I went on to treat him at the clinic for some type of poisoning, and WHAT did I see him vomit.. a suspect looking marijuana leaf..

Hoochie went on to 'recover' fine, and I was especially relieved after researching that marijuana was surprisingly safe for dogs, no real toxicities, and potentially had medicinal benefits.

While I practiced here in 'alternative' Nelson BC, more than a few clients espoused the benefits of Pot for their dogs.

I was intrigued, but the whole illegal thing made me skeptical

But NOW all of that has changed.

Here is some of what you should know

Medical marijuana is becoming more and more accepted as a useful treatment for people suffering pain, nausea related to chemotherapy, epileptic convulsions and HIV/AIDS 

Now, pet owners, vets and alternative veterinary carers are saying that that it's helping pets manage pain and chronic illnesses.

CBD or Cannaabinoids

CBD is extracted and separated from specific varieties of cannabis, often known as hemp. Chemically, CBD is one of 85 chemical substances known as cannabinoids, which are all found in the cannabis plant. CBD is the second most abundant compound in hemp, typically representing up to 40% of its extracts.

CBD is currently used by many patients (human and animal) who seek an alternative form of therapy without the unwanted side effects of typical drugs.

Arthritis

CBD has been shown to have potent anti-arthritic therapeutic action, resulting in both joint protection and clinical sign improvement.[1] “Oral CBD has a beneficial action on two symptoms of established inflammation: [swelling and sensitivity to pain]” [2] Furthermore, studies indicate chronic use of CBD has not been shown to elicit negative side effects and does not induce tolerance.[1]

Compelling research studies have shown CBD to be powerful and effective in preventing and suppressing nausea. [1] Further, research has shown that CBD suppresses nausea caused by a disease or medication and nausea that pets can feel in response to a conditioned event. Researchers found that “the expression of this conditioned retching reaction was completely suppressed by pretreatment with…cannabidiol (CBD).” [2] Furthermore, studies indicate chronic use of CBD has not been shown to elicit negative side effects and does not induce tolerance. [4]

Research has shown that CBD may inhibit both seizure activity and the severity of such activity [1] and [2]. Study results have “point[ed] to CBD being of potential therapeutic use…in the treatment of epilepsies.”[3] Studies also indicate that the use of CBD in conjunction with certain anti-seizure medications may enhance the anticonvulsant effects of those drugs.[3] Furthermore, studies indicate chronic use of CBD has not been shown to elicit negative side effects and does not induce tolerance.[4]

Current research “indicate[s] that CBD causes a selective anxiolytic effect” [1] and “CBD [was] associated with significantly decreased subjective anxiety.” [2] Furthermore, studies indicate chronic use of CBD has not been shown to elicit negative side effects and does not induce tolerance. [4]

The largest company is called Cannapet, and they are now selling CBD in capsules and treats through many veterinary clinics.

Another company called VetCBD is selling CBD as a liquid form

I personally see the benefits of CBD for pets, especially for pain and seizures.

I would be considering it for my own pets.

Here are some of the references:

1.Malfait, A., Gallily, R., Sumariwalla, P., Malik, A., Andreakos, E., Mechoulam, R., & Feldmann, M. (2000). The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 9561-9566.

2. Costa, B., Colleoni, M., Conti, S., Parolaro, D., Franke, C., Trovato, A., & Giagnoni, G. (2004). Oral anti-inflammatory activity of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, in acute carrageenan-induced inflammation in the rat paw. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, 294-299.

4. Parker, L., Kwiatkowska, M., & Mechoulam, R. (2006). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, but not ondansetron, interfere with conditioned retching reactions elicited by a lithium-paired context in Suncus murinus: An animal model of anticipatory nausea and vomiting. Physiology & Behavior, 66-71.

5. Cannabis for Intractable Epilepsy. http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/Cannabis-for-Intractable-Epilepsy/

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