Pot for dogs? Use caution says one Vancouver vet

Several medical marijuana dispensaries in Vancouver say cannabis products can help dogs with anxiety or arthritis. 

Cannawide Dispensary/Facebook

Cannabis products for dogs often come in the form of dog treats enriched with the chemical cannabidiol (CBD).

By: Wanyee Li

Pot can help man’s best friend too, say several Vancouver pot shops operators but at least one vet is warning pet owners to proceed with caution.

A sign outside Canawide Dispensary, a medical marijuana dispensary on West 4th, claims cannabis products can help dogs with anxiety and joint pain.

Some people come into the store solely to buy cannabis products for their dogs with no intention of using medicinal pot products themselves, said Andrew Gordon, community integration director at the Cannawide.

“I have people who literally come in off the street, become members strictly because they want access for their dogs and its really important to them,” he said.

“We have a hard time keeping them on the shelf here.”

The dog biscuits have the chemical cannabidiol (CBD) in them, which does not have psychoactive effects said Gordon. In other words, dogs are not supposed to get high from eating the treats.

Many people will do anything for the canine member of the family and cannabis is one possible solution for pain, said another dispensary owner.

“It seems like a logical assumption that if it works for humans it might work for an animal,” said Andrea Dobbs, co-founder of The Village Cannabis Dispensary.

The store has regulars who rely on the dog products for everything from pain to temperament management.

Wanyee Li/Metro
 

Andrew Gordon works at Cannawide Dispensary on West 4th and says he has to continually restock the cannabis dog products.

But one vet says this is still a grey area for medical professionals.

“People use [medical marijuana] for seizures, cancer, anxiety, and arthritis.” said Parmjit Dhillon, director and owner of Burrard Animal Hospital.

“But there is no major study to confirm that there is a benefit for dogs.”

Until marijuana is legalized, vets have their hands tied when it comes to prescribing or even suggesting pet owners try cannabis products on animals, he said.

“They should really talk to the doctor to see if there are other safer options.”