does not injure itself or aspirate vomit. Vital parameters should be monitored. If hospitalization is
required, it is rarely needed for more than 24 hours. Although intra-lipid emulsion therapy can be
used due to the very high lipophilicity of cannabis, it is rarely needed. Since there is near
absence of cannabinoid receptors in the brain stem, marijuana does not stimulate the
autonomic nervous system. Mortality is low; the previously mentioned study in the Journal of
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care showed a mortality rate of 1.6%, and the deaths could
not be definitely attributed to marijuana exposure.
Client education
Although the legalization of marijuana happened a few months ago, this legalization does not
immediately extend to pets. Veterinarians commonly prescribe off-label medications, however
marijuana is not currently a substance that has enough research regarding its medicinal use in
companion animals to provide backing for off label use. However, it is likely that veterinarians
will have a significant increase in requests from pet owners to prescribe marijuana and its
products for their pets. Until more research is available, the safest approach is to not prescribe
marijuana products for pets.
If owners are still interested to use medical marijuana for their pets against FDA/regulatory
advice, they should look for:
Water-soluble hemp (increases absorption by 80%)
Look for USDA certified organic (it has to meet strict criteria of not been contaminated with
harmful ingredients to achieve this status)
Look for 0.0% THC- the maximum allowed is 0.3% THC by law in medicinal marijuana products
References available from the authors on request.
2019 OVMA Conference 240
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
15001 duquE WEBB - MEdICAL uSE ANd TOxICOSIS OF MARIJuANA IN VETERINARy pRACTICE
