Sources:
Pixabay.com
The use of marijuana is not new. Though still being categorized
as an illegal drug, states such as Colorado and Washington have
passed laws to regulate the production, sale, and consumption of
marijuana. Moreover, researchers across the globe are studying
the medical benefits of marijuana for humans. Although marijuana
is believed to be an elixir for depression, anxiety, and other
psychological issues, its long-term effects on health still stay
a matter of debate.Both pet cats and dogs are not far from being
subjected to marijuana after the passage of marijuana laws in
certain states of the US. Pet owners have embraced marijuana to
treat ailing pets, which has given rise to debates on its safety,
especially for dogs. The increasing number of marijuana
intoxication cases have raised questions whether or not pets
should be given marijuana. However, in reality, marijuana does
more harm than good for pets.
Why are pet owners using marijuana?
Pet owners tend to see the medical benefits of recreational
marijuana in the same light as they are for humans. Many pet
owners have sworn by the benefits of marijuana in lifting up the
spirits of pets who are suffering from physical ailments. As
states legalize marijuana for humans, more and more pet owners
are switching to cannabis-based ointments, oils, edibles, and
extracts for their furry friends. The reason: such products are
marketed as a treatment for a number of issues, starting from
anxiety and arthritis to seizures and cancer.Despite the lack of
data that support marijuana's benefits, pet owners across states
are convinced that it has improved their pet. However, certain
states have barred veterinarians from prescribing marijuana to
pet owners. Doing so may cost them their license because
cannabis-based products aren't approved by FDA. As such, using
marijuana for treating pets in such an unregulated scenario has
contributed towards the rise in marijuana intoxication.
Signs of marijuana intoxication
Marijuana contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a compound that
affects several receptors in the brain and alters the functioning
of neurotransmitters. Cats and dogs can be poisoned on passive
exposure to marijuana. Direct injection of marijuana in the form
of baked foods can also cause severe marijuana intoxication in
pets. The signs of marijuana intoxication are seen within 3 hours
of inhalation or consumption. Such signs include:
- Groggy gait
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Respiratory difficulties
- Low heart rate
- Coma
- Hyperactivity
- Seizures
- Moaning or groaning
If your cat or dog has consumed or inhaled marijuana and you see
the above signs, you should rush to a veterinary care center near
you. Doing so will prevent unwanted complications from arising.
But before anything else, you should visit an expert before
treating your pet with marijuana as an adherence to your local
marijuana laws.
Can Cats and Dogs Help Reverse Marijuana's Stigma?
A majority of cannabis users took the habit after testing it on
their pets. The reason for giving a pet a dose is similar to the
myriad reasons for humans taking the drug. The primary reason
being conventional medicines being ineffective or come with bad
side effects. Cannabis products serve as the chosen alternative
to conventional medicine offering identical or greater benefits
sans the painful side effects.
Marijuana works
There are ample proofs that marijuana treatment works wonders. A
Staffordshire Terrier afflicted with the mammary tumor was
treated with cannabis. The condition became better and the
disease did not come back. A Jack Russell Terrier was given
cannabis for painful arthritis and severe heart murmur found
itself to walk comfortably after a month of treatment. These
animals were given the CBD or cannabidiol, a cannabis compound.
The concoction is found to assist arthritis, cancer symptoms,
gastrointestinal problems, back pain, anxiety, and stress.The
results are significant as there is a gargantuan global market
for animal medication. This market is projected to touch $44.4
billion within 2022. It will be made possible by ratcheting up
investments in drug development marked for use in animals.
Conventional medicine makers are aware of such huge profits and
are thus moving full steam to capture as large as possible market
chunks. Patents are being filed in beguiling regularity. The list
of patented cannabis medicines includes compounds to treat animal
cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune disease disorders.
Booming industry
Other cannabis companies are following the leaders as experts
predict the CBD oil industry to churn out in excess of two
billion dollars every year by the start of 2020. The niche market
marks an area where the cannabis can comfortably compete with the
large pharmaceutical companies and can co-exist with them as
well. Experts predict the market will only increase as the
industry realizes the amazing beneficial effects of CBD on
pets.CBD is the short form of the cannabinioid word. A typical
cannabis plant has in excess of 100 cannabinoids. Among all the
cannabinoids, THC and CBD are the most well-known. The compound
is fast gaining mainstream popularity from its once hush-hush
existence.A few specific companies have gone on an extra step.
They have closely followed the need and seized the opportunity
from there. A particular company manufactures carefully
researched organic, whole plant, pesticide-free, non-GMO liquid
cannabis, especially for pets. According to the company website,
it relies on premium ingredients and constantly collects testing
data on its products to further improve its commercial offerings.
The US FDA has made accommodations when it came to animal
medicine. It has a distinct division which concentrates in the
approval and development of all animal health products.
