As is the case with humans, pets suffer side effects including liver and kidney damage from the medication they’re prescribed. But one L.A. veterinarian thinks there’s a safe alternative for some of these prescriptions: medical marijuana.
The marijuana extract that he created for pets, called VETCBD, is meant for animals suffering from arthritis, separation and travel anxiety, appetite loss, seizures and chronic pain. VETCBD is made from cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive extract of marijuana. In other words, pets can’t get high — and, the side effects are almost nonexistent.
The extract is 19 parts CBD and one-part THC, just enough to help activate the CBD so that it zeros in on pain and anxiety, He says “We don’t know how animals are feeling, so we look for signs such as barking like crazy or urinating in the house or tearing up the house.”
If that’s the case how about when they wake up to the munchies! Back in the day I used to remember how we used to blow smoke in the face of a pet Siamese cat, who loved it, only thing is he was already cross-eyed so we couldn’t decipher if he was stoned out of his mind. The only way we knew it had an effect, was when he awoke and ran to the kitchen. Occasional puffs also went towards a pet bull terrier who was hyper and would chew everything in sight, but finally mellowed when he received a few puffs while he hung around the circle of smoke with the gang.
But nowadays don’t expect to be able to get your dog or cat medicinal marijuana through your vet. “There is no evidence to support its use for any indication,” says a medical director at LA Animal Hospital. “Studies are simply not there to suggest it has any proven positive effects.”
In fact, it’s illegal in every state for a vet to prescribe marijuana to treat a pet. But pet owners can still get their paws on pet-friendly medicinal marijuana at many dispensaries. More than 60 medical marijuana dispensaries in California carry VETCBD, which is given orally with a syringe or put on food. Pet size determines the amount given from one-ounce bottles that cost $40 each, which, for an average-sized dog, last about a month. One vet has demo days with biscuits and other treats with VETCBD.
Though VETCBD is not a cure-all, most vets are convinced it can extend pets’ lives by easing their discomfort: “People aren’t as likely to jump the gun and euthanize because they think their pet is suffering.” Says one vet.
Well there you have it! Yes, Pets can have some of that good green that takes away the pain without the high effect. As for longevity, well if I can attest, our Siamese friend back in the day did last 17 years. So in saying just that! how about a Request for an extra trim from the Bud hand trimmers or bud trimming operators in the world for good old Fido! Only if they were around to share their own experience from back in the day!
Michael Garay ~