Starting the Cannabis Conversation
A “how to” guide for pet parents
In the midst of a rapidly evolving cannabis (hemp & marijuana) industry, pet parents are seeking guidance on the pros and cons of this plant and they’re looking to the veterinary community for answers. We know that starting the cannabis conversation with your veterinary team can seem intimidating.
Here are some tips for making sure that you and your entire veterinary team are on the same page.
Here are some tips for making sure that you and your entire veterinary team are on the same page.
|
Why Should Pet Parents Care About Cannabis?We are seeing huge changes within the cannabis marketplace with innovation and shifts in cultural perceptions. It is imperative that pet parents are willing to critically evaluate the cannabis information they receive. Many cannabis companies are jumping onto the pet product “bandwagon” but not necessarily producing products of high quality that are safe for use in animals.
|
Despite the prevalent marketing hype that can obscure its true medicinal value or make the use of this plant appear to be a passing trend, pet parents should not dismiss cannabis for their pet outright. There is an impressive accumulation of research in humans and laboratory animals demonstrating that cannabis products have potent medicinal value. Current research demonstrates that these same medicinal benefits are available to companion animals (cats, dogs, horses, etc.) as well. Additionally, stories from pet parents and veterinary practitioners about the benefits of cannabis in animals are overwhelmingly positive.
|
Some of the most common issues for which pet parents are using cannabis are: pain control, neurologic disorders (seizures, dementia, neuropathies), behavior disorders, and as an adjunct treatment in oncology (cancer) as well as many others.
|
|
Although cannabis products do appear to be well tolerated by the majority of animals, cannabis does have important interactions with other pharmaceuticals such as anti-seizure medication, pain medication and many others. Cannabis can be a powerful and effective medicine, but as a medicine, it requires utilization with the support, guidance and oversight of the veterinary team.
The Legal Landscape
The content of this article is not intended as, nor should be considered, legal advice.
Occasionally, pet parents report that they do not feel supported by their veterinary health care team in their research about the use of cannabis for their pet or that the veterinary health care team does not seem interested in discussing cannabis for their pet’s condition.
|
Feeling unsupported by your pet’s health care team can result in frustration, confusion and worry. In addition, it has helped to create an alarming trend of pet parents seeking information elsewhere, often from unreliable sources.
|
To ensure positive outcomes, collaboration between the pet parent and the veterinary health care team is essential - your pet’s veterinary health care team has important knowledge of species differences, training in the interactions between medications, as well as the ability to monitor for both beneficial effects and/or toxicity in your pet.
Understanding the legal landscape around cannabis, particularly in regard to laws regulating veterinarians and veterinary technicians, can help both sides work together to maximize your pet’s well-being.
Understanding the legal landscape around cannabis, particularly in regard to laws regulating veterinarians and veterinary technicians, can help both sides work together to maximize your pet’s well-being.
|
1. As veterinarians, we are not authorized to prescribe any Schedule 1 drugs – including marijuana (products that contain more than 0.3% THC) or other types of cannabis.
2. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, there is a clear distinction between marijuana (containing >0.3% THC) and hemp (containing <0.3% THC) types of cannabis and veterinarians may have more flexibility when working with hemp-based products. However, there still remain state-specific and even clinic-specific restrictions that the veterinary health care team and the pet parent must navigate together. 3. Cannabis products derived from either hemp or marijuana (in certain states) may be legally obtained by a pet parent in accordance with their state and local laws. 4. Once purchased, a cannabis product may be administered to an animal by a pet parent – that is your right to decide as your pet’s guardian. 5. Once you, as the pet parent, have decided to investigate the use of cannabis in your pet, you can then start the conversation with your veterinary health care team to seek guidance and education on product safety as well as administration and monitoring plans. |
How to Start the Conversation
Cannabis awareness, like so many other health issues, is a team effort.
Here are some tips to ensure that your veterinary health care team is informed and involved in the process:
Here are some tips to ensure that your veterinary health care team is informed and involved in the process:
|
1. Make sure to mention the use of cannabis products when asked about your pet’s medical history and/or supplements. This may be something that you mention to the receptionist when first making the appointment or to the staff when checking in. Knowing if cannabis is being used at home helps the veterinarian make important decisions about other medications, supplements, and treatment plans.
2. Ask to work with a veterinarian that is “cannabis-knowledgeable”. Not every veterinarian is trained in cannabis topics or is comfortable providing guidance about the use of cannabis in your pet. To make sure that you’re working with the right veterinarian, just ask! 3. If you have already started your pet on a cannabis product prior to your clinic appointment, keep a journal that tracks trends such as appetite, sleep habits, and energy levels. This journal is can be extremely useful in identifying subtle trends, both positive and negative, associated with the use of cannabis in your pet. |
What to Bring to the Appointment
|
Here is a list of items to consider bringing with you to your appointment to give your veterinary health care team the best understanding of the cannabis product you are administering to your pet: |
|
1. The cannabis product with as much original packaging as possible The package label can provide essential information about product source and manufacturing, active and inactive ingredients, and concentration or strength of the product. Since cannabis laws vary from state to state, make sure to ask your veterinary clinic if you should bring pictures of the packaging to the clinic instead of the actual packaging material! 2. A list of all medications and supplements currently being administered to your pet This list should include all herbal supplements, over-the-counter medications, and any special diets. Don’t forget about flea, tick and heartworm prevention! 3. A list of goals for cannabis use Take some time prior to the appointment to think about why you want to utilize cannabis in your pet – what are your short and long term goals for your pet that you hope to accomplish using cannabis? 4. Journal Consider bringing pictures and/or videos in addition to your written journal to help explain symptoms observed at home that may not be evident during the clinic appointment as well as to help your veterinarian see ongoing trends. |
What to Expect from Your Veterinary Health Care Team
|
Once you have made the decision to use cannabis in your pet and sought out the support of your veterinary health care team, here are a few things to expect along the journey:
|
|
|
2. Product guidance
Sorting through the pros and cons of all of the different cannabis products available can be overwhelming. Be careful to avoid products that contain: contaminants; ingredients that are toxic to animals; too high a cannabinoid concentration for use in animals; or are in a formulation that make administration difficult. Your veterinary health care team can either assist you directly or provide access to resources to help in the selection of a product that is safe for your pet. 3. Avoiding negative drug interactions Cannabis has important interactions with pharmaceutical drugs. If not managed carefully, those interactions have the potential to be dangerous. Working together, you and your veterinary health care team can ensure that all medications and supplements work synergistically to reduce side effects and improve overall outcome, while meeting your goals for your pet. 4. Monitoring and adjusting treatment(s) as needed Your veterinarian should recommend periodic examination and laboratory evaluation (of both blood and urine) of your pet to ensure that all aspects of the treatment plan are supporting the positive goals that you and the team have established together. |
