CBD is a hot topic these days. It’s becoming more mainstream for people and animals, but people seem largely uneducated about its applications and opportunities and how to use it safely. My aging dogs take a slew of joint support supplements, and it might just be time to add in some CBD. Wanting to make sure that I offer them the safest products, I contacted Aaron Thames whom I’ve known for a couple of years, originally through his dog rescue Memories of Besa (MOB). It turns out that he has also been involved with the CBD industry since 2015 and is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about its efficacy. I caught up with Aaron and got some of my questions answered.

DRS: What is CBD?

AT: CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp.

DRS: What are the most common misconceptions about CBD?

AT: The two most common misconceptions are that 1- it gets your dog high and 2- is a magic elixir that fixes everything.

DRS: How does CBD differ from THC which is psychoactive?

AT: CBD is extracted and detached from specific types of cannabis. As the second most abundant compound in cannabis, it typically represents up to 40% of its extracts. CBD is found in both psychoactive cannabis (marijuana) and non-psychoactive cannabis (hemp). However, most legal CBD products found on the market will be extracts from hemp which federal law allows for the cultivation and processing of hemp products.

DRS: It is so important for people to understand that CBD won’t get your pet or you high. What are the most common applications for CBD in dogs? Or other animals?

AT: CBD can help anxiety, sleep, pain management, epilepsy, quality of life- and is safe for all animals that we are aware of (and people).

DRS: Yeah- I think that CBD could help my dog Ninja’s pain and my dog Gonzo’s anxiety. How does a pet parent keep their dog/pet safe while using CBD?

AT: Simply follow the dosage recommendations outlined by the trials at Colorado State veterinary school and Cornell University.

DRS: Got it. What are the most common misuses?
AT: Most people just don’t get desired results because they don’t follow the instructions.

DRS: What exactly is your role in the CBD realm?

AT: I am the managing partner for a rescue inspired CBD brand, Farmacopeia. I started Farmacopeia when my rescued dog, Wully, developed idiopathic head tremors from one dose of Bravecto which was supposed to help severe allergies. The tremors eventually occurred multiple times daily lasting 20 minutes. CBD fixed it after about 6 months of consistent use. It forced me to learn about the products, the science (or the lack thereof at the time), and even the culture of the industry and as a result, we ended up formulating multiple products for pets and humans.

DRS: Wow- that’s amazing. Where’s the best place for people to get educated?

AT: There’s some more information on our website Farmacopeia-life.com, and for a wider view, ProjectCBD is useful.

DRS: How can people trust that the product they use is safe and legitimate?

AT: Always ask for a per-batch certificate of analysis (COA).

DRS: What if your vet is not yet recommending CBD?

AT: Many are afraid of threats issued by the DEA, but, like medical cannabis, it is their first amendment right to recommend, not prescribe.

DRS: Where’s the best place to purchase high-quality CBD products?

AT: Our products can be found at Farmacopeia-life.com. There you can learn why our products are so effective.

DRS: Thanks Aaron for all of this helpful information. If you have further questions, Aaron you can contact him directly: aaron@Farmacopeia-life.com

Also, Memories of Besa rescue does an amazing job saving dogs’ lives. They can always use an extra set of hands if you are in CA, or funds if you are outside of CA and would like to help. You can find them here: http://facebook.com/mobrescue

The next time I update What to Expect When Adopting a Dog, Farmacopeia will be in there, but for now, it’s still your go-to resource for dog adoption and dog parenting information.