Cannabis for Pets
There’s a lot of interest in cannabis for pets at the Pottery weed shop in LA these days, and for good reason. Cannabis has been shown to be effective for a variety of medical conditions in humans, so it stands to reason that it could help our furry friends as well. However, there’s still a lot of research to be done in this area. In this post, we’ll take a look at what the current state of research is and what pet owners need to know about how cannabis flower ends up as a product for your pooch.
The History of Cannabis for Pets
The history of cannabis for pets dates back to the late 1800s, when cannabis was often prescribed as a treatment for animals. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that research into its potential uses really began. Since then, scientists have been studying the effects of cannabis on pets and other animals with promising results.
Most of the current research on cannabis for pets focuses on the medicinal benefits of the plant. Cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis, have been shown to provide relief from pain and inflammation, as well as helping with anxiety and other behavior problems. In addition, there is some evidence that cannabinoids can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments for cancer and other diseases in animals.
We discussed these and other benefits in a recent webinar on the endocannabinoid system of animals:
The Current State of Research on Cannabis for Pets
Veterinary research into cannabis for pets is a rapidly growing field. Current studies have found that many of the same compounds found in cannabis for human consumption, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have the potential to provide effective relief from a variety of ailments in animals.
While hemp and marijuana plants are both species of cannabis sativa, the primary difference between them lies in their respective levels of THC – the psychoactive element typically associated with the “high” effect that some humans experience when they consume marijuana. Hemp contains less than 0.3% of THC and thus is much more suitable for pet consumption than marijuana products, which are often higher in THC content.
The relatively low levels of THC found in hemp also mean that it can be used as an effective treatment without exposing your pet to any major side effects or risks; however, there can still be health concerns whenever introducing a new drug or supplement to any animal’s diet. It is therefore essential for all pet owners considering giving cannabis-based treatments to their animals to carefully research associated risks and consult with a qualified veterinarian first.
Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Pets
There is increasing research into cannabis for pets and its potential benefits, with many pet owners now considering cannabis as an option to treat their animal’s ailments. The most common conditions cannabis can be used to treat are arthritis, anxiety, pain, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and epilepsy.
Although cannabis is not necessarily a cure-all for these issues in animals, it is becoming more recognised as a safe, natural remedy that can bring relief. The active ingredients of cannabis, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce pain and discomfort while also promoting relaxation in animals. This may allow pets to enjoy life with fewer symptoms of their existing conditions.
Furthermore, cannabis has been known to help boost appetite and improve the overall wellbeing of animals by helping them cope with a wide range of physical issues like chronic inflammation or decreasing mobility due to aging or disease. Ultimately, cannabis offers pet owners an alternative form of treatment for their furry friends that can significantly help improve the quality of life for their beloved pets.
Risks and Side Effects of Cannabis for Pets
The use of cannabis to treat pets has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. As more and more pet owners explore this potential treatment option, it’s important to understand the potential risks and side effects associated with giving your pet cannabis.
In general, it can be difficult to predict the severity of these side effects due to the lack of research into cannabis for pets. Some of the most commonly reported side effects are lethargy, decreased appetite, and changes to behavior or temperament.
While there do not appear to be any significant long-term effects from consuming cannabis, if you decide to give your pet cannabis products, it’s important to closely monitor them afterwards for possible reactions. Working closely with your veterinarian and carefully choosing the right amount of cannabidiol (CBD) dosage is essential for ensuring that both you and your pet have a positive experience.
Is Cannabis for Pets Legal in Your Area?
The legality of cannabis for pets is a complicated topic and varies depending on where you live. In some states, veterinarians are allowed to prescribe it for animals, while in other parts of the country, marijuana remains entirely illegal.
Before giving your pet any form of cannabis, it’s always best to check the laws in your area and potentially consult with a professional to determine if it’s appropriate. Even in places where CBD oil or pet-specific edibles may be legal, there can still be limitations on dosing and other restrictions that must be taken into account before making any decisions regarding treatment.
Ultimately, research is ongoing about both the potential benefits and risks associated with using cannabis for pets, so make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest information before jumping into anything.
Legal Status of Cannabis for Pets in California
It is legal for medical use cannabis for pets in California. For pets, veterinarians in the state are allowed to prescribe cannabis products such as CBD oil and edibles with specific dosage instructions that take into account both safety and efficacy.
The pet-specific edible products must be made from hemp-based materials, meaning that they contain very low levels of THC (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana) so as not to cause any adverse effects on the pet’s health or wellbeing.
However, it is important to note that if your veterinarian does prescribe cannabis products for your pet, you may still need to obtain a special license depending on where you live within the state. It’s always best to check with local authorities before giving your pet any form of cannabis.
Understanding the legal status of cannabis for pets in California is important for pet owners who are considering using it as a treatment option. While there is still much to learn about the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis for pets, working closely with your veterinarian can help ensure that you make an informed decision that best fits your pet’s needs.
With the proper guidance and dosage instructions, cannabis may offer a unique alternative to traditional treatments for some animals and can help improve their quality of life overall. However, it is always best to stay up-to-date on local laws regarding pet health care before making any decisions regarding treatment options.
How to Find Reputable Sources of Cannabis for Pets
Whether you’ve decided cannabis is the right solution for your pet’s physical and mental health needs, or are simply curious about its potential, finding a reputable source of cannabis products for pets can be a challenge. Make sure to do your research and compare multiple sources before jumping in. Start your journey by identifying who is legally allowed to sell cannabis products for pets in your area (which varies per country, state or region), then check the source’s background and business practices to verify that it is reliable.
Additionally, always make sure you understand how the cannabis will affect your pet before use! All cannabis sourced should be laboratory tested and quality assured to ensure safety and consistency from batch-to-batch. With these steps taken, you should be able to confidently find the best cannabis option for your furry friend!
Thanks for reading! This article has given you an overview of the current state of research into cannabis for pets, as well as the potential benefits and risks associated with giving cannabis to them. It’s important to remember that cannabis is not legal for all pets in all areas, so be sure to check your local laws before considering this treatment option for your pet. If you do decide to give cannabis to your pet, be sure to find a reputable source for it. Thanks again for reading!