As medical cannabis gains momentum on the global stage, a fascinating new study reveals surprising insights into its paw print.
Researchers surveyed over 2000 Danish dog owners to uncover how many supplement their four-legged friends with cannabis and why.
Despite having no approved veterinary cannabis products in Denmark, over a third of respondents had given medical cannabis to their dogs – with the majority perceiving positive effects!
Looking into the data, we discover dog lovers are tapping into cannabis to soothe some common canine conditions. The top reason was easing pain, followed by addressing behavioral issues and allergies.
Beyond approved uses, creative owners even tried cannabis for a sweeping range of over 40 conditions – from brain health to reproduction and immunity. Reported effects ranged – but for hot areas like pain relief, a stunning 77% saw good or excellent results!
As minds and laws open worldwide, how did dogs access cannabis without regulation in Denmark? Where are the risks without veterinary guidance?
Let’s explore how people perceive cannabis for companion animals, what we know and don’t know scientifically so far, key things to consider before trying, and what may blossom in the future of veterinary cannabis medicine!
Pawsitively Intriguing. Real-World Use and Perceived Benefits
In this pioneering study, over a third of Danish dog owners had tried cannabis products for their pets – despite having no legal route to access them.
This reveals people’s thirst for new options amidst the green rush. But how did average Danes source cannabis and why?
The top product used was CBD oil, with just 4% opting for THC. Pain ruled as the top condition treated across all groups, with 3 in 4 reporting good or excellent improvement – likely including arthritis, injuries, or chronic issues causing discomfort. This aligns with emerging veterinary research on CBD for osteoarthritis.
Next most popular was tackling behavior problems like anxiety, fear of loud noises, or unwanted aggression. Two thirds perceived some benefit here, though current studies aren’t convinced. Other common uses were allergies, seizures, and gut health – along with an inspiring 42 other applications like cancer care!
While background health details are unknown, this initial data intrigues – especially for chronic pain. It also raises questions around optimal products and dosing for different species and conditions. But first, just how did average owners access cannabis?
CBD Under the Counter. Sourcing CBD Products
Despite cannabis being unavailable through vets in Denmark, the majority of owners somehow sourced products online. Others tapped into underground channels like private traders, retailers and herbalists. A small number even got cannabis from vets, against the law.
This shows the extreme lengths caring owners will go to help beloved pets – especially when desperate. It is a wake up call for the veterinary community to compassionately guide people, so dogs don’t end up as accidental drug mules for mediocre medicine!
Regulation would also help ensure product quality and consistency. For now, it highlights potential risks of unknown ingredients or contamination when accessing underground products.
The fact that nearly a quarter obtained cannabis abroad also flags the need for international alignment. One would assume traveling overseas primarily to source CBD seems overkill. But some areas like Holland have better access, which then allows condition-based guidance on appropriate use.
Clearly professionals face tricky territory if people are Linebeck to looked overseas, underground sources, or recommendations from Dr Google instead! So what do vets need to know about cannabis medicine in 2024?
What We Know. The Budding Science of Veterinary Cannabis
Unlike the drought of data just a decade ago, promising pillars now emerge in the veterinary cannabis evidence base – especially for pain, epilepsy and anxiety. Safety also seems reassuring from studies so far. Yet compared to human medicine, veterinary cannabis research remains in its infancy.
CBD appears most promising for canine arthritis and pain management so far, with a few supportive clinical studies.
THC may provide additional benefit, given its absence from most veterinary products.
Beyond pain, early research also indicates potential benefits of CBD for canine epilepsy, noise-related anxiety, aggression and skin allergies. But more robust data is still needed.
Unfortunately, no species can perfectly mimic complex human conditions. But our canine companions share similar physiology and inhabit our world as cherished family – providing both generalizable data to inform human medicine, and findings to directly help dogs.
International veterinary bodies now encourage further research to clarify which formulations, dosages and delivery methods best suit different species and diseases.
Safety is paramount – especially concerning heavier human products with high THC and dose variability. But nil side effects are reported so far from high doses of pure CBD. While unlikely, risks could still emerge with widespread use.
As the fastest growing pet supplement globally, veterinary cannabis clearly warrants more attention! Companies are heeding consumer appetite and scrambling to launch animal products – though their quality, accuracy and legality varies drastically.
Until better regulation and veterinary education emerges, owners play roulette with unreliable sources – especially outside jurisdictions with legal access.
But complex policy typically lags behind public demand and desperation. So rather than ignoring widespread use already occurring, the veterinary community must compassionately help fill gaps in formal guidance around cannabis medicine for pets.
Quality Considerations for Curious Owners
While exciting potential exists, critical questions remain around cannabis therapy for companion animals.
Brave owners willing to experiment beyond approved uses deserve both compassion and guidance from veterinary teams they trust. But with so many unknowns and risks of using unreliable sources, we must proceed carefully.
Ideally working with health professionals attuned with possible benefits, key considerations include appropriate indications, CBD vs THC products, sourcing quality suppliers, dosing cautiously, monitoring effects and mitigating risks.
Targeting appropriate conditions backed by some formal research increases chances of success – especially pain, seizures, anxiety and allergies so far.
Both CBD and hemp products show potential compared to THC alone. Seeking quality, reputable suppliers minimizes risks of contamination or inaccurate contents. And dosing slowly, while monitoring effects allows course correction.
Potential side effects seem rare but could include sedation or upset digestion at high doses. Also be vigilant for any paradoxical agitation, especially around THC products – as dogs vary in sensitivity. Finally, never blow smoke directly into any animal’s face. Despite media hype around getting pets ‘high’, responsible whole plant medicine does not aim to simply intoxicate animals!
While desperate times can catalyze bravery in asking questions beyond modern medicine, we must also acknowledge its limits.
There likely exist conditions for which cannabis provides no benefit. There are many unknowns.
And risks around using unreliable sources.
Yet quality of life often trumps quantity of days for those struggling. Perhaps this is why so many pet owners already experiment with cannabis for their dogs – especially when standard options fail.
The Future. Greener Care for Furry Friends
This research highlights promising potential – but also problems around accessing cannabis therapeutics for pets.
Given relentless consumer appetite, rather than ignoring reality, veterinary guidance could prevent reckless experimentation by owners feeling desperate. Compassion must temper skepticism. And science should illuminate rather than intimidate enquiry beyond regimented medicine.
While rigorous research progresses gradually, owners want solutions now – not later. Especially when beloved pets suffer, defensive dismissal of promising plant potential seems unethical. Yet so too does haphazard home experimentation given complexity cross contaminating cannabis products today.
Perhaps a middle path lies through vet-guided oversight of owner desperation to help ailing dogs; being present with caring awareness as people explore options outside the conventional asylum, while illuminating considerations around appropriateness, quality and safety along the way.
Emerging companies and recent regulation aim to ensure access to pure, legal cannabis derivatives for pets in need.
Dogs once provided key guidance on ancient healing trails… showing us when and where to dig for potent plant helpers like cannabis. Perhaps as beloved companions sharing our journey they might guide us once more – this time illuminating legal, responsible paths to ancient plant wisdom nearly banned into oblivion after a brief century of reckless prohibition.
What do you think? Have you considered cannabis for your fur babies? Do you feel veterinarians should support those looking into cannabis options? How might we expand plant potential for pets responsibly? We welcome your thoughts on this fascinating frontier!
