THE SCIENCE
So, what is CBD, you might ask, and how does it work?
What Is CBD?
A Phyto cannabinoid, which simply means that it is a plant-derived substance from the Cannabis plant. But that’s marijuana, you might say, and isn’t that illegal? CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC are two of the most well-known therapeutic components in Cannabis. While THC causes the “high” that marijuana is known for, CBD is a non-psychoactive. While full-spectrum CBD formulations contain varying amounts of THC and other cannabinoids, we chose to use CBD isolate for our oil because it has no detectable THC, which was confirmed by repeated third party testing at laboratories in Colorado and Chicago.
As to the legality of CBD, in 2018, Congress passed the “Farm Bill” which federally legalized Cannabis as long as the THC content is below 0.3%. This has opened the floodgates for the CBD market, as you have probably noticed.
How does it work
The exact way CBD works is still being studied, but we will try to summarize what we know…… Every mammal has a system in their body called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The primary function of this system is to regulate homeostasis. The ECS is a critically important system in the body. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june This system consists of endocannabinoid receptors which are found in cells located in the brain, endocrine, and immune systems. Your body, as well as your horse’s body, is a busy hub of microscopic cells that interact in a symphony of communications. Each individual cell has protein receptors waiting to receive and transfer information. Cells send and receive chemical messages to coordinate the actions of cells, tissues, and organs. The ECS helps regulate the communication of cells by interacting with the receptors in your horse’s cells.
While the body has its own endogenous cannabinoids, plant-derived cannabinoids such as CBD have been found to have therapeutic effects on the ECS as well. CBD has been found to have many therapeutic effects in humans and shows little to no harmful side effects. The most formal studies have been on the use of Epidiolex®, a purified CBD oral solution approved by the FDA for treatment of epilepsy. However, research has shown that CBD can have therapeutic effects on many other conditions such as pain, depression, anxiety, inflammation, and migraines in humans. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.003
So how does that affect your horse?
Your horse is a mammal with an Endocannabinoid System like that of a human. Although no major studies have yet been conducted on CBD’s therapeutic effect on horses, it stands to reason that they would have much the same response as we do. And as it turns out, we have overwhelmingly found our horses’ physical and mental dispositions to improve on CBD.
In some cases, the results have been dramatic.
Relaxed & Calm
Horses with anxiety appear more relaxed and calmer, ready to face training or the trail head on.
Appetite & Less Girthy
Healthy Mane & Tail
Reduced stress related habits
Perform dependably
Competition horses that struggle with travel and trailering anxiety take to the road with less stress and anxiety ready to perform dependably.
Reduce Inflammation
Competition horses and retired horses with issues moving without pain have shown to respond well to CBD as an aid to reduce inflammation.
Benefits of CBD
Strengthened immune system
Reduced inflammation
Pain modulation
Reduced anxiety
Improved gut health
The Equine Endocannabinoid System
