Q&A: Medical Marijuana for Pets

While we know that marijuana is toxic to our furry friends, there are still many unknowns about the use of medical marijuana in veterinary medicine. DoveLewis Chief Medical Officer Lee Herold answers your questions about this controversial drug use for pets.

Can pets be treated with medical marijuana?

At this time, there is a need for more clinical data to prove that medical marijuana is safe and helpful for pets. We do know that pets are much more sensitive to marijuana use than humans and often suffer from toxic side effects that include vomiting, disorientation, dizziness and seizures. In fact, DoveLewis treats marijuana toxicity cases on a regular basis.

However, we do know that some people claim that medical marijuana benefits pets similarly to the way it benefits humans. The drug has been used by some to treat nerve damage and pain, nausea and vomiting, cancer, inappetence, and inflammatory bowel disease. While there are individual success stories of medical marijuana use in pets, there is still not enough reasonable, definitive medical proof to recommend that it is safe and effective for animal use.

Can veterinarians prescribe medical marijuana to pets?

Veterinarians in all states are prohibited from prescribing or selling medical marijuana. However, they can answer questions and offer limited advice.

Why aren’t there more clinical research studies on the use of marijuana in veterinary medicine?

The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, which means it has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification, and the fact that marijuana is still illegal on the federal level, is a huge hurdle for those wanting to perform gold-standard clinical trials.

Are hemp supplements for pets safe to use?

Commercially available hemp supplements contain little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can be extremely toxic to pets. Instead, these products contain cannabidiol (CBD), which is the compound that is thought to cause most of the positive medical effects of marijuana in pets. They are generally available in capsules, liquid and biscuits.

Though CBD is legal, it’s not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Any company can put CBD in a product, but there’s no guarantee of quality or quantity, and they legally cannot claim any health benefits.

Since it doesn’t contain THC, it’s most likely safe for pets, as far as we can tell. But we don’t have any reasonable proof to suggest that owners give it to their pets or that it will help any illnesses.

What will happen if I give my pet medical marijuana?

Different types of marijuana have quite a variation in the active ingredient, and we know that very small quantities can often result in toxic side effects. We do not recommend that owners self-prescribe medical marijuana for their pets. Instead, ask your veterinarian for professional advice. And remember that your veterinarian is prohibited from prescribing marijuana.

If your pet shows signs of marijuana toxicity, seek treatment with your veterinarian immediately.