Blog

Since its discovery in 1988, the endocannabinoid system has piqued the interest of many researchers over time. And in recent years, many fascinating discoveries have been made regarding this somewhat unknown system that is responsible for regulating blood sugar, hormones, fat tissue, immune and metabolic functions in the human body and so much more! It really is a miracle system that acts as the chemical bridge between your body and mind. We hope you find the information about it as fascinating as we do!

What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)? 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of an intricate network of receptors throughout the body that influences and regulates most of our bodily functions. Like the nervous system and the skeletal system, we also have this endocannabinoid system.

 The ECS works to maintain balance and homeostasis in the body and is able to react to your environment and initiate certain changes in response to that. The ECS directs cellular activity and is responsible for regulating many important processes such as sleep, mood, appetite, pain and the body’s immune response. 

 How Does it work? The Science and Specifics

The endocannabinoid system is triggered by natural compounds known as endocannabinoids. These are messenger chemicals that are produced by the body and travel between the cells. Endocannabinoids then bind to their target receptors in the ECS in order to affect the necessary change, leading to a range of effects. 

However, our bodies due to stress, diet, lack of exercise, age or illness do not always produce enough endocannabinoids and this leads to the ECS not being in homeostasis/balance. 

How CBD and Cannabinoids can Help

Cannabinoids, such as Cannabidiol (CBD), are compounds that are naturally produced by the cannabis plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant that has received a lot of attention in the last decade, and various studies have been conducted to try and unlock all of its secrets.

Research has shown that CBD is able to interact with the ECS to provide a broad range of therapeutic effects. Cannabinoids look and act like endocannabinoids, which is why the brain allows these compounds to affect various physiological processes. 

The ECS consists of two main types of receptors referred to as CB1- and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found throughout the rest of the body and the immune system. When cannabinoids and endocannabinoids interact with these receptors it has a range of effects on our bodies.

Cannabis and Cannabidiol (CBD) products have seen a major surge in popularity in recent years as more research has started to identify the various benefits of these products. CBD has been shown to have the ability to treat various ailments in not only humans but their pets as well. As popularity increases, so does the availability of CBD products, and there are many brands and different products to choose from. With such a wide variety of products available on the market, there are a number of questions you need to ask yourself before buying CBD products for your pet.

How Will CBD Affect My Pet?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an intricate system of receptors and signalling molecules found in nearly all animals, including humans and just about all of our pets. The ECS plays an important role in maintaining balance throughout the body. Amongst other things, the ECS regulates the nervous system and immune systems to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and can even affect appetite.

CBD is classified as a cannabinoid, and studies have shown that CBD is able to interact with the ECS of humans and their pets to provide a range of healing effects. Cannabinoids are able to mimic the endocannabinoids naturally produced by animals, which is why cannabinoids can trigger the activation of the ECS to encourage homeostasis.

Research suggests that a balanced ECS promotes better sleep, supports reproductive processes, and strengthens immunity in both humans and animals. It is also believed that CBD can activate certain parts of the brain to reduce anxiety in pets and relieve nervousness.

Although there is still limited research available on animals, it has been found that the endocannabinoid systems of animals and humans are quite similar to one another. The primary difference is the distribution of the two main classes of receptors found in the ECS, the CB1- and CB2 receptors. For example, research has shown that dogs have a higher number of CB1 receptors in the brain than humans do.
Click on the following link for more information on the endocannabinoid system.

Can Humans and Animals use the Same Products?

Although it is possible that your pet companion can benefit from consuming CBD products intended for humans it is not advised. If the product is not made especially for animals it might contain ingredients that could be harmful to their systems. This includes things like flavour enhancers, various essential oils and artificial sweeteners. CBD products made for pets also have a very low concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to avoid THC toxicity in pets.

What is the Right Dosage?

Each brand may have varying dosage guidelines that come with the product. The weight of your pet will often play the biggest role when determining the right dose, but dosage instructions can also vary depending on what animal you have. It is best to follow the dosage instructions found on the product label and to contact the supplier if you are at all unsure about the right dose for a certain animal.

You might want to start with a slightly smaller dose than the one that is recommended for your pet's weight, to see how they respond to it. If you don’t see any results after administering the suggested dose for at least a month you may want to increase the quantity slightly. But be sure to consult with the product supplier or a veterinarian before increasing the dosage.

By choosing the right CBD products for your pets, you and your furry friend can start to enjoy the many benefits of this unique compound. Healthy Hybrid’s range of CBD pet products is made specifically with animals in mind! Free from any preservatives and artificial ingredients, these products can go a long way towards improving your pet’s overall health. Give your companion one of our delicious pet treats to calm them down on your next long trip or try out our CBD pet oil to find the one that works best for you.