The perception of marijuana has
changed a lot in recent years
- from being vilified as a schedule I narcotic (on par with drugs
like heroin and LSD), to being acknowledged for having
genuine medicinal value in 23 states, (as well as the
nationโs capital). Not only has the widespread acceptance of
medical marijuana softened the public view of this long-time
taboo substance, but it has also given people the ability to
experiment with possible underlying benefits of the cannabis
plant.One of the more experimental advancements is the
inclusion of hemp and hemp by-products into dog treats, food, and
supplements
.
Pot for pets?
A key distinction that needs to be made about pot for pets before
moving on -- the hemp-based additives will not get your dog
stoned. Many of the medicinal benefits from cannabis are not a
result of the mind-altering capabilities of the plant. The plant
itself - and the seeds especially - contain
certain oils that are remarkably
rich in essential minerals and nutrients.Cannabidiol (CBD) is
proven to help relieve anxiety, convulsions, depressions, muscle
spasms, and general inflammation. It is incredibly useful for
pets with arthritis
or any other issue with mobility.Also, thanks to CBDโs anxiety
relieving properties, vets are now giving dogs hemp-based
supplements to help manage their fear of thunderstorms, car
rides, or just a general unrest.And because these products are
devoid of any of the psychedelic components of marijuana, these
supplements are available in all 50 states, and in many other
countries as well.
Is Pot Food Right for You?
Just like any other supplement or treatment, it pays to
consult with your vet
before making any dietary changes. That said, research
surrounding CBD and hemp-based pet products shows it as a fairly
low-risk addition to any dogโs diet, offering a slew of potential
benefits (joint health, pain management, anxiety reduction, and
maintaining a healthy coat) with minimal chance for negative side
effects.If your dog suffers from any of the following, adding a
cannabinoid supplement to their diet could help.
Talk to your vet about the possible benefits of adding hemp oil
or hemp-based pet products to your petโs regimen.
Changing Marijuana Laws May Lead to Increase in Pot-Related Vet
Visits
Since the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana in
select states across America, the growing industry of
distributing cannabis for medical and recreational use promises
to stimulate economy, but not without its fair share of
controversy and challenges.
One unforeseen challenge arising from this laissez faire attitude
towards cannabis is a massive increase in the number of dogs
being treated for ingesting large amounts of pot.
RELATED STORY: Poisonous Plants to Cats and Dogs
The Canine Cannabis Conundrum
In Arizona, where medicinal marijuana has recently been
legalized, veterinarians are reporting a year over year doubling
in the amount of dogs requiring treatment for exposure to pot.
Luckily, natural cannabis is generally non-fatal, resulting in
your dog feeling sick for a day or
two, but without any major lasting effects. Synthetic
cannabinoids, however, are trickier. โBecause they're often
manufactured overseas, we have seen some dogs with serious
illness related to ingesting the synthetic marijuana,โ said Billy
Griswold, director of medical management for the Emergency Animal
Clinic in Phoenix.
The Side Effects
Symptoms of marijuana exposure include:
-
Glassy eyes
-
Difficulty walking
-
Stumbling
-
Pupil dilation
-
Loss of consciousness
-
Slowed heart rate
-
Seizures
-
Urinary incontinence
As far as treatment for exposure is concerned, it is mainly a
matter of dealing with the symptoms on a case by case basis and
keeping the patient comfortable, as there is no outright antidote
to marijuana.
The Takeaway
So, while the recent movement across America to decriminalize, or
even legalize, marijuana has many people excited, we cannot lose
sight of certain sobering aspects of cannabis, one of them being
the strong, and often harmful, effect it has on our pets. Just
because it has been made vastly more acceptable for people to
imbibe, it is still by and large an emphatic no-go when it comes
to our feline and canine compadres.
RELATED STORY: The Most Poisonous Foods for Dogs
If you live in an
area where marijuana is available, in either a medicinal or
recreational capacity, and you choose to use, make sure you treat
it like you would any other medication or libation, in that you
keep it out of your paw's reach. When not in use, put your stash
in a cabinet or drawer, and try to keep any smoke away from your
pets, as even minimal exposure can result in your pet becoming
intoxicated.
Most importantly...
If you suspect your pet has gotten a hold of your
marijuana, tell your vet.
"To be perfectly honest, we really don't care what [pet parents]
do on their free time," says Griswold. "We just try and impress
upon folks that in the long run it's better for the pet and
usually for your wallet to just own up to it so we can figure out
what it is and react in the most specific way possible."
Have an opinion on what you just read? Let us know in the
comments section!
What do you think about giving pets marijuana supplements? Let us
know in the comments! And remember that, for whatever your
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Source:CBS Chicago -
HempMeds Rolls Out Pot For PetsMedical Marijuana Inc. -
HempMeds Introduces Advances in Cannabis WebMD
-
Medical Marijuana Uses