In recent years, a growing number of pet owners and veterinarians have been turning to the use of cannabis oils and edibles as natural, holistic, alternative treatments for ailing pets.
New cannabis-based products including food sachets, treats, capsules and oils, are now specifically geared to pets. They target common pet challenges such as pain, joint mobility, separation anxiety, and itching. These products contain only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, however - not enough to get pets high.
Studies show a growing number of dog and cat owners are using these products to treat their pets’ cancer, diabetes, seizures, arthritis, sleeplessness, and behavior issues.
The FDA has not yet approved marijuana for pets, however, and veterinarians are not currently allowed to write prescriptions for it. Currently, only people with a medical marijuana card can purchase these products. But come January, when recreational marijuana will be legally sold in California, the products will be available to any pet owner, 21 or older, in that state.
But while some pet owners swear by it, not everyone agrees that marijuana for pets is a good idea. Little knowledge is available to prove or disprove its safety or effectiveness in animals. The lack of research and controlled studies makes dosing your pet with pot akin to giving your child something you bought on a street corner. The hope is that once recreational marijuana becomes legal in California, more research will be funded to do larger studies on the effects of marijuana on animals.