Medical Marijuana For Dogs?

November 04, 2019

Introduction:

With twenty-nine states legalizing medical marijuana, pot is taking over the nation. Compounds found in marijuana such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) contain medicinal properties that aid thousands of patients suffering from pain, epilepsy, seizures, and countless other diseases. Thousands of success stories suggest marijuana could in fact be the miracle drug of our time, because of its potent properties and virtually no side effects. In 2007, Harvard released a comprehensive study on THC’s potential to combat cancerous tumors and discovered that just three weeks doses of THC were able to cut lung cancer tumor growth in half in mice subjects.

While medical marijuana research looks promising and more states begin to write and implement their regulations, what does this mean for our pets? All research is done on animals before it reaches human subjects. Can our beloved furry friends benefit from this potential miracle drug? Will medical marijuana finally replace thousands of pharmaceutical drugs that contain harmful side effects? Let’s get to the bottom of it.

How does it work?

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do have Cannabinoid receptors that are part of the Endocannabinoid system, which is involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. As stated above marijuana contains two major compounds, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), each having their own distinct characteristics.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is famed for creating the “high” in recreational users. Medical attributes consist of:

anti-epileptic
anti-inflammatory
anti-depressant
stimulates appetite

Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive and its effects include:

reduced pain
reduced anxiety
reduced nausea
sedative effects
anti-convulsive
anti-schizophrenic
arrests the spread of cancer

How can marijuana help?

Like humans, dogs experience nasty side effects from pharmaceutical drugs that can make your pet seem dead. Powerful pain killers and cancer medications are extremely toxic to the liver. In addition, owners find themselves spending thousands of dollars on medication to fix the initial problem plus the side effects that may surface. Because dogs actually make their own cannabinoids, the drug is extremely safe and has zero recorded deaths. Due to its non-psychoactive properties, CBD has been the center of attention for medical research, because it can be used to aid children without the “high” stigma.

“Veterinarians are finding that marijuana is useful in treating acute ailments like sprains and strains, torn ligaments, bone breaks and even during post-operative care to reduce swelling, pain and stiffness ” – Ministry Of Hemp

Just like in humans, the plant has proven to reverse cancers, help with severe seizures, ignite an appetite while sick or medicated, reduce nausea, reduce anxiety, and MUCH MUCH MORE! Overdose has also been ruled out so one can increase dosage without fear. Historically the plant has been used as medication for thousand for years dating back to the ancient Chinese and its becoming clear why. From small pain to deadly cancers, marijuana always seems to have a trick up its sleeve with no side effects! You can let your furry friend be a dog while getting well. Why stare at your medicated lifeless dog when it can play a game of fetch?

Medical marijuana may not be the cure to the problem, but it will ease the pain!

But dogs can’t smoke….

While it is clear that dogs can’t smoke pot, scientist have been able to extract CBD oil that contains all the healing properties without the downsides of plant combustion. Furthermore, the drug can be easily extracted and turned into delicious treats, eliminating the problem of pets not wanting to swallow their medication. The marijuana industry is finally getting the attention of wealthy investors in part creating healthy competition. Today we see thousands of products that contain the drug such as ice cream, sweets, capsules, and even soda! Because cannabidiol is non-psychoactive your doggy medication is safe around kids.

Can my vet prescribe medical marijuana?

Although states are pushing for full legalization, the federal government continues to deny the plants medicinal properties, classifying it a schedule one drug like heroin and LSD. Due to legal complications, vets cannot prescribe medical marijuana.

If you happen to live in one of the eight states that permit recreational marijuana or you already have a medical marijuana card yourself, feel free to visit some of the “pot shops” as some carry dog merchandise. Dog owners find their current medication is causing their pet to vomit and occasionally veterinarians will recommend pot infused dog treats as medication.

Conclusion:

Medical marijuana has scientifically proven to humanity that it contains world changing medicinal properties. With a potential cure for cancer and other deadly diseases, the giggly drug of the past is not so funny anymore. The federal government seems to have missed all the science but the American people are speaking up. The American people want change and they want what’s best for their families. With zero recorded deaths and still being listed as a schedule one drug, marijuana is shaking the world. Thousands of pets may eat and be the dogs they were meant to be. It’s just a matter of time before animals like people will be able to enjoy the benefits of “plant of the gods”.