Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Cannabinoids for Pets: Insights from Robert Silver, DVM MS CVA
This interview discusses the challenges in conducting unbiased research on the benefits of minor cannabinoids for pets, the potential synergistic effects of terpenes, and emerging research on using cannabinoid blends to treat conditions like epilepsy in dogs.
As interest in cannabinoid-based therapies continues to grow, so too does interest in the effects of cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on pets such as dogs, cats, and horses.
For insights into veterinary uses for cannabinoids and pets, Madeline Colli, Editor of Cannabis Science and Technology, sat down with Robert Silver, DVM MS CVA, author of the book, Medical Marijuana and Your Pet and founder of the Well-Pet Dispensary. In the interview, Dr. Silver covers a variety of topics including dosing and administration of cannabinoids to animals, the effects on different species, potential adverse effects, federal laws, research, and more.
In this sneak peek, we cover potential benefits of minor cannabinoids for pets, the role of terpenes in pet products, and emerging research on cannabis and epilepsy.
Watch the video clip, read the transcript below, and stay tuned for more on cannabis and veterinarian medicine!
Madeline Colli: Is there any new and emerging research on pets and cannabinoids that has caught your eye recently?
Robert Silver:We have had a couple of decent studies in epilepsy. One study used that blend of CBD and CBDA, and at fairly reasonably low dosages of about a milligram per each of those, or twice daily. And they were able to get reasonably good success, better success than the other study that was done at CSU by McGrath, in terms of treating dogs who have what we call “treatment resistant epilepsy,” that's a very similar condition to what Charlotte Figi had, the child that got things started with Charlotte's Web and the whole interest in in CBD for these intractable epileptics. So that was good. And these are really very sad cases, because they could be on three different types of anti-convulsant drugs. They could be walking zombies, because many of these drugs create a sedation, and yet still have seizures. And the drugs are expensive, the dogs are miserable, so if we can find anything that can help with that… And that's good that they were able to do that.
I think that with dogs who are not having treatment resistant epilepsy, anecdotally, from what I have been talking to pet parents about, is that if they've got the seizures only occasionally, we feel that we don't really want to use drugs to treat seizures in a dog, because the drugs are so strong and potentially have their own downsides, unless the dog is having seizures frequently. And frequently would mean like weekly, really, if it's like once a month that's not frequent enough, maybe twice a month you start to get on the on the edge of making that decision. So for those dogs that are infrequent with their seizures and not very severe, and sometimes that's just the beginning, well maybe over time they may progress to be worse. We've seen good response to doses of CBD for these epileptics that are uncomplicated. When I treat an animal, I don't just use the CBD. I would, with an epileptic, I might use an herb, I might use a high dose of fish oil, because fish oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, and good for epilepsy, and had can gain high levels in the brain, so but just talking about cannabinoids, that's kind of what we find.
Cannabis, US Presidential Election 2024, and Beyond: A Roundtable Discussion, Part II
December 17th 2024With the recent 2024 presidential election behind us, the future of cannabis still has many unknowns moving forward and questions still to be discussed. In this roundtable discussion with four knowledgeable industry leaders, we explore the nuanced political landscape of cannabis legalization and rescheduling in the context of the election, including state and federal policies and possible paths forward for testing standardization. Join us in the second part of a compilation of responses from Kim Anzarut, CQA, CP-FS, CEO of Allay Consulting; Susan Audino, PhD, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, LLC; Zacariah Hildenbrand, PhD, research Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso; and David Vaillencourt, CEO of The GMP Collective.
Cannabis, US Presidential Election 2024, and Beyond: A Roundtable Discussion, Part I
December 16th 2024With the recent 2024 presidential election behind us, the future of cannabis still has many unknowns moving forward and questions still to be discussed. In this roundtable discussion with four knowledgeable industry leaders, we explore the nuanced political landscape of cannabis legalization and rescheduling in the context of the election. We discuss what drives support or opposition from both sides of the aisle, the complexities of balancing state and federal priorities, and more. Join us in the first part of a compilation of responses from Kim Anzarut, CQA, CP-FS, CEO of Allay Consulting; Susan Audino, PhD, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, LLC; Zacariah Hildenbrand, PhD, research Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso; and David Vaillencourt, CEO of The GMP Collective.
Empowering Women in Cannabis: Susan Audino, PhD, on Inclusivity, Integrity, and Industry Challenges
December 11th 2024Founder of S. A. Audino & Associates, LLC, Susan Audino, PhD, recently co-founded Saturn Scientific, LLC, a collaboration of five experienced individuals providing unbiased evaluations on the data and science for stakeholders in the cannabis industry. In this interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Dr. Audino shares her unexpected path into analytical science and the cannabis industry as well as the obstacles she’s faced throughout her career. She highlights the gender bias she’s observed, such as unequal recognition of credentials and workplace challenges, while advocating for inclusivity and mentorship to empower women in science. Additionally, Dr. Audino recounts her experiences of navigating the male-dominated cannabis space, pushing for transparency, collaboration, and integrity in laboratory practices. Ultimately, Audino believes fostering mutual respect and knowledge-sharing is vital for the industry’s growth and resilience.
Collaboration, Gender Diversity, and Progress: Julie Kowalski on Advancing Cannabis Science
December 10th 2024In this interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Julie Kowalski, an experienced analytical chemist, discusses her path into the cannabis industry, starting with early work in gas chromatography. Kowalski reflects on her perspectives as a female scientist, highlighting biases she’s experienced and the benefits of gender inclusivity in the cannabis space. Greater unity and professionalism could benefit the industry as a whole, she explains. She also encourages collaboration and more women in leadership positions in order to build a stronger scientific community, and also urges women to advocate for themselves, noting that women in cannabis face unique obstacles but often demonstrate consensus-building strategies and solutions.
Gender Diversity and Innovation in the Cannabis Space: Insights from Tess Eidem, PhD
December 9th 2024Cannabis Science and Technology sat down with Tess Eidem, PhD, PCQI, member of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to discuss her journey from antibiotic research to cannabis microbiology and her observations throughout her career. Dr. Eidem highlights challenges women face in this male-dominated industry, including limited representation in leadership roles and frequent experiences of bias and discrimination. She emphasizes the importance of gender diversity in fostering innovation, improving product safety, and addressing women’s health needs in cannabis applications. Her advice to women scientists is to build strong professional relationships and carefully evaluate work environments to advance their careers in this evolving and often challenging space.
Inside the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s Graduate Program in Medical Cannabis
September 16th 2024Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, the co-program director for the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis program sat down with Cannabis Science and Technology to discuss higher education in medical cannabis.
