Stay Vigilant for Cannabis (Marijuana) Intoxication

 

We've all heard the safety warnings to keep prescription medication stored in high cabinets or in locked drawers when not in use, but it is just as important to keep over the counter medicine and all forms of cannabis, medical or recreational, out of the reach of children and family pets.

Marijuana or cannabis refers to the dried parts of the Cannabis plant. Cannabis has been used since 500 B.C. as an herbal medicine as well as for products such as rope, textiles, and paper. Today, cannabis is primarily used for medicinal or recreational purposes. It may be smoked like a cigarette, inhaled via vaping, or ingested via food and drink.

Cannabis contains more than 100 different chemicals or compounds called Cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid with the most psychoactive effects. It is also the compound responsible for cannabis' medicinal uses to treat nausea or improve appetite in cancer patients. Other compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) have shown promise for medicinal use and do not have psychoactive effects.

Marijuana can be found in cookies, brownies, soft drinks, and candy - products that do not have warning labels to remind adults to keep these medicines out of reach.

Legal or illegal, the increased accessibility to marijuana has led to to increases in accidental exposure. Researchers have reported an increase in the number of children brought into the emergency room after swallowing medicinal marijuana products. Most common symptoms include excessive sleepiness, dizziness, and trouble walking, but there is a danger that children can become too sleepy and decreased breathing may reduce oxygen levels. In case of accidental exposure, it is important to call 911, Poison Control 1-800-222-1222, or go immediately to the closest emergency room. 

Pets can also be at risk for accidental exposure. Cats and dogs can become intoxicated by inhaling second-hand smoke, eating edibles, or ingesting cannabis in any form. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains which means effects can potentially be more toxic for them than for humans. Signs of intoxication for pets may include incoordination, hyperactivity, disorientation, or vocalization. They may drool or vomit, and in severe cases, experience tremors, seizures, or slip into a coma. If you notice suspicious behavior in your cat or dog and cannabis or other drug exposure is a possibility, take your pet to a veterinarian or to the nearest emergency vet hospital for treatment.

Take care and stay vigilant 💊
Keep all drugs safely out of reach of children and pets!