Taking Issue: Fido can chill out thx to pet pot
If there’s one issue that keeps lighting up Columbus, it’s the possibility of legalizing marijuana. Currently, there’s been a proposal in the works that’ll put an amendment on the ballot this year allowing the sale of marijuana for medicinal and recreational use. It also authorizes the establishment of approved grow sites.
It’s all still a little hazy on whether or not Ohio will soon be a land of dispensaries and edibles. But public opinion (and that of some “celebrities“) is leaning towards making Ohio the latest state to legalize pot. And if the state does adopt it, there might be more than just people celebrating.
Recently, an article from Quartz brought up that there’s a new market developing for pot and edible treats: pets. The article talks about how edible treats are being used for numerous ailments in pets like chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and even appetite stimulation.
But there’s a key difference between (most of) the products targeted for pets versus those for human consumption. And that’s the difference between marijuana and hemp. Most animal edibles are derived from hemp, which is low in THC; but does have CBD, the chemical compound that eases pain.
Marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 substance, except in the 23 states (+ Washington D.C.) where it’s legal. Companies, like those in California and Washington, sell edibles for pets mostly through dispensaries. Although some of the larger ones have active online stores, such as Seattle-based Canna-Pet, which sells capsules and biscuits for dogs made with hemp.
It’s also important to note that there’s been a push from these companies to sell to pet owners who have permission/notes from their vet. It seems like the goal is to have a process very similar to the current medical marijuana regulations people adhere to.
The FDA and several animal health organizations are hesitant to say whether pot is or isn’t good for pets. They advocate for further research and for a regulatory hand in how (much) pets are given edibles.
Legalizing marijuana is already a pretty back and forth issue, and it’s kinda weird to think about debating whether or not to give Fido a peanut butter hemp doggie biscuit to help with his arthritic hip. But the issue might actually be something Columbus, and Ohio, has to consider.
So in true discussion-making fashion, I’ve made a little Pro/Con/Pro list to help me think through the issue:
Pro: Several first-hand accounts from pet owners (including vets) advocating for how marijuana-based treats helped their pets through difficult ailments and illnesses
Con: It’s still a legally gray area with little research done on its benefits. The FDA isn’t fully behind it, and there’s evidence that pets can be poisoned by consuming (varying doses) of marijuana
Pro: People give their pets Porzac, can pot really be that worse …
For me, I’m gonna get behind this. I do think that it’s an industry that needs some oversight and regulation like using local/organic (non industrial) marijuana for treats, selling through established dispensaries, and having vets as a part of the process. But hey, if you disagree, or even agree, with me, let us know in the comments. (deb)
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