30 years ago, scientists identified a new system in the body. This receptor network is widespread, impacting nearly every organ in the body. The function of this system is to modulate processes in the body, especially in the immune and nervous systems. Scientists named this the endocannabinoid system because the molecules the body makes to fit into the receptors are remarkably similar to the active compounds found in cannabis, including CBD. Researchers are discovering many ways CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. There have been some exciting results about how it affects several disease processes, including inflammation, depression, anxiety, arthritis, pain, and much more. People find relief in many ways with CBD, but its possibilities don’t end there.
Horses And CBD
Humans aren’t the only ones with an endocannabinoid system; all mammals have this remarkable set of receptors. This means that CBD has the potential to help many animals, and horses are an excellent example. It’s becoming increasingly clear that horses experience many of the same benefits humans already enjoy.
Which Product Should Horses Use?
THC has not been tested in horses, posing some risks for them. Unlike humans, horses don’t understand how to adapt to an altered mental state. It’s not a good idea to see how it goes with a thousand pounds of animal, and the conditions horses are usually treated for don’t benefit from THC anyway.
Because of this, it’s best to opt for a hemp-derived CBD product, which is legally required to have less than 0.3% THC.
How Much CBD Should Horses Take?
Horses generally experience relief with doses of 40- 120 mg a day. Just as with humans, the optimal amount can vary. To find the right amount for your horse:
- Start with 40 mg.
- Stay at that level for a week, then increase it by 20 mg.
- Continue until you find the dose that provides relief.
You’re looking for the minimum dose that will be effective, so take your time.
How Do You Administer CBD to Horses?
Just as with humans, there are different ways to take CBD, and they work slightly differently.
Sublingual
CBD oil can be placed under the tongue and absorbed in about 30 seconds through the membrane. This method works quickly, but it also wears off a little sooner. You know best if your horse will put up with you fiddling in their mouth. Oral CBD can easily be added to food by mixing in drops or capsules. This method takes longer to have an effect, but the results last longer. Topical CBD is absorbed through the skin so you can rub a CBD salve directly on tender joints. The impact of topical CBD tends to be localized, so the benefits are mostly restricted to that area. For a horse with a painful joint, topical CBD can provide substantial relief.
Potential side effects
There are very few severe side effects associated with CBD. Some people report dizziness, fatigue, diarrhoea, and sleepiness. Overall, it is considered to be a very safe supplement. Strict rules from the FEI and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) control substance use in competitions. They recently announced that horses will be tested for cannabinoids, and positive results will be considered a violation. Although the cannabinoid test shows the level of THC, not CBD, all cannabinoids are disallowed. It’s safest to discontinue the use of CBD a few weeks before a competition.
You can trust CBD for wellness products.
At CBD to Wellness, we are committed to providing you with the best products. We use CO2 extraction rather than cheaper, less effective, and potentially toxic methods. Our products come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to ensure you know exactly what is in your product. If you’d like to try CBD for your horse, look at our line of high-quality products.
Disclaimer: This article is originally published on https://www.healthcanal.com/best/cbd-horses
