Cannabinoids are the signal substances of the ECS, the endocannabinoid system. Normally, mammals' bodies produce enough cannabinoids themselves, but in stressful situations or health problems, a deficiency can occur. A supplement can help the body regain balance and health. The body of a human, horse, or dog can also use cannabinoids from plants for the same functions as the self-produced cannabinoids. Very convenient!

When cannabinoids?

Supplements containing cannabinoids are given to horses, for example, in case of:

• Digestive problems
• Allergies
• Chronic stress
• Pain and joint problems
• Laminitis
• Summer eczema
• Skin problems
• Inflammations
• Stress and fatigue

Choice stress

When you, as a horse owner, are interested in a supplement containing cannabinoids, the choice quickly becomes complicated. There are numerous products on the market with very different concentrations made from various plant species. What do you need to know to choose the right product for your animal? First, the nomenclature. The term CBD is often used, but that is just one type of cannabinoid. Most products contain up to 80 to 130 different cannabinoids. This diversity is also important because these substances act as signaling molecules in the body and bind to receptors on cells. In this way, they transmit various messages that help keep the body healthy and in balance.

Hemp and cannabis

The most well-known plants from which cannabinoids are extracted are the fiber hemp plant and the cannabis plant. Both plants belong to the cannabis family, but only the cannabis plant contains a mind-altering substance. This is THC, which can make you high. For your horse, you always want a THC-free product. Nobody wants a stoned horse! The seeds of the fiber hemp plant are used to press a tasty oil, which is often used as a 'carrier' or base for supplements containing cannabinoids. This hemp oil also contains relatively high levels of unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. The oil does not contain THC.

Other plants

What not everyone knows is that several other plants are a rich source of cannabinoids. Cloves contain a broad spectrum and a high concentration of these beneficial substances. But cannabinoids can also be found in, for example, pepper plants.

Good dosage

An important factor in choosing a supplement is the correct dosage. Often, cheaper products contain a relatively low concentration of cannabinoids, around 2 or 3%. A few drops are then recommended as a dosage. However, in scientific studies on the therapeutic effects of CBD and other cannabinoids in humans, a range of 2 to 5 mg per kg of body weight is usually considered. You can imagine that a few drops - with a total of maybe 5 mg of cannabinoids in them - do not make much of a difference in a horse's body weighing 600 kilos.

Cloves provide more

To administer higher doses of cannabinoids, the cannabis plant is less suitable. Cloves provide cannabinoids in a much higher dosage without THC. Furthermore, a broad spectrum of cannabinoids greatly enhances the effect. A clove supplement mixed with hemp seed oil contains up to 10% cannabinoids! The recommended dosage for your horse is 20 to 30 ml per day, and the product is four to five times more concentrated than the average CBD oil. That is clearly more than a drop in a hot plate.

Prevent contamination

In addition to concentration and dosage, the purity of the product you give is also essential. Much hemp is grown in the United States, often on old rice fields in the state of Texas. Hemp is a very fast-growing plant that easily absorbs contaminants from the soil and is therefore often used to 'cleanse' polluted soil. However, if you want to use hemp for human or animal consumption, you must ensure that the soil on which you grow the hemp is completely clean! Those old Texan rice fields certainly aren't, as many contaminants, including cyanide compounds, accumulate in the soil during rice cultivation. Therefore, opt for hemp oil from the Netherlands, which is subject to strict controls and suitable for human consumption. Cloves must also be pure and verified and certified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This way, you can be sure that the ingredients are checked for heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs.

Conclusion: choose pure and concentrated

Horse owners like to use supplements containing cannabinoids for joint problems, inflammations, and stress, among other things. Unfortunately, many products contain very low concentrations of cannabinoids. Also, the recommended dosages are often too low to expect an effect. A product for horses may not contain the mind-altering THC and therefore must not be made from the cannabis plant. Therefore, choose cannabinoids from other plants such as cloves and fiber hemp. Furthermore, choose a product that meets European safety standards for animal and human consumption and does not contain contaminants.