The Leaf THE LEAF Nov-Dec 2018 | Page 10

Cavalry Cannabis There was a time when U.S. Government supplies cannabis was a part of the standard first aid kit for troopers who also had to pull double duty as veterinarians while in the field. The following excerpts are from a historical field manual issued to cavalry soldiers in the times when they rode horses rather than helicopters. Cannabis was apparently used by the army primarily to treat intestinal disorders, wounds and other painful conditions in horses. Source: The U.S. Cavalry Horse by William H Carter A Modern Horse Owner’s First-Hand Account: While I have received several emails directly from horse owners outlining their personal experiences administering marijuana to their pets, one conversation in particular stands out. Horse Owner Becky Flowers relayed her own experiences: “I have owned my mare Phoenix for 7 years. she is a 13.3 hand Paso Fino, about 17 years old. She has DSLD (Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Disease) and arthritis in her back and hips, mostly the right hip. She has always limped in the front. I was giving Bute ( Phenylbutazone, or “Bute”, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) on her bad days, 1 to 2 tablets. This helped some, but didn’t last long. Last month when our temperatures dropped to the teens she was unable to get up. Despite giving her 5 and 6 tablets, two blankets and leg warmers. I was having to feed and water her where she lay. On day three of barely getting up, she stopped eating. I decided to give cannabis a try before having her put down. I gave 2 Bute and a teaspoon of canna butter. Within 45 minutes she was up, walking, eating and drinking! I am now giving her just the teaspoon of cannabutter daily. I have skipped days to see if this was just coincidence. On the skipped days she is down and depressed. I draw up the melted butter and water in a syringe and give it to phoenix. Every time, within 30 minutes she is up, appears pain free, is free moving and happy. I have been using the canna butter for a month now and have never seen her move this well. She has gained weight, coat is beautiful, “she’s happy and walking “ greengeo.weebly.com/cannabis-news/the- history-of-medical-cannabis- hemp-used-to-treat-horses