Can Humans Take Pet CBD Oil? Update

People sometimes ask, "Can pets take human CBD oil," or "Can humans take pet CBD oil?" Absolutely! Humans can take pet CBD oil without having to worry about adverse effects.  Wondering how it all works? This article will pull back the curtain on how CBD benefits our furry friends and us.

 

It all comes down to a biological system shared among all mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, and horses! This biological system functions the same away across all the species its present in, which is why humans can take CBD pet oil. Keep reading to find out more about this system and CBD!

 

 

CBD & Its Benefits For Humans

The official name of CBD is cannabidiol. It is a type of cannabinoid. Both humans and pets have the ability to metabolize these cannabinoids. Once a cannabinoid like CBD enters the body, it interacts with receptors in our bodies. In fact, these receptors are specifically designed for cannabinoids, so we call them cannabinoid receptors. CBD's interaction with these receptors supports our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is the biological system we mentioned earlier.

 

The ECS helps the body regulate various processes, promoting a state of healthy balance. The fancy name for this state of balance is homeostasis. The ECS and its system of cannabinoid receptors are important to the wellness of our bodies and minds.

 

The cannabinoid receptors are the most abundant receptors in our bodies. The total number of cannabinoid receptors is greater than all the other types of receptors!

 

Some scientists refer to CBD as a smart molecule. This is due to cannabidiol's ability to adapt incredibly well to our various needs. Researchers have identified over 50 different mechanisms of action for CBD, all of which help us achieve homeostasis. Researchers are just scratching the surface of CBD and its benefits, but so far, all the research points to one conclusion: it may help promote a healthy overall balance.

 

The FDA has not yet approved CBD as a preventative, treatment, or cure to any diseases or ailments. As such, we cannot make any direct claims about the benefits, and we advise you to do your own research.

 

 

 

 

CBD Affects All Mammals In The Same Way

All mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that is comprised of cannabinoid receptors. In fact, most animals have an ECS. This is even true for primitive species that have relatively simple anatomies.  Researchers have identified that the most primitive animal with cannabinoid receptors and a fully functioning ECS is a sea squirt. This organism developed these cannabinoid receptors almost 600 million years ago!

 

As you can see, the ECS is universally needed in the animal kingdom. It is responsible for controlling a wide range of processes in the mammalian body and helps maintain homeostasis. All mammals, including domesticated pets and humans, have the same ECS that functions in similar ways. This system governs discomfort, sleep cycles, appetite, metabolism, immune system function, digestion, swelling, and much more. 

 

Remember that cannabinoid receptors are incredibly abundant in the human body. This is also true of our pets. As a result, CBD will have incredibly similar effects on all our bodies, whether we walk on two legs or four. Furthermore, our pets share many of the same mental and bodily issues that we do. That is because there are universal similarities in the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and metabolism of all mammalian bodies.

 

CBD interacts with the ECS the same way in humans and pets. As a result, CBD works the same across all species. There are countless CBD products to choose from, such as CBD oil for dogs, capsules, or even treats that are safe for both humans and pets. 

 

 

 

 

Can Humans Take Pet CBD Oil?

CBD is generally well-tolerated across the board. It is suitable for all species and is easily metabolized by our various bodies. It is also essentially impossible to overdose on. The common side effects for excessive CBD ingestion are not severe (drowsiness, upset stomach, reduced appetite). After taking too much CBD, the most likely scenario is that you or your pet simply sleeps it off!

 

In a limited number of cases, taking too much CBD may result in diarrhea. However, it should be noted that this is exceedingly rare and that CBD is widely known as a non-toxic compound. It does not result in serious side effects and is very well-tolerated by the mammalian body.

 

It is always advisable, however, to consult a physician if you decide to take CBD. This is just to make sure that it does not have negative interactions with any medication you may be taking.

 

 

Is Pet CBD Same As Human CBD?

There is essentially no difference between the CBD oil manufactured for humans and the CBD oil manufactured for pets. It all comes from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. Hemp plants are breeds of cannabis plants that have high levels of CBD.

 

Many CBD products exist like tinctures, capsules, or even treats. These are safe for both humans and pets. Like any other product, it is important to purchase CBD for you or your pets from a reputable company.

 

A well-regarded company will have tight standards for quality control. This ensures that the dosage amounts in the product are consistent. Some companies sell products labeled for humans or pets specifically, but this doesn't always mean they are exclusively for one or the other.

 

The only real difference between these two types of products is that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires more stringent labeling on products manufactured for human consumption. This includes any medicines, foodstuffs, or health and dietary supplements.

 

Furthermore, CBD products geared towards animals may have special flavoring added to make them more appetizing for our pets. For example, most of the products that are manufactured specifically for dogs will have bacon flavoring. These may not taste good to humans, but they are safe to ingest.

 

 

How Can Humans Take Pet CBD Oil?: What Is The Right Dosage?

So now that we’ve established that CBD products for pets and humans can be used interchangeably, it is important to determine how much we should take. There are slightly different dosage recommendations depending on the type and severity of your situation.

 

If you are giving CBD to your pets, you can use this handy chart as an effective tool to determine the dosage.

 

 

Use Body Weight To Calculate Dosage

As you can see, the CBD dosage is based on body weight. People who have more body mass will need more CBD. It is best to start with a regular dose and work your way up. The simple formula for this would be 0.25 milligrams for every 1 pound of body weight.  Another similar formula is 1 to 6 milligrams for every 10 pounds of body weight.

 

That means that 30 to 50 milligrams would be an ideal starting dose for a person weighing 200 pounds, while 25 to 40 milligrams would be ideal for someone who weighs 150 pounds.

 

The standard starting dose for humans is 25 milligrams, twice a day.

This means that you should take 25 milligrams in the morning and then 25 milligrams at night. You can always increase your dosage if you need greater strength. It is best to do so in 10-milligram increments, but make sure you give your body a few days to adjust to the new dosage amount.

 

Keep A Dosage Log

It is particularly helpful to keep a daily log of your symptoms. Get yourself a notebook and rate the level of your symptoms twice a day — once in the morning and once at night. That way, you can monitor your overall condition over an extended period. This can also prove useful when you communicate with your doctor, as it will help them effectively counsel you and give recommendations.

 

 

 

 

How Long Does CBD Oil Take To Work?

The most common way to take CBD oil is oral. If you take a capsule or eat an edible, it is broken down in the stomach and absorbed into your bloodstream. Depending on the contents of your stomach and your body weight, you should feel relief from your symptoms in 45 minutes to an hour. If you use a tincture and drop the oil under your tongue, then you should experience relief in 15 to 30 minutes. This is because dropping the oil under your tongue bypasses your digestive system, allowing the CBD oil to be absorbed directly via mucous membranes in your mouth.

 

If the symptoms persist an hour after you have taken the product, try another dose. Remember that CBD is non-toxic and incredibly well-tolerated.  It is also most effective when taken daily. If your symptoms are due to some persistent or chronic condition, full relief will generally occur within 3 to 7 days. Maximum relief will be achieved within 1 to 2 weeks of taking the CBD daily.

 

 

Final Thoughts

All the research shows that CBD is a profoundly beneficial compound. This is true not only for humans but pets as well. Want to get the most out of your CBD? Consider starting a dosage log to track your symptoms. This will help you determine the most effective dose. You can even do this with a pet experiencing an issue, documenting the severity of the problem and their CBD dosage.

 

However you give yourself and your furry friend CBD, the best advice we can give is to start low and go slow. Once you find the best product and dose for you and your pet, the benefits will start to show themselves. And if you've got CBD oil for pets, don't forget that you can have some, too. Interested in CBD made for humans? You deserve to live your best life, so try CBD today! And feel free to keep learning more about dog care from us here. 

 

More Reading: Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil for Dogs - Best Natural Pet Products - The ECS & How it Works - Melatonin for Dogs - ECS in Dogs & Cats Explained