Marijuana For Pets: Cannabinoid-Infused Treats Introduced To The Pet Industry

Medical marijuana is gaining popularity over the U.S. and a new niche market is being explored. Ailing pets can now also take marijuana for medical purposes.

Auntie Dolores, a San Francisco-based manufacturer of edible treats, launched their product called Treatibles in 2014, which contain a marijuana compound called cannabidiol or CBD to help manage pet illnesses.

According to Auntie Dolores’ brand manager Matthew J. Cote in report from ABC News, the cannabis plants contain several compounds. Some people use it for the euphoric experience, while others for medicinal purposes. THC is the substance that contributes to euphoria, but cannabidiol is actually a non-psychoactive, which helps with the treatment of different ailments.

Based on studies from Israel that reports CBD as helpful in the treatment of pain, inflammation and epilepsy, Auntie Dolores developed Treatibles to help animals who are also down with some of the aforementioned ailments.

Cote has also shared some of the success stories of pet owners who used the product. Canna Companion, another maker of cannabis-infused pet treat and owned by licensed veterinarians, also shared positive testimonials from customers saying that their pets got better after having the treat.

While medical marijuana is now legalised in 23 states, cannabis for pet industry is still a subject for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr Sarah Brandon, a co-owner of Canna Companion, was reported to have received a notice from the FDA warning that her product is unapproved for pet consumption and that selling it is a federal violation.

FDA has not given the approval since there is insufficient data on marijuana for pets. Since the FDA warning, Canna Companion has taken steps to address the issue.

Meanwhile, medical director Dr Tina Wismer from ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported various instances of pets getting access to marijuana through their owners and described the animals to be pretty agitated. However, she did not disagree on the potential of the cannabis-infused treats stating that they only contain low levels of CBD. "It looks like these certainly could be helpful products in some cases, but right now we don’t have enough information," Wismer said in an ABC News report.

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