As marijuana policies continue to change across the U.S., it is important to heed warnings about keeping medication and all forms of cannabis out of the reach of children, however, it is just as critical to consider the impact on our family pets. 🐶🐱
Marijuana or cannabis refers to the dried parts of the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known to produce psychoactive effects. In the past, cannabis has been used 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 - often smoked, inhaled via vaping, or ingested through food and drink such as cookies, brownies, soft drinks, and candy - many do not have warning labels. ⚠
Increased accessibility to marijuana has led to increases in accidental exposure for children and family pets. According to a new study published in April 2024 in the Journal of the American Veterinarian Medical Association, there is a growing concern of marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) toxicity in dogs who may 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. This is why there is increased importance for marijuana policies that also protect our animals.
Key findings of this study showed that the most common route of THC exposure in dogs was via ingestion from sources such as edibles, plant material, and medical products. Current veterinary testing for THC toxicity uses human urine multidrug testing (HUMT), which is costly, often unreliable, and takes time to receive results. Owner denial is also a common issue as many dog owners are unwilling to admit to the possibility of marijuana exposure. The number of cases is expected to rise as legalized marijuana and its products become more readily available.
It is more important than ever to educate pet owners on the risks and signs of marijuana exposure and take steps to ensure that veterinarians are equipped with the proper tools and resources to diagnose marijuana toxicity.
Read Study Results
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