Cannabis is a plant that contains many compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), that can interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of animals and humans. The ECS is involved in regulating many physiological functions, such as sleep, appetite, behavior, and pain. Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, but its legal status and scientific evidence vary across countries and regions.
In Argentina, a recent law modification allowed for the use of cannabis for treating animals, opening new possibilities for research and practice in veterinary medicine. A group of Argentinian veterinarians conducted an online survey to assess the current situation and the potential benefits of using cannabis for pets, especially dogs and cats. The results of the survey were published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in November 2023.
The Survey Method and Results
The survey was conducted between May and November 2021, and it targeted veterinarians who were members of the Argentinian Cannabis Veterinarians Association. The survey included questions about the species, conditions, and treatments of the animals that received cannabis, as well as the response and improvement of the symptoms.
The survey received 67 responses, of which 77% corresponded to dogs and 21% to cats. The most common conditions treated with cannabis in dogs were pain, seizures, and behavioral disorders, while in cats they were behavioral disorders, pain, dental and skin conditions, and autoimmune diseases.
The veterinarians used full-spectrum cannabis extract derived from three different chemotypes, containing different ratios of THC and CBD. The extract was administered orally, either alone or in combination with conventional medication. The dose and frequency of the treatment varied depending on the animal’s weight, condition, and response.
The response to the treatment was evaluated based on the improvement of the clinical signs, using a scale from 0 (no improvement) to 5 (complete remission). The survey results showed that both dogs and cats had different degrees of improvement in their symptoms, ranging from mild to significant.
The Implications and Limitations of the Study
The study was the first of its kind in Argentina, and it provided promising results regarding the medicinal use of cannabis in dogs and cats. The authors of the study suggested that cannabis could improve the quality of life of pets with various conditions, either alone or in combination with conventional treatments. They also proposed to expand the training of professionals, obtain quality preparations, and initiate controlled trials to reinforce the knowledge of the use of cannabinoids in veterinary medicine.
However, the study also had some limitations, such as the small sample size, the lack of standardization of the cannabis extract, the self-reported nature of the data, and the absence of a control group. The authors acknowledged these limitations and called for more rigorous and comprehensive research to confirm the safety and efficacy of cannabis for pets.
The Future of Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine
Cannabis is a complex and controversial plant that has been used for various purposes throughout history. Its legal status and scientific evidence are constantly evolving, and different countries and regions have different regulations and policies regarding its use. In some places, such as the US and Canada, veterinarians are not legally allowed to prescribe cannabis for pets, while in others, such as the European Union, cannabis for veterinary use is not regulated.
In Argentina, the recent law modification created a new scenario for the use of cannabis for animals, allowing for more research and practice in this field. The survey conducted by the Argentinian veterinarians was an exploratory and pioneering study that revealed the potential benefits of cannabis for pets with various conditions. However, more studies are needed to validate and expand these findings, and to establish the optimal dose, route, and formulation of cannabis for each animal and condition.
Cannabis is a plant that can offer many benefits for pets, but it also poses many challenges and risks. Veterinarians and pet owners should be well-informed and cautious about the use of cannabis for animals, and always consult with a qualified professional before starting any treatment.
