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The group responsible for approving drugs for animal use in Canada is the Veterinary Drug Directorate (“VDD”, part of Health Canada). The VDD hasn’t approved any cannabis products for animal use other than those derived from hemp seed or oil, which does not contain CBD. To get approval from the VDD a company has to prove product consistency, safety and efficacy (as with any new drug submission, human or otherwise). More studies are required for pets. Dr. Sarah Silcox, president and director of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine states that “we want to ensure that cannabis products used to treat animals are developed using good production practices, are safe, clearly labelled, and used in an appropriate manner. The best way to do this is to have products that are specifically designed for animal use, held to the same standards as other medical cannabis products, and their use overseen by a veterinarian”.
Canadians will be tempted to use their own cannabis, but that comes with warning of potential overdose. Although fatal toxicity is not high, it has been known to cause seizures and other complications with some pets. Currently vets are not allowed to even discuss dosage with pet owners. However they can educate on the risks. In the US, where at least 30 states have legalized medical cannabis, vets are reluctant to even discuss the drug, which is illegal under federal law for animals. Many vets have been warned that they could lose their license if they suggest it as a treatment. A Toronto Star article published August 2, 2018 interviewed Dr. Maggie Brown-Bury of the Veterinary Specialty Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador, where she reports how cannabis use for pets has become common, and that it isn’t unusual to see multiple dogs at the clinic being treated for toxicity at one time. Last week it had treated three dogs. In Colorado there was a four-fold increase in reported cases of toxicity in dogs between 2010 and 2015.
Right now the Canadian Counsel of Veterinary Registrars is considering a proposal to let vets make recommendations and provide dosing guidelines for clients who choose to use cannabis products purchased over the counter once legalization takes effect in October. Although countries are liberalizing marijuana around the world, none appear to allow medicinal cannabis use for pets. Canada, we hope, will become the first.