Authored by: Veterinary Cannabis. Veterinary Cannabis is a social enterprise dedicated to providing practical education to both the veterinary & cannabis industries in which you can rely on up-to-date, scientific information for cannabis (hemp & marijuana) use in animals.
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In the midst of a rapidly evolving cannabis (hemp & marijuana) industry, pet parents are seeking guidance on the pros and cons of this plant and they’re looking to the veterinary community for answers. We know that starting the cannabis conversation with your veterinary team can seem intimidating.
Here are some tips for making sure that you and your entire veterinary team are on the same page.
Why Should Pet Parents Care About Cannabis?
We are seeing huge changes within the cannabis marketplace with innovation and shifts in cultural perceptions. It is imperative that pet parents are willing to critically evaluate the cannabis information they receive. Many cannabis companies are jumping onto the pet product “bandwagon” but not necessarily producing products of high quality that are safe for use in animals.
Despite the prevalent marketing hype that can obscure its true medicinal value or make the use of this plant appear to be a passing trend, pet parents should not dismiss cannabis for their pet outright. There is an impressive accumulation of research in humans and laboratory animals demonstrating that cannabis products have potent medicinal value. Current research demonstrates that these same medicinal benefits are available to companion animals (cats, dogs, horses, etc.) as well. Additionally, stories from pet parents and veterinary practitioners about the benefits of cannabis in animals are overwhelmingly positive.
Some of the most common issues for which pet parents are using cannabis are: pain control, neurologic disorders (seizures, dementia, neuropathies), behavior disorders, and as an adjunct treatment in oncology (cancer) as well as many others.
Although cannabis products do appear to be well tolerated by the majority of animals, cannabis does have important interactions with other pharmaceuticals such as anti-seizure medication, pain medication and many others. Cannabis can be a powerful and effective medicine, but as a medicine, it requires utilization with the support, guidance and oversight of the veterinary team.
A “how to” guide for pet parents
Starting the Cannabis Conversation: