According to Reuters , there are medical studies that support the efficacy of marijuana in helping pets
cope with several ailments (anxiety, appetite loss, arthritis, among others) without any adverse effects.
But because of federal laws, veterinarians don’t have the confidence to prescribe the cannabis to their
patients for the fear of losing their professional licenses. As a result, pet owners make big decisions on
treating their pets with medical cannabis.
If you’ve been thinking about using marijuana to treat your ailing pet, then there are important things
that you should know before starting the treatment.
- Veterinarians are prohibited to prescribe cannabis to their pet patients.
Although cannabis is known to be an illegal, schedule I drug, more than 50 percent of the U.S. states
have legalized the use of marijuana as an alternative medicine for humans. Most of these state
legislations have strict guidelines to ensure the safety of the users. Aside from that, other states also
have laws for the recreational use of cannabis.
But it’s a different story when it comes to marijuana usage in pets.
Apparently, the state laws, which permit the use of marijuana, go against federal laws. It means that
veterinarians have to carefully understand the legislation so that they can communicate the boundaries
and legalities of marijuana use with their clients clearly.
Remember, there is the inevitable risk of marijuana toxicity in furry companions, and it is important for
veterinarians to come up with diagnosis and treatments when such fatal cases arise.
In an interview with Leafy , California-based vet Dr. Greg Richter said that the laws don’t even allow vets
to discuss the potential benefits of cannabis to pet owners. The discussion should be done with
discretion. - Hemp-based treatments are a good option when pets don’t like cannabis.
Because not all states allow the use of marijuana, it can be difficult to find cannabis products. However,
there is an alternative.
Hemp-based treatments, which can provide relief similar to marijuana, are available in all states. They
are rich in Cannabidiol (CBD), which is a cannabis compound known for its medical benefits. They don’t
also cause a psychoactive high that is an evident effect of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp products
do contain THC but on low levels, so the chances of overconsumption are lesser.
- Human dosage and pet dosage are NOT the same.
In a nutshell, the dose of cannabis prescribed for humans should be the same for pets. Apart from that,
making your own estimates can pose harm to your furry friend. There is also a great chance of THC
overconsumption , which may be fatal for the pet.
Marijuana may be toxic to pets , but it can be beneficial when used properly. To prevent serious health
problems, veterinarians suggest selecting the right marijuana products that fit for the needs of your pet.
Once you have it, give the medicine slowly. If there are no side effects, you can increase the dose
gradually. If there are adverse effects, then stop the treatment right away to avoid complications.
The most common signs of overconsumption include diarrhea, spacey, vomiting, and appetite loss. You
better watch out for them when giving marijuana to your pets. - Marijuana is still a drug; pets can still get high.
A typical scenario of getting your pets high is when they randomly or accidentally consume your own
marijuana stash. If you’re not careful, your animal companion may not only be stoned, but there is a
great risk of intoxication.
Other situations when your pets get high are inhaling secondhand weed smoke, consuming marijuana
leaves directly, and eating foods that contain marijuana ingredients. - Don’t let your pets smoke the weed; there are safer methods.
Inhaling weed smoke does not directly cause intoxication. But if your pet has inhaled too much smoke, it
can already be fatal.
Pets have delicate respiratory systems . When they inhale toxic smoke, their lungs get easily irritated,
which may aggravate existing health problems like asthma. It is best to keep your pets outside your
room during pot sessions.
You also have the option to use a tincture, which is an oil-based product containing a safe amount of
CBD. It’s usually available in a small bottle with a dropper. You can spread a small amount of tincture on
the tongue of your pet. - Pets, like humans, also suffer from similar health problems.
As an unconventional medicine, cannabis has the potential to treat health conditions affecting both
humans and pets but on different doses. Studies have shown the potency of cannabis is in treating pets
with arthritis, anxiety, seizures, stress, and even furry companions that are diagnosed with cancer
symptoms. But just like typical drugs, the use of cannabis has common side effects such as too much
appetite and sedation.
Bottomline
Using cannabis as a treatment for your pets is a decision that must be carefully thought of. Always
consider the state where you reside and make sure that you are aware of the laws when it comes
marijuana usage. It is best to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of your pets and to avoid
getting yourself in trouble.
