In the history of medicine, men of have been the key factor and up until the 1980s women and kids were just seen as little men in regards to medical dosage. In 1986, National Institute of Health established a policy that encouraged researchers to include women in studies. We have quickly come a long way, but you need to remember, despite your love and treatment of your pet, they are just not mini-humans. The medical side of the pet care industry is over $2.6 billion in North American.
This doesn’t include events like July 4th and other packed and very noisy holidays that send pets into stress overtime. This leads to the question, can I use CBD or THC on my pet. The answer is yes to CBD with conditions and generally no to THC. First, always talk to your vet, and second, always find something that is made for pets. And here is why.
Medical Marijuana and Pets
it is well know chocolate is toxic to dogs. While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains, which means the effects of cannabis are more dramatic and potentially more toxic when compared to humans. Likewise, a small amount of cannabis is all it takes to cause toxicity in cats and dogs.
Cats and dogs can become intoxicated by cannabis in various ways, most commonly by accidentally eating edibles (e.g., baked goods, candies, chocolate bars, and chips containing cannabis), or cannabis directly (in any form). Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains, which means the effects of cannabis are more dramatic and potentially more toxic when compared to humans. A small amount of cannabis is all it takes to cause toxicity in cats and dog
Animals are sensitive to the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis plant. Its dangers are prevalent. “If you ask any of our emergency room veterinarians, they would all say that the number of cannabis-intoxicated dogs has increased by leaps and bounds since legalization of medical and then recreational marijuana for humans,” UC Davis professor of vet sciences, Karl Jandrey, told the Los Angeles Times.
CBD and Pets
It’s only normal to want the best for our pet dogs and cats, and the use of cannabidiol has shown to be more than promising. In fact, CBD could very well be the treatment we’ve all been looking for to extend the lives of our pets, and add life to their years. CBD products are perfectly safe for your furry friend as long as they’re derived from the hemp variety of the cannabis plant. Products derived from the marijuana variety of cannabis, however, are not safe for animal consumption, as they typically contain high levels of THC and can thus be toxic to animals. And yes, you can give CBD to your dog before the fireworks, if you talk to your vet and give it a few hours before to allow time for the calming effect.
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A website that doubles as an educational portal was launched by the Veterinary Cannabis Society (VCS) for veterinarians, as well as pet owners and cannabis businesses. This follows years of the exploding popularity of cannabidiol use for pets, as it’s shown promise in helping treat many ailments naturally from cancer and anxiety, to arthritis and old age. But despite this, there are still many questionable claims, uses, and products out there.
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Starting in October 2021, Nevada became the first state in the country to pass a law that allows licensed veterinarians to recommend and administer hemp and cannabidiol products. This means that Nevada is the first state to legalize the use of cannabinoids as a veterinary treatment.
Steve Yeager, an assembly member who sponsored the bill, said that it clarified vet rules around the use of CBD. Additionally, they can also talk to pet owners about it and consult with them about its use, dosage, and even administer the medication to pets directly. “They can do all that without having to worry about being disciplined by their board, which was really the main concern behind the bill,” says Yeager. Meanwhile, in Michigan and California, vets are only allowed to consult regarding cannabis use but aren’t allowed to administer them to their pets.
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With the widespread use of cannabis in more than 40 states medically, and 22 states recreationally, there still are no guidelines on the appropriate use of CBD for pets even with a flourishing market as entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to develop products made for pets.
We expect the pet cannabis industry to continue booming, with the hopes that more vets and pet owners will have the knowledge and guidance that they need in order to safely and confidently medicate their cats and dogs. Remember, just like you wouldn’t give your dog a martini or your cat rosé, don’t get them an edible and hope for the best.
