Does Hemp Have THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
For the past few years, cannabidiol (CBD) products have been flooding the market around the world. Perhaps you’ve already heard of the “green rush” where CBD is increasingly becoming a popular ingredient in skincare, cooking, and even pet products. However, before CBD hit the mainstream, hemp had already been around for decades.
The challenge for the public is how to differentiate these CBD products, especially marijuana and hemp. After all, knowing the difference helps to understand how you can maximize their benefits for certain uses. In addition, you need to know if hemp really does contain THC so you can safely use them in treating your pet’s common ailments.
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp is a variety from the cannabis sativa plant. Since it’s dioecious, you can separate the female plants from the male plants. For thousands of years, the hemp plant provided benefits for various uses. The stems, for instance, were used to create fiber, the seeds produced protein, and the flowers and leaves could be made into hemp oil or smokable portions.
Hemp fiber is important in creating items such as rope, furnishing fabric, building materials, clothing, and paper. From the seed to the stalk, you can make feedstock and fuel out of the hemp. Generally, hemp is used for specific applications under these categories: seeds, flowers and leaves, hurds, and bast fibers.
Hemp oil is an essential ingredient in skincare products today. It’s known for having anti-inflammatory components, providing moisturization, and de-clogging pores so skin feels soft and smooth. New studies have also proven how beneficial hemp oil is in treating skin-related problems including rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.
What is THC?
With a wide variety of cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant, they all include tetrahydrocannabinol or THC which is the intoxicating component of marijuana. Hemp and marijuana don’t contain the same amount of THC which distinguishes them from one another.
Difference between Hemp and Marijuana
Hemp and marijuana are not the same products. For example, hemp won’t get you high unlike the marijuana plant. Many people don’t know that these two species have different uses. They may belong to one genus, but their properties contrast in terms of THC content.
Moreover, the following are the main differences between hemp and marijuana:
- Chemical composition. Basically, hemp has no intoxicating effects so users will not get high. It only contains 0.3% THC or less which makes it non-psychoactive. On the other hand, cannabis plants that contain 0.4% THC or more are categorized as marijuana even if they are not very intoxicating.
- Legality. With the Farm Bill that passed in 2014, hemp is now legal. But prior to that, the use of cannabis was restricted because of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. It’s important to check with your local regulations to make sure you are not violating any laws when using marijuana.
- Uses. Cannabis plants were originally bred for psychoactive and medicinal purposes such as the marijuana plants. On the other hand, there are cannabis plants that are grown for their seeds and fiber. Hemp is cultivated to produce textiles, fabric, supplements, body products, and food.
- Quality and appearance. Selective breeding produces different appearance between marijuana and hemp. Marijuana plants have more flowers and are shorter than hemp because they are basically bred for their THC compounds. Hemp plants, on the other hand, are skinnier and taller because they are grown for fiber.
Cannabis plants may belong to one species, but they are divided into two varieties namely: cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. Marijuana that is more uplifting or energetic is classified as sativa. The more sedative or relaxing marijuana is classified as indica. Also, these two varieties differ in appearance.
It is useful to know the differences between marijuana and hemp. If you want to take advantage of certain uses of CBD products, you need to understand what it is made from. For instance, marijuana dispensaries offer CBD oils that are made from hemp. With so many benefits hemp oil offer nowadays, you can use it for various applications.
Here are some of the common types of hemp oil you can find in the market:
- Full spectrum hemp oil has CBD and phytonutrients including 0.3% THC.
- Broad spectrum hemp oil contains phytonutrients and CBD, but is processed to eliminate all THC.
- CBD isolates refers to products that have CBD exclusively. That means these products don’t contain any intoxicating effects such as terpenes, and other cannabinoids.
However, hemp oil may not be the best CBD source available today. But they are proven to relieve certain symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain. For some users, it’s okay that hemp oil doesn’t contain much cannabinoids because they are administering it to their pets.
Is Hemp Oil Safe for Pets?
The high CBD and low THC formulation of hemp oil makes them an ideal treatment for pets with anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and other health problems. The therapeutic value of this supplement has been recommended by many veterinarians around the world.
However, it’s important to consult with your vet before you administer any CBD products to your dog. There is a standard dosage to follow when giving pets hemp oil and other CBD supplements. Basically, the dose will depend on the weight, breed, and size of your pet to get the maximum health benefits of hemp.
Which Hemp CBD Products Are Best for Pets?
Every pet is unique, so different hemp CBD products may be better suited to your pet than they are to others, depending on your pet's age and overall needs. Generally speaking, though, CBD products are well-tolerated by most pets, so long as you give them the correct dose.
While there are no official dosing guidelines, proper dosing usually depends on your pet's size and breed. We suggest you give 0.5mg (or two drops) per 2 lbs. of body weight for a regular dose. If you've never given your pet CBD before, half of that (0.25mg or one drop) is a good starting dose to see where their tolerance levels lie. To learn more about dosing, visit our CBD Dosage Chart for Dogs & Cats.
Once you've got dosing down, you can search for your perfect product! Though many hemp CBD products are on the market, three of the most popular pet CBD products are oil, treats, and capsules. Let's break down the differences together, so you can discover what's best for your pet's needs.
CBD Oil
CBD oil, also referred to as tincture, is one of the most versatile pet hemp products. Most CBD oils or tinctures contain CBD and a kind of carrier oil, making the CBD easier to digest. Though there are many popular carrier oils, one of the most common and beneficial ones is hemp seed oil, a known superfood.
CBD tinctures are great because they can be mixed into your pal's food before breakfast or dinner time or applied to treats. These options are great if you already have a preferred diet plan for your pet that you'd like to stick to. Alternatively, CBD oil can also be given sublingually (this is when you administer it directly into your pet's mouth) for almost-instant absorption if you'd like your pet to feel CBD's effects sooner rather than later.
Pet Hemp Company's CBD Oil for Dogs & Cats is organic and contains 100% all-natural ingredients. It's also non-GMO, gluten and dairy-free, and has no additives or preservatives, so you can expect to be met with great quality when you add it to your cart.
CBD Treats
CBD treats are a great way to give CBD to your pet because they're so easy to administer! Similar to most other CBD pet products, they come in various concentrations, so you can be sure you're giving the proper dose to your pet no matter their size or breed. Whether you're using them as a reward for positive behavior or to show your furry friend a little extra love, your pet's sure to enjoy these tasty morsels.
Crunchy Treats
Close your eyes for a moment, and imagine pet treats... you're probably picturing a handful of crunchy, caramel-colored, cereal-sized snacks. These traditional treats have been known to make pets beg for decades, and for good reason too! They're easy to bring on walks and hikes and come in many delicious flavors.
Pet Hemp Company carries pet treats for both dogs and cats, so no furry pal has to feel left out. Our dog treats come in three different flavors (blueberry & sweet potato, pumpkin spice & cinnamon, and green apple & peanut butter) and our cat treats come in delectable salmon flavor.
Soft Chew Treats
Ruh-roh — does your pet have trouble with hard food? Soft chew treats are great for older pets or those who experience dental issues and may have a harder time snacking on crunchier treats. Since they're softer and easier to get down, they're also easier on tummies that struggle with digestive issues.
Capsules
Pet CBD capsules are another easy, mess-free way to give CBD to your pet. Capsules are usually composed of CBD and either a carrier oil or hemp seed powder. Each capsule contains the same amount of CBD, so you don't have to worry about measuring out the correct dose every time you administer it to your pal.
Capsules can be hidden within your pet's meals or added into pocket treats, which are made specifically to help give your pets various wellness products. If you don't feel like hiding them in your pet's food or if your furry friend is uncooperative with capsule products, you can also break one open and mix it directly into food instead.
Why Choose CBD Hemp Oil for Pets Over THC?
Aside from containing a pet-friendly level of THC, hemp-derived CBD oil is a great choice over THC products for pets. Not only does CBD oil contain a higher level of CBD than THC products do, but it also contains hemp seed oil so that Fluffy can feel the benefits of both! We briefly mentioned that hemp seed oil is a superfood earlier, but let's take a minute to break down a few of its scientifically-proven benefits.
Industrial hemp seed oil:
- Helps reduce inflammation: Gamma-linolenic acid is present in hemp seed oil and is known to help with swelling and tenderness.
- A fantastic source of both vitamins and minerals: Hemp seed oil contains omega vitamins, essential fatty acids and is full of protein and other antioxidants that'll help round out your pet's diet.
- Encourages good brain health: Since it's so rich in fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6, hemp seed oil can help boost brain functioning, thus improving memory and more.
- Benefits your pet's coat: Hemp seed oil is great for your pet's skin and fur and can even help reduce redness or irritation when applied topically.
- Aids digestion: Hemp seeds are a wonderful source of fiber, making them both nutritious and a great tool for helping eliminate body waste.
- Promotes overall heart health: Because it contains so much linoleic acid, hemp seed oil has been known to help reduce cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
Conclusion
There may be some differences between marijuana and hemp, but they are from the same plant. While hemp may not produce THC, it can produce non-psychoactive and medicinally-rich CBD in higher concentrations that are beneficial for dogs. As a matter of fact, hemp oils are becoming more popular in the medical field today.
Before buying CBD or hemp products, make sure to check the label. Some brands don’t provide the amount of CBD contained by one bottle, making it risky for pet use. Know what you are paying for to avoid the side effects and other potential drawbacks.