Hemp – Its Use in Prevention and Treatment of Diseases of Companion Animals

Abstract

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa) is a rich source of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In this plant predominant is CBD, which is devoid of psychogenic properties. Hemp has quite a wide range of uses, ranging from cosmetology to the food and pet-food industries. CBD has many pharmacological effects, including antipsychotic, anxiolytic, sedative, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiemetic, antidiabetic and anti-ischemic effects. All these effects can be convincingly explained by the observations regarding the mechanism of action of CBD. However, it is not known in what dose hemp would cause the above-mentioned effects. Although CBD oil may have therapeutic potential, the scientific evidence supporting its use in animals is currently limited, and there are few well-controlled studies, most of which focus on companion animals.