WHY CBD?
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a naturally-occurring compound of the Cannabis Sativa plant that does not produce the typical psychoactive effects of marijuana. Both studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that CBD has many exciting therapeutic properties and has been successfully used by consumers for:
How CBD Works?
Every mammal's body has a complex signaling system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which maintains a natural balance and regulates the body's system against factors that can disrupt how the body performs, such as stress, injury, and disease.
Cannabinoids work through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) using a series of receptors throughout the body. These receptors are found in a wide variety of tissues/organs. The receptors function as a messaging system between the chemical compound (in this case, either exogenous or endogenous cannabinoids) and the cell on which the receptor is located. Or simply as the "lock and key." The lock is the receptor, the key is the cannabinoid, and the cell is the room where the message is delivered.
Currently, CBD receptors are classified as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain and throughout the body. CB2 receptors are found primarily throughout the immune and gastrointestinal systems. However, CB2 receptors are also found in the brain.
The ECS and its receptors are acted upon by endo and Phytocannabinoids. Endo = inside/within and Phyto = plant. Endocannabinoids are naturally produced inside the body by communicating through the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced from the cannabis plant. When absorbed into the body, these "exogenous" cannabinoids bind the same CB1 and CB2 receptors as the endogenous (produced by the body) cannabinoids.
The phytocannabinoids include THC, CBD (cannabidiol), and many other (minor) cannabinoids.
In summary, the cannabinoids (endo and Phyto) act through the cannabinoid messaging system to influence many systems and processes throughout the body. Research shows beneficial interactions of cannabinoids on CB1 and CB2 receptors, and that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) can also be stimulated by external cannabinoids like those found in the CBD. It is believed that CBD is the only "exogenous" compound in the natural world that works WITH the body's receptors to achieve balance.
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Achieving Optimal Results
One of the most important aspects when considering a CBD product is absorption. Buccal/sublingual absorption (approximately 80%) is significantly more effective than gastrointestinal absorption (approximately 40%). Gastrointestinal absorption means through the stomach and small intestine, while buccal/sublingual absorption is through the mucous membranes of the mouth.
The primary benefit of buccal/sublingual is avoiding digestion in the stomach and processing by the liver. In addition, using the buccal/sublingual delivery allows absorption directly into the bloodstream by utilizing the small vessels in the cheek and mouth area. The CBD is then absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.
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Feeding or top dressing CBD products decreases absorption because the CBD must travel through the gastrointestinal system and liver before reaching the systemic circulation and the endocannabinoid system's receptors. For this reason, Vet's Finest does not recommend feeding CBD treats, pelleted feeds, or top-dressing food. In addition, studies have shown that
80-90% of the CBD ingested will never reach the systemic circulation in its original form but will be metabolized to different metabolites. As a result, these metabolites are unlikely to communicate with ECS.
Vet's Finest CBD has been shown to have excellent bioavailability (absorption) when given orally. The product has been formulated, and the application method of administration is designed to achieve the highest possible rate of bioavailability, with active ingredients reaching the systemic circulation.
The product should be given as directed orally/sublingually. Place the syringe under the tongue or inside the bottom lip (not in the back of the mouth where it would be swallowed). If you have difficulty administering the buccal/sublingual method, the appropriate dose can be placed on a clean plate or saucer for the dog or cat to lick. Licking the dose off a plate will approximate buccal/sublingual absorption. Putting on a cat's paw for them to lick off is another option for cats.
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HOW TO ADMINISTER
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Shake the bottle before each use.
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Use syringe/dropper to measure the dose.
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Apply the oil under the tongue or directly on the gums or as close as possible.
(you can put on a plate for dogs and cats to lick off) -
Wipe the syringe clean after use to prevent contamination.
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Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerate.
HELP...WHAT IF I'M NOT SEE RESULTS
You may see immediate results after starting a CBD regimen, but you need to realize many of the benefits at the cellular level and may not be seen immediately. Research has shown that long-term benefits only arise with consistent use.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all method to determine how much CBD you or your pet will need, making CBD dosing challenging. Research is ongoing, but there is still much to learn. For now, research recommends a trial and error method to determine the optimal dose for you or your pet's unique physiology and conditions (age, metabolism, illness, and other individual health factors can affect dose). Too little can be ineffective, and too much can also be ineffective. We recommend starting with the suggested daily dose and increasing slowly over time until you reach a dose where you see results.
BEST TIME TO TAKE CBD
Typically, most people take/give theirs or their pets daily dose every morning - it depends on what works best for you and your pet. Micro-dosing (splitting your daily dosage) has shown to be highly beneficial for people/pets with more severe issues or those who require larger amounts of CBD. Micro-dosing two to three times a day ensures the blood concentration levels stay consistent and allow you to maintain the optimal therapeutic levels throughout the day.
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BEST PRACTICES
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Start Slow with the suggested daily dose
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During the first few weeks, alternative dosing (micro-dosing) or a gradual increase in amount can be considered if you do not see the expected response. The safety profile of cannabinoids is broad when THC is absent (our Isolate product contains NO THC). So increasing dosage slowly has been shown to be safe in recent studies.
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Observe and track your/their response (make note anything that has changed)
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Adjust accordingly (it is typically recommended to make small adjustments weekly)
MICRO-DOSING AS AN OPTION
According to preliminary research, blood concentration after oral administration typically reaches peak levels after 2 hours and is mostly eliminated from the body within 6-8 hours.
Splitting the total daily dose into two or more smaller portions (micro-doses) to maintain consistent blood concentration levels works for many people/pets, especially those with chronic conditions like joint pain or anxiety.
If you feel nervous about experimenting to find the upper limit of sensitivity, discussing with Dr. Bernard, your veterinarian or healthcare provider is never a bad idea.
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CHRONIC VS. SITUATIONAL USE
Consistent administration of your/their optimal daily dose is beneficial when obtaining or maintaining desired results, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis, seizures, cancer, Cushings, and behavioral therapy.
You or your pet may benefit from a stand-alone dose of CBD to help with an acute issue, but most problems benefit from daily use. You can experiment with stand-alone or situational dosing and may have to adjust amounts depending on the severity of the situation. If you are already on a daily CBD regimen, you may need to add a little extra for certain situations like:
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Thunderstorm/Firework Anxiety
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Bouts of Increased Pain
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Separation Anxiety
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Car Rides
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Grooming
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Injury
SAFETY OF CBD DOSAGE
Research has shown that CBD is extremely safe, even at high levels.
The most common (however unlikely) effects you may see are:
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Sleepiness (mild sleepiness is normal while the body adjusts, extreme sleepiness or lethargy is not)
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Loose stool/diarrhea
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Feeling wired like you drank way too much coffee
If these or other unwanted symptoms occur, lower the dose until they resolve, stop the product and contact us and/or consult your healthcare provider/veterinarian.
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THC and Pets
It is important to know that the CBD product you are considering contains NO THC. Symptoms of THC toxicity overdose include hyper-responsiveness to stimuli, respiratory depression, inappetence, and inability to stand. There is no known lethal dose of THC in animals, so it should be avoided entirely. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the testing and quality of the lab used to determine the presence of THC. Lab accreditation is important. Vet's Finest CBD contains NO THC as determined by an accredited 4th party lab. View our Certificate of Analysis here.
The Farm Bill of 2018 classified hemp as any part of Cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3 percent Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive chemical in cannabis that causes a "high" and euphoria. That reclassification has allowed more research and development of CBD products now legal to sell. In addition, some agencies have changed their stance on CBD to controlled medication versus a banned substance, now recognizing cannabinoids for their medical value.
Which type of CBD is the best?
When choosing a CBD product, remember that not all CBD products are alike. Vet's Finest CBD offers the purest form of CBD available, CBD ISOLATE, which contains only CBD and natural carrier oil for ease of consumption. Therefore, vet's Finest CBD is the best option for those concerned about the effects of THC and additives. We also offer a higher level of CBD (98%) than most other products, no additives or harmful chemicals, and most importantly, no THC!
Reputable CBD companies will provide links to their Certificate of Analysis (COA) that shows an in-depth report of the contents, including contaminants and THC levels. View our CofA here.
Vet's Finest uses only the purest form of CBD, CBD Isolate, because your health and pet's wellness are all that matters to us.
Other companies offer:
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CBD isolate is a true "CBD" because an isolate only contains CBD (cannabidiol) and does not contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids, or harmful contaminants.
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Full Spectrum CBD includes a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, along with CBD, including THC. Prolonged use of full-spectrum CBD has been shown to trigger a positive drug test and increase toxicity in animals, depending on the levels of THC in the product.
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Broad Spectrum CBD, on the other hand, is a hybrid between the range of isolates and full-spectrum. Broad-spectrum also contains cannabinoids and terpenes, with lower levels of THC molecules than Full Spectrum.
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Hemp Seed Oil is rich in omega fats that nourish your pet's coat, making it healthier and shinier. However, it does not contain any CBD or provide any of the wellness benefits of CBD.
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What's the difference between CBD oil and CBD tincture?
The difference between a CBD oil and CBD tincture is the CBD carrier. In CBD oil, the carrier of the CBD is the oil used. In a CBD tincture, also a liquid, the carrier is alcohol.