No, CBD is Not Marijuana. Here’s Why It’s Safe, Legal, & Healthy for Your Cat

The CBD from hemp trend has most recently extended to our pets with oils, ointments, treats, and sprays. If you are considering CBD for your cat, you may be wondering, “Is CBD the same as marijuana?” “Is it worthy of all the hype?” And most importantly, “is it safe for my pet?”

In this post we will explore the important differences between hemp and marijuana, address feline safety concerns, and discuss the many benefits of CBD for cats.

Hemp and marijuana are both varieties of the flowering plant Cannabis. While the two strains are similar, they are not interchangeable. Most notably, marijuana plants have intoxicating properties that provide the user with a “high,” while hemp plants do not.

Here are some additional facts to help clear up the differences between hemp and marijuana.

Hemp and Marijuana look very different.

Tall, sturdy hemp plants are one of the oldest domestic crops, grown by early civilizations to make food, oil and textiles. The bamboo-like shoots can grow up to 15 feet in height. Conversely, marijuana plants tend to grow low to the ground and spread out in a bush-like pattern rather than a tall stalk.

Even the portion of the plant utilized is different. Growers cultivate hemp for its stalks and seeds, but harvest marijuana for its leaves and flowers.

The THC Content is dramatically different between the two plants.

The distinction between hemp and marijuana depends on the amount of THC in each plant. The 2018 Farm Bill defines hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC, and marijuana as cannabis containing greater than 0.3% THC.

Like CBD, THC is one of dozens of chemical compounds found in Cannabis known as Cannabinoids. However, unlike CBD, THC has the ability to produce feelings of intoxication in the user.

For this reason, marijuana is selectively bred to contain higher levels of THC, while hemp naturally contains very little. Recreational marijuana may contain up to 30% THC, but the hemp used to create products for humans and animals cannot legally contain more than 0.3%.

In fact, most veterinarians recommend using 100% THC-free CBD products for cats to be safe.

Hemp is rich in CBD.

Since hemp is naturally low in THC, you do not have to worry about it harming your cat or causing unpleasant psychoactive side effects. While hemp lacks THC, it is naturally high in CBD.

CBD is safe for your cat, THC is not.

With the legalization of marijuana in certain states, the Pet Poison Helpline has seen a 448% increase in marijuana calls. While most cases are not life-threatening, cats may experience a variety of frightening symptoms including sedation, lethargy, disorientation, difficulty walking, and vomiting.

In more serious cases, cats can suffer low or high heart rates, trouble regulating body temperature, incontinence, tremors, seizures, and even coma.

Unfortunately, there is no antidote for marijuana toxicity in pets. Veterinarians can provide supportive care, but the symptoms may last hours or even days.

Unlike marijuana, CBD products made from hemp do not contain enough THC to cause these frightening side effects. In fact, the most commonly reported side effect of CBD  for cats is drowsiness. Additional rare and mild issues may include:

• Vomiting or Diarrhea
• Itching
• Dizziness
• Increased appetite

The safest way to avoid potential side effects is to choose a CBD product for your cat that is 100% free of THC – like Cannanine™ Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil from Hemp – and introduce it slowly.

CBD oil from hemp is legal in all 50 states.

Since CBD oil from hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC, it is legal all across the United States. Products made with marijuana, however, still face push-back in many states due to the potential risks associated with higher levels of THC.

How is CBD from hemp beneficial to your cat?

While the majority of CBD research has been conducted on humans, scientists are expanding their work to include dogs. While dogs and cats are by no means identical, canine research shows that CBD has great promise for non-human patients. Many universities and private laboratories are currently working on feline trials.

According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, CBD has the following medical properties:

• Reduces nausea and vomiting
• Suppresses seizure activity
• Acts as an anti-swelling agent
• Alleviates pain and pain-related disorders
• Fights fear and stress
• Acts as a powerful antioxidant

Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinarian based in Oakland, CA notes:

“Almost anything that cannabis would be used for in a human, from a medical standpoint, has the potential to be equally as valuable in dogs or cats. Pain, swelling, joint pain, gastro-intestinal related things, stress, fear, seizures, you name it. We’ve seen the benefits in all of these areas.

Best of all, with CBD oil from hemp, you do not have to worry about your cat getting high, overdosing, or experiencing the serious side effects of THC.

Which CBD oil is best for your cat?

Unfortunately, not all CBD oils for cats are equal. Choose CBD oil from hemp rather than marijuana. Not only is it safer, these oils are far richer in healing CBD.

Your cat deserves the best, and that means a CBD product made from organically grown Colorado hemp like Cannanine™ Organic CBD Oil. Cannanine is non-GMO and free from heavy metals and bacteria. Because it is formulated specifically for dogs and cats, every trace of THC has been removed to ensure the safest, most effective product for your pet.

Here’s what real cat parents are saying about Cannanine:

“My eldest cat suffers from Feline Hyperesthesia. She chews on herself and is very hyper sensitive, doesn’t like to be bothered by the other cats. I started giving CBD oil in her milk every day, 2 drops. I’ve noticed significant changes within the first week. She doesn’t chew on her legs to the point of creating sores anymore and her fur is slowly growing back. She’s still her ornery self, but tolerates being around the other cats now.” – Tiana Carrigan

“I have been giving my senior cat the CBD drops since November. Huge improvement in his mobility, appetite and bathroom habits.” – Althea AJ Davis

“My 18 year old male cat had joint stiffness pretty bad. I started him on 250 4 drops a day and within a few days, we noticed he stopped limping, which is what he has been doing the last 2 years during the fall and winter months. I am pleased to announce that Junior now chases his other cat sibs and sleeps much better. He won’t live forever, but this old fella is sure feeling better!” – Carol Baize

The Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.