What is CBD for Pets?

When you are considering using CBD for your pets, it is important to have all the facts. The first and most important is to distinguish between CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

CBD does not contain the psychedelic properties that are found in THC. This is important because you definitely want to avoid getting your pet high. With this in mind, let’s take a look at CBD products and how they can be helpful for your pets.

What Is CBD Oil for Pets?

Among the most common ways to provide CBD for your pets is through CBD oil. This is where CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant.

This can be done through different methods like:

• Solvents like butane or propane
• Steam distillation
• CO2
• Olive Oil

If an extraction method, other than oil, is used, the resulting extraction can be infused into the oil. In the case of an oil extraction method, the oil is infused with CBD. Carrier oils for the extraction can include coconut oil and others. This is different than the CBD oil used for vaporizers because it is intended to be ingested.

CBD Products on the Market

There are quite a few CBD products already on the market for your pets. Edibles are very popular with owners. It is a premeasured way to get your pets to enjoy eating CBD. The trick is to find edibles your pet is going to willingly consume.

CBD oil is another product on the market you can provide your pet with. This will allow you to simply add it to food for your pet to consume. This will provide you with less control over your pet consuming all of the oil.

There are also CBD topical products available on the market. While the absorption rate is lower than CBD that is ingested, it is easier to apply directly to the affected areas you are attempting to treat. Make sure when using these products you are able to prevent your pet from licking it off.

How Does CBD Affect Pets?

CBD can affect animals differently. The CB1 receptors are what it attaches to. This will cause your pet to feel certain results, such as decreased pain, inflammation, and a more relaxed state. There are still tests being conducted on how CBD reacts with pets to determine what happens on a chemical level throughout the body as well as in the brain.

What Animal Health Problems Can CBD Oil Help With?

Most pet owners are purchasing CBD to help with a specific health malady. Some of the most common health problems this can help with are pain, anxiety, and seizures. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

• Pain

Inflammation can be a cause of pain as well as a reaction to it. CBD is known to help with inflammation. This can alleviate inflammation-related pain, or lessen the discomfort caused by pain. Pain can also be affected directly through how CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

• Anxiety

CBD in general can help to relieve anxiety by relaxing your pet. This is especially true when using full-spectrum products. This will contain trace amounts of THC that will help to even further relax your pet. You will notice overly hyper pets becoming more docile over time as a result.

• Seizures

The only condition the FDA has authorized CBD to treat his seizures. While they have not authorized any product specifically for pets as of yet, it has been shown to have a dramatic effect on seizures. This is due to how it binds with the CB1 receptors.

Possible Side Effects

As with anything in life, there are going to be some side effects when using CBD oil. This is not to say every pet will experience side effects. Some will experience none while those that do will vary in severity. It is important to note larger doses of CBD carry a higher risk of suffering from any side effects.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea

If you notice any of these side effects, you may want to try reducing dosage levels as well as talking to your vet.

Risks of Using CBD Oil

The biggest risk of using CBD oil is purchasing from a disreputable producer. To avoid this, always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is a public document that attests to the ingredients stated as used in the product is actually used in the product.

Another risk is that the product will use a full-spectrum CBD oil that contains trace amounts of THC. Last, you could potentially expose your pet to higher levels of THC if you purchase CBD intended for humans in dispensaries where THC is sold.

How to Pick the Right CBD Oil for Pet?

First and foremost do not be fooled into purchasing hemp oil instead of CBD oil. Hemp oil is made from hemp seed and does not contain any CBD. Always check for a COA as mentioned above. Seek products that use a solvent extraction method or oil infusion. Read through the ingredient list to make sure it contains little to no sweeteners. You should also be careful not to purchase products with chocolate or essential oils in the product.

CBD for your pet can be highly beneficial. Being choosy with the products you purchase will give your pet the best chance for enjoying the benefits therein. If you understand what you are buying and use it properly, it will help to get the best results for your pet.

Remember to always speak with your vet when you are choosing to offer your pet CBD to make sure it will not interfere with any other medication your pet is taking.

The general perception of marijuana has changed vastly in recent years. As a result, growing the plant is no longer a nefarious activity but a highly profitable industry. However, marijuana cultivation and growing comes with a strict set of laws and rules that could lead to fines and even jail time if infringed.

So, to help you navigate growing marijuana while sticking to the relevant laws, we created this guide. Here, we answer all the essential questions, like is it legal to grow marijuana in California, and what do I need to do this lawfully. So, keep reading to find out more about the ins and outs of cultivating cannabis in CA.

Is It Legal to Grow Marijuana in California?

In 2016, California passed the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which permits individuals 21 or older to legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries, and use, possess, and grow marijuana for recreational use. However, the laws and regulations surrounding the residential cultivation of marijuana plants are many.

Regulations for Cannabis Cultivation in California

Firstly, California law allows adults over 21 to grow no more than six cannabis plants at their residence for personal use. However, a representative from the Department of Cannabis Control has clarified that those individuals with a medical recommendation from a licensed physician may grow more than six plants to fulfill their medical needs. However, the steadfast rule is that you can grow up to 6 cannabis plants only.

Secondly, state law prohibits property owners growing marijuana from using volatile solvents when processing their cannabis. Banned substances include butane and propane, which are highly flammable and are fire hazards.

Another important regulation outlined by the California Department of Cannabis Control is the use and distribution of marijuana. If you plan on exchanging your residentially-grown marijuana for other goods or money, you are considered to be no longer growing just for personal use. In this case, you’ll need to obtain a cultivation license.

Finally, it is essential to research and take note of the various rules instated by individual cities and counties. For instance, it is illegal to grow marijuana outdoors. Instead, growers must cultivate the six plants grown on residential property inside the residence or within a permitted structure like a greenhouse.

The Health and Safety Code Associated with Growing Marijuana

Although it is now possible to legally grow cannabis in California if your possession of recreational marijuana violates the health and safety code, the state considers it a crime.

As a result, we suggest beefing up your knowledge of Health and Safety Code 11358 HS, which relates to the cultivation of cannabis. Further, the code specifically relates to the illegal growing of marijuana by individuals between the ages of 18 to 20, which is considered an infraction. Should you fall in this age group and get caught growing cannabis, you’re in for a maximum fine of $100.

Additionally, the statute states that if an individual 18 years or older is caught growing more than six cannabis plants, it is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by a six-month sentence to be served in a county jail or a $500 fine.

However, if you have prior convictions and are caught growing more than six cannabis plants, the charge is upgraded to a felony. Should the state impose a felony charge, the penalties include up to three years in county jail, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Additional Cannabis Regulations to Observe

Although California legalized medical marijuana in 1996 and then introduced legal recreational use and cultivation of cannabis in 2016, these laws come with several regulations that outline things like the amount of marijuana you can carry on you and where you can smoke. So, let’s take a look.

• Firstly, you cannot smoke cannabis in public. Getting caught carries a fine of up to $100.
• Secondly, Marijuana legalization in Los Angeles and California comes with the stipulation that to smoke cannabis, you must be 21 or over.
• When moving about, legally, you may not have more than 28.5 grams / one ounce in your possession. Further, cannabis edibles may not contain more than ten milligrams of THC.
• Then, keep in mind that driving and smoking marijuana or consuming cannabis edibles while driving is subject to California’s DUI laws.
• Finally, it is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines. Since the laws for cannabis use and cultivation differ in California from the laws in surrounding states, the movement of marijuana out of state is prohibited.

Conclusion

When asking is it legal to grow marijuana in California, you’ll find the answer is yes. However, this comes with several important regulations related to the cultivation and use of cannabis. However, if you stick to these, you’ll have no problem growing cannabis of your own in California.

 

You don’t need a medical marijuana card to buy cannabis in California. However, there are benefits to getting an MMIC card if you are eligible for one because of a health condition. These include paying less tax on the cannabis you buy, and higher limits on the amount of cannabis you are allowed to buy and grow.

Where can I apply for an MMIC?

You cannot get a California medical marijuana card from your regular doctor or at a clinic or doctor’s office. Instead, you have to get an MMIC through your county’s medical marijuana program. If you apply for a medical cannabis card, you will need to visit your county’s Public Health Department offices in person to attend an appointment and provide the necessary forms and applications.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in California

To get a medical marijuana identification card in California, you can apply at your county public health office by scheduling an in-person appointment and providing some paperwork, including a form completed by your doctor.

However, you can also streamline the process by going through an authorized cannabis clinic that can provide access to doctors who are experienced with the medical marijuana certification process.

While some states allow you to apply for a medical cannabis card online, in California you will need to attend an in-person appointment at your county office regardless of the route you take.

How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana ID Card in California

Applying for a medical marijuana card in California involves several steps:

Consult A Medical Professional

The first thing you need to apply for a medical marijuana ID card is to discuss your health condition with a doctor. You can do this in-person or via online cannabis telehealth platforms. These can quickly put you in contact with a doctor to talk about the medical condition you want to treat or manage with medical marijuana.

They will inquire into your medical history and ask you various questions about your health and your condition. You should also take the opportunity to ask any of the questions you might have about your condition, medical marijuana, or the application process.

Wait For Certification

If your doctor or telehealth clinic approves the use of medical marijuana for your condition, they will provide you with written documentation of their approval. This is usually in the shape of a completed CDPH 9044 form. This form confirms they have diagnosed you with having one of the medical conditions that can qualify you for medical marijuana use. It does not disclose which of the medical conditions you have, only that you are suffering from at least one of them, and that the doctor deems the use of medical cannabis as appropriate.

If you use a specialized cannabis clinic to consult a doctor about medical marijuana, you can get approval within minutes. However, taking other routes may involve more extensive discussion with your doctor and a longer wait to receive a physician’s approval for medical marijuana.

Apply At Your County Office

Once you have written documentation of a doctor’s approval for medical marijuana, you still need to apply to the medical marijuana program. You can only do that at the Department of Public Health office in your county. You have to do this in person.

Although cannabis clinics can greatly streamline this process or even do it for you in some states, this is not the case in California. You can only do this via an in-person appointment.

When you attend your medical marijuana application appointment, you will need to provide identification, various documentation and forms, and your doctor’s contact information and license number. You will also have to pay an application fee which varies from county to county. You will not get this fee back if your application is rejected.

What documents are required?

When you go to the county office to attend your appointment, remember to bring all of the following documentation, or you will not be able to complete the application process:

• A completed Medical Marijuana Program Application/Renewal form, CDPH 9042
• Written approval for medical marijuana from a doctor, and/or a CDPH 9044 form completed by a doctor
• A government-issued form of photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or veteran card
• Proof of residence in your county such as a rent or utility bill. This document must provide your full name and address
• If you have a Benefit Identification Card or Medi-Cal Card, you should bring these as well

If you are a primary caregiver of a person seeking a medical marijuana card, you should bring your own photo ID and proof of residence to the appointment.

How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in California?

It can take up to 30 days for your application to be verified, and another 35 days to receive your medical marijuana card once your application has been approved.

How much does medical Marijuana card cost in California?

Fees vary by county, but they are usually under $100. If you receive healthcare through Medi-Cal, your application fee can be reduced by 50%.

How to Register

You can register for a medical marijuana card at your county office by scheduling an appointment and attending with all of the required documents and forms. Once you have registered for a medical marijuana card, it is valid for one year, after which you will need to apply for a medical marijuana card renewal through the same process.

Qualifying Debilitating Medical Conditions

Under the California Medical Marijuana Program you can qualify as a medical marijuana patient if you have one or more of the following qualifying conditions:

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Anorexia
• Arthritis
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• Migraine
• Persistent muscle spasms, including, but not limited to, spasms associated with multiple sclerosis
• Seizures, including, but not limited to, seizures associated with epilepsy
• Severe nausea

In addition to the above conditions, you may also be eligible for a medical marijuana card if you have any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that substantially limits your ability to conduct one or more major life activities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or may cause serious harm to your safety or physical or mental health if left untreated.

California Medical Cannabis Card FAQ

Can I go to a dispensary without a card in California?

Yes.

Under California marijuana law, you do not need a medical card to buy recreational cannabis from a marijuana dispensary in California. However, some products are only sold to medical marijuana cardholders, and some dispensaries only cater to medical marijuana patients.

How to renew a medical card in California?

The process for renewing a medical marijuana card in California is the same as the application process.

Who are Caregivers?

A caregiver is anyone who provides support to an adult with a chronic or disabling health condition. This can include physical, emotional, financial, and logistical aid. When someone is registered as your caregiver, they can assist you with seeking appropriate medical treatment, collecting prescribed drugs on your behalf, and other tasks.

How many caregivers can I have?

You can have as many caregivers as you need. However, only your primary caregiver can assist you with obtaining medical marijuana, and you can only have one primary caregiver. Your primary caregiver is the person you have legally designated as responsible for your health, housing, or safety.

How a caregiver can help me?

Your primary caregiver can help you get a medical marijuana card by attending your doctor’s appointment and card application appointment with you to help you answer questions and provide the right documents. Once you are registered, your primary caregiver can buy, grow, and transport medical cannabis on your behalf.

Where Can I Legally Buy Medical Marijuana in California

You can buy medical marijuana from your nearest California dispensary that sells medical cannabis products, which you can find on online directories like Leafly and Weedmaps. You can also buy both medical and recreational cannabis from online dispensaries and cannabis clinics.

Cannabis, and the products derived from it such as CBD oil, has a broad range of effects as it contains chemicals that interact with a system in the human body that regulates many vital processes. This system is called the endocannabinoid system.

Although it was only discovered within the last 30 years, understanding the endocannabinoid system could be key to understanding and utilizing the medicinal and therapeutic potential of cannabis and cannabis extracts. But what exactly is the endocannabinoid system, and how does it work?

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system is a complex signaling system that the cells in your body use to communicate. The endocannabinoid system was only discovered in the early 1990s. As a result, experts are still studying the system to understand what it does and how it works.

While not yet fully understood, the endocannabinoid system is known to play a role in regulating a wide range of functions throughout the body, such as sleep, memory, appetite, and mood. Because of this, cannabinoid chemicals found in cannabis and other plants may have effects on the body due to their interactions with the endocannabinoid system.

Endocannabinoid System Structure

The endocannabinoid system is comprised of three main components. These are:

Cannabinoid Receptors

Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body. Cannabinoids in the body can bind to these receptors, signaling to the endocannabinoid system to perform different functions according to the cannabinoid chemical binding to the receptor.

There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors mostly exist in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells.

Enzymes

Enzymes break down cannabinoids once they have completed their function of binding to cannabinoid receptors so that the receptors are available for further signals.

Endocannabinoids

Endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, are cannabinoid chemicals that are produced by your body. Your body produces them as needed for various functions in the body, and researchers have yet to clearly establish what the healthy levels of the few known endocannabinoids should be.

What Does the Endocannabinoid System Do?

As previously mentioned, a full understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its various functions has not yet been fully established. It has been linked to many processes throughout the body, including:

• Appetite and digestion
• Metabolism
• Chronic pain
• Inflammation and other immune system responses
• Mood
• Learning and memory
• Motor control
• Sleep
• Cardiovascular system function
• Muscle formation
• Bone remodeling and growth
• Liver function
• Reproductive system function
• Stress
• Skin and nerve function

These functions all contribute to the stability of your body’s internal conditions, also known as homeostasis. If this balance is disrupted by illness or injury, the endocannabinoid system is part of the body’s response to restore the balance and return your body to healthy operation. It does more than just respond to damage or infection, however.

The endocannabinoid system is regulating your body in this way all the time. It decides when you need to sweat when you need to feel hungry, and many more details that keep your body in a healthy balance throughout the day.

This is currently believed to be the primary purpose of the endocannabinoid system.

Several health conditions are now believed to be a result of endocannabinoid deficiencies or dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system. As a result, cannabinoids from plants such as cannabis, known as phytocannabinoids, are the subject of medical research to investigate their uses in managing the endocannabinoid system.

How do phytocannabinoids work with ECS?

While endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that come from within the body, phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that come from plants, most notably cannabis, from which they derive their name. Some phytocannabinoids can interact with the human endocannabinoid system to produce various effects depending on the particular chemical. The cannabis plant is a rich source of some of the more potent phytocannabinoids with effects on the human body, such as THC and CBD.

Much like with endocannabinoids, the effect that a phytocannabinoid has on your body when it binds to a cannabinoid receptor varies depending on the phytocannabinoid in question.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in cannabis and is responsible for most of its intoxicating effects. THC can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. As a result, it can have significant effects on both the body and the mind. Its effects include pain and nausea relief, improved sleep, and appetite stimulation.

THC has notable psychoactive properties, which may be desirable for recreational use but make it unsuitable as a long-term medicinal solution. As a result, people seeking the therapeutic effects of THC often prefer non-intoxicating alternatives such as THCA, CBD, and other phytocannabinoids found in cannabis plants.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another well-known phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC it has no intoxicating effects and is commonly used to tackle pain, inflammation, nausea, and anxiety. CBD does not bind to cannabinoid receptors.

Instead, most researchers believe it interacts with the endocannabinoid system by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids, causing them to continue having an effect on your body for longer. Other experts studying CBD believe that it binds to a cannabinoid receptor which has not been discovered yet.

If you still have questions about cannabinoids and how to use them you can always consult with our friendly staff at your local marijuana dispensary.

These days, marijuana has far less of a negative social stigma than it used to. This is largely down to the recent trend of decriminalization and legalization of the plant across the USA.

The role of cannabis in sports is an often understated one, but not for long. There are now countless fitness gurus and sports stars who use weed as part of their training and athletic recovery process, trailblazing the way for its use in the mainstream and steering weed away from its social stigma of laziness and sedentariness.

Nowadays, you can head down to your local marijuana dispensary and pick up some cannabis legally in a variety of different products, opening the door for both medicinal and recreational users. But what if there is a third use?

You don’t have to look very far to find some famous athletes who advocate the use of cannabis in sports. One of the most high-profile events was back in 2016 when Nate Diaz smoked a vape pen containing CBD oil during his post-fight press conference after his loss to Conor McGregor in their high-profile rematch. This led to a full investigation by the USADA but did not eventually lead to any suspension.

When prompted about the vape pen that he was smoking, Nate responded:

“It helps with the healing process and inflammation. You can get these for before and after training. They will make your life a better place.”

With that being said, let’s take a look at the role of marijuana and athletic performance and how it can aid in recovery.

Sleep Quality and Quantity

As we all know, sleep plays a huge role in the athletic recovery process. There have been many studies that show its significance, with most showing a strong correlation between improved sleep and improved muscle recovery times, increased glycogen synthesis, and increased aerobic endurance.

Cannabis can help athletes to get a better night’s sleep by acting as a natural sleep aid without the need for harmful and addictive drugs. Cannabis contains many chemicals that help users get to sleep faster and stay asleep for longer, boosting their recovery times through improved sleep quality.

To improve athletes’ sleep quality, another option is CBD massages, it is a really helpful way to boost their sleep quality and quantity.

Sluggish Appetites

Like sleep, having the right diet is vital for athletic recovery. Protein plays a key role in muscle synthesis and must be consumed in high amounts if our bodies are to recover effectively post-exercise. For those of us that suffer from sluggish appetites, this can be a problem.

Fortunately, cannabis has appetite-inducing properties, commonly referred to as the munchies. It’s often prescribed as a treatment for appetite loss by doctors and can also be used by athletes who struggle to hit their daily calorie target. Just make sure you stay away from the candy!

Swelling and Inflammation

The swelling and information properties in cannabis are simply amazing. This is exactly the benefit that Nate Diaz was talking about when he mentioned CBD in his post-fight press conference.

CBD has extremely powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help with various conditions and problems that can arise from intense exercise. Injuries that occur during training are typically accompanied by swelling, so supplementing with CBD oil seems like an obvious solution to the problem.

A 2015 review published in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry found that CBD reduces inflammation through several pathways in the body, representing an effective potential treatment for a range of conditions characterized by inflammation. On top of that, CBD may prove to be an option for managing anxiety and chronic pain, which can result from intense athletic exercise.

Recovery Methods and Time

The best way to use cannabis for athletic recovery is to supplement CBD as soon as possible after your workout is completed. This allows marijuana cannabinoids to get to work immediately, helping to reduce general pain, muscle spasms, stiffness, and inflammation that can arise post-workout.

The good news is that you cannot overdose on CBD. Even when you take too much, it very rarely feels uncomfortable. THC is the compound that is responsible for the psychoactive experience that users feel when they smoke weed. If you take pure CBD oil, then you will not experience any of these effects, leaving your mind clear and your body benefiting from the recovery-boosting properties in the CBD.

This goes to show that marijuana and athletic performance complement each other very well, especially as cannabis has been shown to have very few harmful side effects when consumed responsibly.