CBD and other Cannabinoids – How they can benefit you, your horses, and your pets
By Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D.
CBD’s popularity has mellowed over the years, but instead of fading into the background, researchers continue to expand and confirm its benefits. Most people think it is just one more supplement touted to relieve aggravating symptoms, but did you know that it is naturally occurring in our bodies as part of our endocannabinoid systems? Boosting levels that diminish due to age, stress, and illness can impact our body’s ability to heal itself.
I have written about CBD in an earlier article[i] where I explained how CBD can promote health for us as well as our horses. The goal of this article, however, is to expound upon the advantages of CBD and other cannabinoids and share with you what’s been recently discovered.
Review of the Endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a major signaling system that exists in you and your animals. It continually monitors any instability within the body and returns it to a state of balance or homeostasis so that the internal environment remains settled.
CBD (short for cannabidiol) and other cannabinoids are compounds that activate the receptors within this system. Cannabinoids, both naturally produced by the body (endogenous), and those supplemented from cannabis (exogenous), act as “keys” to these receptors, turning on a variety of health-promoting functions.
Within the ECS there are two main receptors -- CB1 and CB2:
- CB1 receptors exist mainly in the brain and central nervous system. They impact areas such as appetite regulation, memory, emotions, and feelings of pain.
- CB2 receptors are concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract and peripheral nervous system (nerve cells outside the brain and spinal cord) and modulate immune cell functions. When activated, they help reduce inflammation.
CBD does not make you “high”
CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the most studied, but they are only two, out of more than 80 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is intoxicating, and this is where many misunderstandings occur.
Hemp-derived CBD is not marijuana
Though both hemp and marijuana belong to the Cannabis genus, their genetic composition distinguishes them to produce vastly different amounts of THC. Hemp-derived CBD is high in CBD and very low in THC (less than 0.3%).
Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD
It is important to understand that CBD only comes from the stalks, leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. The seeds, however, do not contain any CBD. Products just from the seeds such as hemp seed hearts, hemp seed pellets, hemp seed meal, hemp seed protein, or hemp seed oil, do not contain CBD. These hemp products offer quality nutrients and are highly beneficial for you and your animals.[ii]
If you want CBD, however, you should obtain a supplement[iii] that is third-party tested to ensure quality and consistency. You can download a CBD guide at CBDistillery’s website[iv].
How can CBD help you?
There are so many reasons to incorporate CBD and other cannabinoids into your routine. Here are a few conditions that are benefitted:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Pain and inflammation from injury
- Chronic pain[v]
- Cancer management[vi]
- Metabolic disorders
Understanding the CBD lingo[vii]
There are three types of CBD:
- Full-Spectrum CBD products. These contain naturally occurring cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBC, as well as terpenes and nutritious flavonoids. They do contain a tiny amount of THC, but it is quite small (less than 0.3%). All these compounds work together to provide a synergistic, “entourage” effect which multiplies their benefit. Full-spectrum CBD products are legal throughout the U.S. as long as the THC content does not exceed 0.3%. But each state has its own laws. The inclusion of a little THC enhances the efficacy in relieving symptoms.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD products. These start with full-spectrum extract and process it further to remove THC, resulting in a product with no THC (or no more than a trace -- less than 0.01%). Even so, they offer the entourage effect benefit because the terpenes and flavonoids are still present.
- CBD Isolate. This the purest form of CBD. Since it does not contain other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids, it is generally not as effective in alleviating symptoms. But it is a good choice in situations where testing is required (such as employment drug tests).
Read more: CBD and other Cannabinoids – How they can benefit you, your horses, and your pets
TAPS and the Old Guard Caisson Platoon
by Patricia N. Saffran
When a loved one does not return from being in the military, the grieving process for the surviving family can be overwhelming. Realizing the difficulties that these relatives and families endure, military veteran, Bonnie Carroll, founded and is president of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, TAPS, in 1994. She is the surviving spouse of the late Brigadier General Tom Carroll.
Since its inception, the charity has helped over 70,000 family members with sensitive care in the form of support programs and events for the families of fallen American military heroes. President Barack Obama recognized TAPS and Bonnie Carroll’s outstanding work by awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, November 24, 2015.
Among the TAPS activities are grief counseling, camps, and gatherings for all ages held around the country, and a range of activities surrounding horses, a special interest of Major Carroll, who holds a degree in equine sciences. The charity takes advantage of horses as natural healers. TAPS has been designated the Official Military Partner of the Washington International Horse Show. On Military Night during the horse show, riders in the International Jumper Speed Final compete to “Jump for TAPS” — each time they clear the TAPS jump, a thousand dollar donation is made to the organization. TAPS is also the official charity beneficiary of the Potomac Hunt Races, a yearly event held in Poolesville, MD. These races feature steeplechase, pony races, and the appearance of the local hunt with their hounds.
Since 2009, TAPS has had a relationship with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment Old Guard Caisson Platoon, of Fort Meyer, VA, which is part of the Old Guard, the oldest active duty unit in the Army, from 1784. The ceremonial cavalry platoon participates in official parades, special events and presidential inaugurations, and it accompanies funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. They maintain constant vigil at The Tomb of the Unknowns. This platoon is the only full time US cavalry unit left after federally funded cavalry training was mainly abandoned around the time of WWII, when cavalry units were changed over to tanks. The caisson platoon, which has been in existence since 1948, participates in funerals at Arlington on a daily basis, usually thirty per day.
The Spirit of Elvis's Love of Horses Endures at Graceland
By the EIE Editorial Staff
There has been recent news about Graceland possibly changing hands. The latest news is that auction plans have been abandoned. But let's look back on happier times and remember when The King shared his home with family, friends and his beloved horses.
A deeper dive into his love of horses in All The King’s Horses: An Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley by Victoria Racimo and Kimberly Gatto perfectly captured the importance horses had in Elvis’s life and he felt a great connection to them. Like many horse lovers, we would find them as a source of calmness and enjoyment – and a way to escape the chaos and pressures of fame.
His love also extended to his family and friends. One of Elvis’ favorites was a Tennessee Walking Horse named Bear. The image of Elvis riding on Bear is a candid photograph taken on January 1, 1968.
He bought horses as gifts so he could share experiences with them! He was also a cowboy at heart and greeted guests at Graceland on horseback.
Elvis's passion for horses wasn't just passing fancy. At one point, he had so many horses that he needed a separate ranch, the Circle G Ranch, to house them all!
The image of Elvis riding on Bear is a candid photograph taken on January 1, 1968. © Magma Agency / WireImage / Getty Images.
Read more about Elvis in this book:
All The King’s Horses: An Equestrian Life of Elvis Presley
by Victoria Racimo and Kimberly Gatto
Buy Now on Amazon
Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook.
You can find more interesting stories in our section on Recreation & Lifestyle.