Dan Goldfarb, one of the founders of the company behind Canna-Pet, CannaSalus LLC, explained the need for a cannabis-based pet supplement.
“While medical testing continues to confirm the benefits of CBD in humans, we already know it has amazing benefits in small animals, so the time had come to release a supplement specifically for our favorite small animals – our cats and dogs.”
Apparently it’s legal in the U.S. since the CBD comes from industrial hemp. That also means it’s free of THC – the compound in cannabis responsible for the high.
The company claims that the supplements have “zero negative side-effects” and that just a “tiny” dose will bring noticeable results in less than a week.
Clinical trials show benefits in treating pets with cancer, arthritis, diabetes, digestive issues, chronic pain, nausea, and those receiving palliative care.
The company also says that Canna-Pet can be given over the long-term as an overall wellness supplement – reducing aggression, anxiety and obesity as well as prolonging life.
Canna-Pet comes in a variety of sizes for different pets, ranging from cats and dogs to rabbits and guinea pigs.
Medical Marijuana For PetsWhile Canna-Pet may not be considered “medical marijuana” under U.S. law, there’s no doubt about its similarity to cannabis products that contain THC. Interestingly, medical marijuana has recently caught the attention of veterinarians and pet owners as well.
In Canada, Dr. Katherine Kramer of the Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital reports being asked several times a week about medical marijuana as a treatment option for pets.
While she can’t officially recommend the drug due to the lack of veterinary guidelines, Dr. Kramer told The Province that she makes sure to keep pet owners informed about how to administer the drug safely.
Despite the tendency of pet owners to give their pets too high of a dose, Dr. Kramer says she’s seen the benefits first-hand and hopes that medical marijuana will eventually be recognized as a viable treatment option.
“If we can find something that works with fewer side-effects… I think, why not? As far as us trying to actually prescribe it, I imagine there’s going to be some red tape.”
Most of Dr. Kramer’s experience involves pets suffering from pain.
Although pain medications for pets are less common and more expensive compared to those for humans, many veterinarians still fear public and professional consequences for supporting medical marijuana as an alternative.