Dog biscuits laced with a cannabis extract are now being used to treat pet ailments like joint pain and mood disorders. Jokingly referred to as "pet pot," this realization of the fictional Scooby Snacks is gaining in popularity with both veterinarians and pet owners alike.

Sold by a number of firms, including Auntie Delores and Canna Companion, the biscuits contain high levels of legal cannabidiol, also known as CBD. Different from THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis plants, CBD is one of the most common and beneficial compounds found in hemp.

From its seeds to its oils, hemp is used legally in a range of ways. Beyond the THC component, the health benefits of hemp have been touted for a long time. Cannabis plants contain more than 60 unique compounds called cannabinoids.

Research has shown that CBD can relieve pain and discomfort in dying pets while calming hyperactive animals down. The biscuits containing cannabidiol extracted from hemp are believed to alleviate joint pains, treat mood disorders, and even help dogs lose weight.

Hemp is legally refined in industrial factories for products such as wax, resin, rope, cloth, pulp, paper, and fuel. What the pet firms have realized is that hemp also contains compounds that affect the endocannabinoid system, an internal pathway found in mammals. Once triggered, these receptors activate chemical reactions that boost an animal's natural stress response mechanisms.

Based in Washington, Canna Companion uses hemp from the cannabis sativa strain in its capsules and biscuits for both dogs and cats. Run by vets Dr. Greg Copas and Dr. Sarah Brandon, the company’s products are making serious inroads as treatment options.

“Due in part to their small body size, dogs and cats can take advantage of small amounts of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids found in hemp and can therefore reap the benefits of this great plant," the company explains on their website. "We are not interested in ... [the] psychotropic effects which are normally associated with marijuana.”