Dogs on Weed? Pet Owners Using Cannabis-Based Products to Treat Animal Ailments on the Rise

Advocates of cannabis-based products to treat dogs and other animals suffering from anxiety, arthritis, seizures, cancer, and other ailments, are taking off.

Holistic Hound Pet Store manager Dianne Krenzer claims that the cannabis-based Treatibles are flying off the shelves. "I've never seen a product that has had such broad popularity and interest," Krenzer stated in a report at TechTimes.

Treatibles, the cannabis pet treat founded by Oakland company Auntie Dolores, contain cannabinoid (CBD) does not make people or animals high. In a report from recorder.com, Auntie Dolores CEO claims that the chewable offers relief from anxiety and pain, and does not harm animals.

"We have people using it (on their pets) for separation anxiety, or when they're going to the vet or groomer," Carella said.

Although certain states like Colorado have legalized medical Marijuana edibles, the Federal law does not approve of cannabis use in animal products. Under the federal law, the CBD and THC or Tetrahydrocannabidinol the active ingredient in cannabis giving its narcotic and psychoactive effects, are illegal. However, hemp also contains CBD which can be legally imported and sold in the US, causing a loophole in the federal law.

To avoid this, federal regulators have sent warning letters to producers who claim health benefits. At the bottom of the Treatibles website, a note is seen saying:

"The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice."

Despite warnings, pet owners continue to use the chewable treats from claims of previous users. Veterinarians, on the other hand, have shown concern over the usage of CBD product due to the absence of data to support the user's claims.

"The number of products has exploded but because of the legal ramifications, we can't prescribe anything with the THC CBD in it," said Veterinarian Ashley McCaughan, at Creature Comfort Holistic Veterinary Center in Oakland.

Other cannabis-based chewable for pets include True Hemp, Canna-pet, among others.