Yo, what’s good fam? We all know about how lit THC and CBD can be for us humans. They help us relax and chill out through our endocannabinoid system. But what about our furry homies? Can they benefit from these molecules too? Read on to learn about weed and pets, including the effects, legality, and products that are out there.
Humans have been into cannabis for centuries. We’ve used it for everything from food to medicine to fun times. Nowadays, more and more people are getting into it. Some places even let you grow your own plants in your backyard or in your room.
But yo, can we give weed to our pets? While we all know that recreational weed is a no-go for them, can they still reap the benefits of the plant?
Just like us, our pets get sick too. Some of them get really sick, while others just deal with the normal stuff that comes with getting older – aches, pains, arthritis, you name it. Before you even think about giving your pet some weed to help them feel better, you need to understand exactly how it works in animals.
The Endocannabinoid System in Animals
Cannabis works pretty much the same way in pets as it does in humans. The cannabinoids interact with the receptors of many living creatures through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps balance out our systems and keeps us in a state of homeostasis.
Almost all animals have an ECS – even your goldfish. By giving cannabis to our pets, we cause a temporary shift in their biology. This might help when it comes to fighting certain ailments, but it could also be dangerous if not done right.
Toxicity of Cannabis in Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets
As humans, we’re lucky. We can enjoy cannabis pretty safely. If we overdo it, we just feel tired and hungry before passing out. But that’s not the case for our pets.
While research on the effects of THC in pets is still limited, evidence shows that they experience toxic effects quicker and with lower doses than humans do. Dogs especially have a much higher concentration of CB1 receptors in their brains than we do.
Most of the time though, consuming cannabis isn’t fatal for dogs or cats. Just make sure to keep your stash away from your furry friends – if they eat it, the consequences could be serious.
Is CBD Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Cannabis has a lot of different chemicals in it besides THC – one of them being CBD. While more research needs to be done on how it affects dogs and cats specifically, CBD might present a viable option for helping with their health issues under the right circumstances.
Since CBD is non-psychoactive, many people use it on a regular basis to reduce nervousness, soothe muscles, and promote relaxation. Although research is limited at this stage.
Effects of CBD on Dogs
There’s some anecdotal evidence as well as some research on dogs and marijuana. One study found that dogs with osteoarthritis had significant decreases in pain after being given CBD[2]. Another study showed that 89% of epileptic dogs who received cannabidiol treatment had a reduction in seizures[3].
Effects of CBD on Cats
More research still needs to be done regarding cats and CBD specifically. So far though, anecdotal accounts suggest that CBD might help reduce aggression and stress while increasing appetite.
CBD Treats for Dogs and Cats
As CBD continues to gain popularity among humans, more and more products are becoming available for pets too. There are different types of treats available so you should be able to find one that your pet will love – from bacon and cheese-flavored to sweet potato or peanut butter.
Make sure you follow dosage recommendations though – generally starting at 1mg of CBD per 10lbs of body weight for cats and dogs, with 3mg per 10lbs being the most you should give them.
Topicals
Some companies have also developed topical products for pets which target the endocannabinoid system within the skin to alleviate symptoms of skin conditions like rashes or eczema.
Is It Legal to Give Medical Cannabis to Your Dog or Cat?
Just because medical marijuana is legal in some places doesn’t mean you can give it to your pet legally too. However, CBD is legal in many countries around the world for pet use.
The Future of Medical Marijuana for Pets
More research needs to be done on whether or not marijuana can be used safely on our pets. As humans continue to use medical marijuana more often though – and recreational marijuana becomes legal in some places like Canada or parts of the US – vets may start considering whether or not weed can be used safely on dogs or cats too.
Should You Give Cannabis to Your Dog or Cat?
Yo, don’t go overboard here – we don’t recommend giving your pet THC at all due to its potential toxicity. However, under the right circumstances, CBD might be worth checking out if your pet has a particular ailment. Before giving anything though always consult with your vet first!
Ayo, I feel like some pets might need that relief just like us. If it helps them chill and feel better, why not? But gotta make sure its safe for them. We gotta look out for our furry fam, ya know?