Canine Cannabis Chemistry 101
- Everwell Pets
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 27
Inside the bodies of mammals (including our favorite furry friends) is a system that’s quietly working around the clock to keep every cell in perfect harmony—and sometimes, it can use a little help. That’s where cannabis therapy comes in. From tiny molecular messengers to sophisticated receptors, this plant offers a powerful way to nudge our inner balance back on track.
Discovery Of The The Endocannabinoid System
In 1963 Raphael Mechoulam, a natural products chemist established a team to learn more about the chemistry of cannabinoids. Their studies span over 3 decades, finding cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and ultimately the endocannabinoid system. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities for healing the mammalian body.
How The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Works
The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system for balance. It provides regulation between other bodily systems, supports inter and intra-cellular communication, and maintains homeostasis of the mammalian body. The ECS is comprised of cannabinoid receptors (CBR), endocannabinoids (eCBs), and enzymes.
Cannabinoid receptors are either neuro-modulatory (CB1) or immuno-modulatory (CB2). CB1 receptors are primarily within the nervous system. These receptors affect motor activity, thinking, co-ordination, appetite, memory, immune cells, and pain perception. While CB2 receptors are primarily found in peripheral tissue and the immune system. CB2 receptors affect the gut, kidneys, pancreas, skeletal muscle, bone, eye, tumors, reproduction, immune system, respiratory tract, skin cardiovascular, and liver.
The ECS in Action: Maintaining Homeostasis
The ECS has been found to be the body’s main control system and is known as the system of homeostasis and balance. Here’s where things get crazy… The body never rests, it works around the clock. One thing it does at a cellular level is create enzymes. The ECS converts some of those enzymes into endocannabinoids to utilize and maintain its optimal performance and function. Thus, keeping all of our other systems up and running efficiently. The science shows that when a system is faltering, the ECS is out of balance and can benefit from supplementation of cannabinoids. You see, the Phyto/plant-cannabinoids are bio-identical to the endocannabinoids that the ECS creates from the body’s enzymes!
Cannabis vs Hemp: Legal Definitions and Misconceptions
Where do we get cannabinoids, you ask? From the cannabis plant! Many speak about cannabis & hemp as if they are two separate plants when in fact, they are the same plant with the same scientific name. In the US & Canada, hemp has a separate legal definition to differentiate it from cannabis. Hemp is legally defined as a cannabis plant that has less than .3% THC and a true marijuana cannabis plant contains more than .3% THC.
Indica, Sativa, Hybrid & Ruderalis: A World of Strains
Although not in the definition of hemp, most hemp plants contain a higher percentage of the cannabinoid CBD. There are many different types of cannabis plants and strains. They fall into three main categories: indica, sativa, and hybrid.
Indica has more of a laid-back effect, inducing sleepiness, and body relaxation.
Sativa induces energy, euphoria, and low sleep.
While as named, hybrid strains are a blend of both indica and sativa. Producing varied effects depending on breeding and the genetics of the plant. In recent years, there has been another species that has been gaining popularity, especially in the medical field.
Ruderalis is being sought out for its high CBD content and low THC content making it ideal for therapeutics while being non-intoxicating.
Breeding, Regulation and Extraction
Nowadays, cultivars have some control over the ratio of THC and CBD in the plants they grow through breeding.
Scientists use various extraction methods to separate cannabinoids in a plant and use them to create products that have a specific, measured, percentage of each cannabinoid. The problem is that this side of the industry is not regulated. The DEA de-scheduled hemp, and there has been no agency that has picked up its regulation. Without regulation, manufacturers are without limits and boundaries. This means we can find products that promise a miracle in a bottle when in all reality you may be getting a bottle of nothing but carrier oil. We also worry about added ingredients that we wouldn’t want our pets coming in contact with. This is why working with a trained professional is so important.
Molecular Diversity
The cannabis plant creates over 700 different chemical compounds; roughly 160 molecules of those compounds can be used by the mammalian body.
Cannabidiol, CBD being just one of them. CBD and THC are major cannabinoids while others like CBG, CBN, CBC, CBGA, CBDA, CBNA, CBCA, CBV, CBD, etc. are considered minor cannabinoids. Each cannabinoid has its own set of medicinal properties. Some work best in neuroglia, while others work on decreasing inflammation, relieving pain, GI issues, glaucoma, nausea, cancer treatment, behavior disorders, chronic disease, acute injuries, mental degradation, and seizure activity.
Full Spectrum vs CBD: What’s in a Name?
A full spectrum product has a combination of several different molecules. With that being said, why has it become main stream to refer to these products as a CBD product? I prefer to refer to these products for exactly what they are, cannabis products. There are other product classes to choose from, which we will get into next time
Why Work with a Trained Professional?
So, a mammal’s body can use molecules that the cannabis plant creates, right? How do we know which ones we want to use? That’s a great question! As we have read, each one of these molecules has its own set of medicinal properties.
That’s why working with a trained professional is important. A trained professional will have an extensive background in working with animals. They will have a certification that will require continuing education due to this industry’s ability to change frequently and quickly. There are hundreds of thousands of products out there and without regulation, not every product is what it says it is…! (We’ll get into that another time) A trained professional will partner with pet parents and take a comprehensive approach to get to know your pet, where they have been, and how we got to where we are now.
We will evaluate veterinary records, lab results, monitor prescribed pharmaceuticals, and monitor current health challenges (liver, kidney or heart disease). We will find a product that is clean and safe with the right combination of molecules. We aim to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms and with 160 molecules available… Can you imagine how many conditions we can support with the right combination?
In Summary
Cannabinoids partner with our body’s endocannabinoid system to keep everything in balance—from mood to immunity—and why the vast array of plant molecules means one-size-fits-all products rarely hit the mark. It also underscores the value of expert guidance in navigating an unregulated market and choosing clean, targeted formulations.
Written by Guest Contributor Dana Chick of Pawsitive Balence
To schedule a consultation with Dana, https://pawsitivebalance.health/about
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