Should We Start Giving Our Pets Weed?

Humans are not the only ones who feel pain like arthritis. Our pet dogs and cats are also victims of physical pain, especially as they age.

The same way some humans do not like taking pain killers and opt for marijuana, is something that seems to be working for their pets too.

It’s an alternative medicine for treating pain and as more states legalize marijuana, pet owners are realizing that their furry friends can also benefit from cannabis-based extracts. So far medical marijuana is legal in 28 states.

Cannabis-based extracts have been known to treat arthritis, anxiety, seizures, and even cancer.

Many pet products that contain cannabidiol or CBD, are not regulated. The CBD is a compound that does not get pets or humans that “high” feeling. They also contain litle or almost no tetrahydrocannbinol or THC. THC is known for the psychoactive effects that marijuana can cause.

Little research has been carried out to prove if marijuana does help animals, but many pet owners claim their pets feel relief.

California veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe or even recommend cannabis, and re legally barred from it. They could risk losing their veterinary licenses otherwise.

“Our hands really are tied,” said Ken Pawlowski, president of the California Veterinary Medical Association. “Definitely we’re getting more questions from clients asking about it for their pets, but unfortunately we don’t have any answers for them.”

TreatWell Health is a San Francisco-based company that markets cannabis products for pets. They sell cannabis tinctures that can be added to food or dropped directly into the owner’s pet’s mouth.

Co-founder Alison Ettel stated, “What we find is a lot of the animals are coming to us when there are no other options and pharmaceuticals haven’t worked for that animal. They’re at that last resort, and cannabis is really good for those types of situations.”

It’s only understandable that if our pets are in extreme pain, especially under circumstances like cancer, that owners will do anything to help alleviate their pain.