There is a ton of discussion and numerous questions regarding the use of medical marijuana in adults and teens, however, shouldn’t something be said about weed and pets? Many people research the effects of medical marijuana on animals, especially dogs because there is some proof indicating it could be remedially beneficial for various reasons.
Legalization of Medical Marijuana
A few states have authorized it just for therapeutic purposes, while others have made it legitimate for recreational uses too. Apart from the US, the use of medical marijuana was legalized in South Korea last year. People can have access to marijuana based products, after showing a medical marijuana doctor’s prescription in Korea.
Marijuana vs THC and CBD
Individuals depend on weed or, if nothing else, certain compounds such as THC and CBD that originate from these cannabis plants for various health benefits. It very well may be valuable for people to help multiple physical and mental health disorders, but what about marijuana and pets? What is the impact of medical marijuana on pets?
Adverse Effects of Marijuana on Pets
While there are potential advantages to be found with pot derivatives, marijuana itself can be harmful to animals. Many pet animals, including dogs, cats, and horses, can get high if they eat pot, which can also lead to various other adverse side effects. Although most of these side effects are usually mild, however, extreme complexities are possible such as toxicity, which requires immediate treatment.
Are Dogs More Sensitive to Marijuana?
At the point when a pup gets “high,” it’s different than what we humans may experience, and it is a condition of distress and suffering for the canine. Some signs and symptoms of marijuana toxicity in dogs include difficulty in walking, spilling pee, low blood pressure levels, widened pupils, oversensitivity to sounds, etc. Dogs are more sensitive to marijuana than humans because dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains.
Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke in Dogs
In case if you smoke weed, you need to be extra careful of its effects on your pup as it might get high from smelling the second-hand smoke. It can even trigger any respiratory or breathing issues your canine may have. While most dogs don’t suffer any severe harm from weed exposure, however, they may in case they consume THC in large quantities. Since the adverse effects of pot on pets have been discussed, what about the medicinal uses of marijuana products for dogs?
Difference between CBD and THC
In case you’re investigating the potential advantages of marijuana for dogs, then you need to first understand the difference between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD and THC are the two most common types of cannabinoids present in cannabis products. Both cannabinoids are present in marijuana and hemp but in different quantities. Cannabis contains more THC, whereas hemp contains more CBD.
Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol differ in terms of their chemical properties and have a different mechanism of action. While THC makes you feel euphoric and high, CBD doesn’t contain any antipsychotic properties and doesn’t cause intoxication.
Health Benefits of CBD for Pets
CBD based products are believed to help treat the following medical conditions in pets.
•Joint inflammation and inflammation
•Body pain
•Nervousness and anxiety
•Seizures
•Irritable bowel movements
•Nausea
Veterinarians can’t endorse CBD for animals as marijuana hasn’t been legalized in many states in the US. Many CBD products for dogs are not approved by the FDA as well. Also, there isn’t a standard prescribed dosage of CBD for dogs. This increases the risks of an overdose, and therefore, it is recommended to use CBD products in small quantities. Medical marijuana used for dogs usually comes from the hemp. It’s not equivalent to cannabis people smoke or vape to feel high.
Final Word
If your pet accidentally smokes it, he may suffer from some severe symptoms and medical conditions that need to be treated immediately. Cannabidiol, however, is one such compound of marijuana that doesn’t cause any severe psychological or mental problems. Since research is still needed regarding the health benefits of cannabis for pets, don’t medicate your pet with any CBD or cannabis-based products without consulting to a veterinarian first.
