Posted on

Understanding CBD and Drug Interactions in Pets: How to Use CBD Safely

The theory of CBD causing drug-drug interactions is best described as follows:

CBD is metabolized by a metabolic pathway in the liver and competes with other pharmaceuticals which may be processed in the same pathway.

A way to scientifically explain it is this:

CBD affects several liver enzyme metabolic pathways, as it is metabolized by the CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 (liver enzymatic pathways).  This same pathway is shared by a multitude of drugs, which can result in competition or drug interactions. It can also produce various outcomes of drug action in the body such as decreased or increased therapeutic or adverse responses, (Grayson et al. (2020)).

When multiple drugs are processed through the same pathway, it can lead to slower metabolism or breakdown of these medications. As a result, the concentration of other drugs in your body may increase, potentially causing stronger or prolonged effects, including adverse reactions or toxicity. On the other hand, CBD itself may also be affected by this competition, resulting in altered effectiveness or decreased potency.

It is important to consider the potential for interactions between CBD and other drugs. CBD is known to interact with certain drugs, such as warfarin,  which can lead to increased or decreased levels in the body, (Bergamaschi et al. (2011)).

Here are some common drug interactions to be aware of:

1.  Blood Thinners: CBD may interact with blood thinners like warfarin or heparin, which are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots. CBD can inhibit the activity of enzymes responsible for metabolizing these medications, potentially leading to an increased risk of bleeding. 

2.  Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications: CBD can interact with medications used to treat depression and anxiety, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft). This interaction may result in increased concentrations of the medication in the bloodstream, potentially leading to stronger side effects.

3.  Antiepileptic Drugs: CBD can interact with antiepileptic medications, including clobazam (Onfi) and valproate (Depakote). It may affect the levels of these drugs in the body, potentially causing increased or decreased concentrations and affecting their efficacy.

4.  Benzodiazepines: CBD may interact with benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan), commonly prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders. This interaction can lead to increased sedation or drowsiness.

5.  Immunosuppressants: CBD may interact with immunosuppressant medications like cyclosporine or tacrolimus, which are often prescribed to prevent organ rejection after a transplant. CBD’s interaction can affect the breakdown of these drugs in the body, potentially leading to higher concentrations and an increased risk of side effects.

It’s important to note that these interactions are not exhaustive, and there may be other medications that can potentially interact with CBD. If you are considering using CBD alongside any prescription medications, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider or a pharmacist who can provide personalized advice based on your specific medications and health conditions. They can help determine if there are any potential interactions and guide you on appropriate dosages and usage.

**Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s healthcare routine.

Shop Our Lab-Tested, Pharmacist- Formulated Full Spectrum Oils Now!

  • CBD Oils
  • Pet Products
  • Pain Salves
  • Lotion
  • Wound Care
  • Sleep Tinctures
Posted on

CBD, CBG, CBN Basics: Question + Answer Live Training

Please enjoy the following summary of the questions discussed in our Live!

Question #1: How do you start taking?  Strength? Dose?

In the most simplistic terms, our Formulas are designed with a concentration to that can be begun dosing at ¼ of a dropper, and then increasing every 3 days or so until “The Sweet Spot” is reached. “The Sweet Spot” signifies the spot at which you do not notice an increase in benefits from taking a higher dosage. At that point, you reduce dosage to when you stopped seeing benefits.

We recommend starting at night, and then trying to incorporate into both Day + Night depending on desired results.

A low dosage of CBD is typically between 5-20mg per day. This may be suitable for individuals who are just starting with CBD or have a low body weight, or less symptoms to treat.

A high dosage of CBD can range from 50-150mg per day or more for Chronic Conditions.

Question #2: How long  until I feel the effects of taking CBD oil?  How will I know if my me or my pet is benefitting from CBD?

The time it takes for CBD oil to take effect can vary depending on several factors,   such as the method of consumption, the dosage, and the individual’s metabolism.    Generally, when CBD oil is ingested orally, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes   to two hours to feel the effects.

CBD works with your endocannabinoid system in an interesting way; the more you consume it, the more receptive your body becomes to it. It might take some people a couple of months of continuous CBD consumption in order to fully experience the benefits of the compound. For others, they may experience effects right away. You may have different experiences with CBD from your peers because each body’s biological makeup & balance within homeostasis is different.

Also to note: CBD does NOT make you high and you will probably not feel any immediate effects when taking it. Rather, you may gradually notice the absence of some of your ailments.

Sublingual consumption (placing the oil under the tongue) can lead to faster onset of effects as it is absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly.

Topical application of CBD oil may also take some time to show effects and can depend  on the area of the body where it is applied. The back of the neck has the most receptors.

Research suggests that CBD can have a half-life of 18 to 32 hours, which means that it   can take around four to five days for the compound to be eliminated             from the body. However, the time it takes for CBD to build up in the  bloodstream and become  noticeable can depend on the individual’s body  chemistry and the  frequency and dosage of CBD consumption.

Some signs that your pet (or you) may be benefitting from CBD oil include:

Reduced anxiety or stress

Improved mobility and joint health

Improved appetite and digestion

Improved skin (or coat) health

Improved sleep quality

It is important to keep track of yours and your pet’s behavior and health before and after starting CBD oil to determine if it is helping.

Question #3: Can I take too much? 

A 2011 review article published in the journal Current Drug Safety titled “Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa Constituent.” The article summarized the existing preclinical and clinical studies on the safety and side effects of CBD and concluded that CBD is a safe and well-tolerated compound, even at high doses up to 1,500 mg/day, in humans.

Question #4: Is it addictive?

No. In contrast to pharmaceutical antidepressants, CBD does not have addictive properties. You can start and stop using it at any time without side effects. In fact, CBD is even being tested to help treat addiction (Devries ands Schoffelmeer 2005; Mahler, Smith, and Berridge 2007, Gerdeman et al. 2003b).

Question # 5: Can I develop a tolerance to CBD?

No. In 2000, there was a study published by The Kennedy Center of Rheumatology titled, “The Nonpsychoactive Cannabis Constituent Cannabidiol is an Oral Anti-arthritic Therapeutic in Murine Collagen-induced Arthritis”. The study reports that “prolonged treatment with CBD does not induce tolerance, a phenomenon often observed by cannabinoids”. This means that in contrast to many Pharmaceuticals, you will not develop a tolerance, or a reduction in efficacy as you use Cannabinoids in the treatment of your ailments. Additionally, the study ends by summarizing, “all of this suggests that CBD may be valuable in the treatment of other chronic inflammatory diseases as well.”

Question #6: What are potential side effects that someone or someone’s pet can, or has, had?

It’s important to take note of small changes in health to see how CBD is affecting you – good and bad. As with any supplement or medication, CBD can have side effects, but they are generally mild.

For humans& pets, some potential side effects of CBD include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Changes in behavior or mood
  • Lethargy or drowsiness
  • Increased thirst or hunger
  • Vomiting

It is important to note that the side effects of CBD are generally mild and rare, but can vary depending on the individual and the dose.

Question #7: Can you explain the difference between CBD, CBG, and CBN?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential therapeutic effects, which include reducing anxiety, inflammation, and pain. CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a complex signaling system that regulates various physiological processes such as mood, appetite, and immune function.

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is found in smaller amounts in the cannabis plant. It is considered a “stem cell” or “mother” cannabinoid because it is a precursor to other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. CBG has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects. CBG has also been studied for its potential use in treating glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, and other medical conditions.

CBN, found in our PM Formula, or cannabinol, is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is formed as THC breaks down over time. It is found in small amounts in fresh cannabis plants but is more abundant in aged or oxidized cannabis. CBN is known for its potential sedative effects and is being studied for its potential use in treating insomnia, pain, and other medical conditions.

Question # 8: Are the True Natural Oils products safe for children or at what age do you recommend for children?

The use of CBD in children is a controversial topic, and there is limited research on its safety and effectiveness in children. For us, we use the same logic for children as we recommend for puppies: unless there is a specific condition you are looking to treat, let the child/puppy mature and equilibrate to their environment before providing a supplement.

In some cases, CBD has been prescribed by healthcare providers for children with severe epilepsy or other medical conditions, but this is done on a case-by-case basis.

Shop Our Lab-Tested, Pharmacist- Formulated Full Spectrum Oils Now!

  • CBD Oils
  • Pet Products
  • Pain Salves
  • Lotion
  • Wound Care
  • Sleep Tinctures