With more than half of states legalizing marijuana in some form, humans are quite familiar with the medicinal uses of cannabis. Now, pet owners are extending those benefits to their pets, with cannabis-infused treats and supplements making their way into Fido’s food bowl.
From arthritis to chronic pain and anxiety, marijuana is being used to help pets cope with a variety of ailments.
In states where marijuana is legal, pet owners can find cannabis-based edibles, extracts and ointments. In places where medical marijuana is legal, some dispensaries are offering marijuana-laced dog treats along with a patient’s marijuana and edibles.
Most pot products for pets contain CBD, or cannabidiol, the chemical compound in marijuana that doesn’t get humans – or pets – high. These products contain only trace amounts of THC, the compound that induces psychoactive effects.
Just as marijuana can be used to treat a variety of health issues in humans, the drug can also be used to help Fido find relief. A recent article on SimpleWag touched on CBD treats, pointing out the benefits of these products. From cancer pain to inflammation, seizures, anxiety, arthritis, loss of appetite and aggression, CBD treats may help dogs overcome a variety of issues.
CBD, as it would seem, offers the same benefits and relief to dogs that humans enjoy.
But veterinarians aren’t entirely convinced that CBD treats and other cannabis-related pet products are safe. Experts say there isn’t enough scientific evidence to show that marijuana is safe or effective for treating pets.
Because marijuana is still illegal on the federal level, there has been little research into the medical benefits of cannabis for animals.
In California, veterinarians are prohibited from prescribing or even recommending cannabis. Veterinarians risk losing their license if they make such a recommendation.
Still, pet owners are convinced that cannabis has improved their pet’s health and well-being, despite the lack of scientific evidence.
Some animal rescues and adoption centers use cannabis ointments and edibles to treat older dogs with behavioral or health issues. Many note a visible improvement in animals that have arthritis, with many able to get up and move around again.
Pet owners often turn to cannabis pet products when conventional pharmaceutical options are no longer helping their animals. For many, these products are used in end-of-life care to provide pets with pain relief. For animals with inflammation, arthritis and chronic pain, many pet owners say CBD treats have allowed their furry companions to enjoy a normal life.
Marijuana pet products is a growing industry. Just this week, Endexx Corporation announced that it had completed its acquisition of Phyto-Labs LLC.
Phyto-Labs is the producer of CBD pet products, among other related products. Known as Phyto-Bites, the company’s dog treats are infused with CBD and “formulated to promote health and support the reduction of separation anxiety, pain and inflammation.”
CBD treats are the latest trend in the animal supplement market, a $500 million industry that’s expected to grow by more than $150 million by the end of the decade.
