One Problem With Edibles: Dogs Sometimes Eat Them
Cannabis sativa is a plant originally from central and eastern Asia. People have grown it for thousands of years for its fiber, seeds, and medicinal uses. Ancient cultures knew it could cause a high, and burned cannabis seeds have been found in tombs from 500 BC. In the U.S., early colonists grew hemp for rope and fabric. By the 1800s, doctors were using cannabis to treat pain and illness. Later, it started being used for fun. In 1970, marijuana was made illegal under federal law, labeled as a drug with high abuse risk and no medical use. Still, as of 2025, 24 states have legalized it for recreational use and 38 more for medical purposes.
Marijuana is now used to treat conditions like cancer, pain, epilepsy, and more, though many claims about its benefits are not fully backed by science. Strong clinical studies are needed. Marijuana comes in many forms, including edibles like cookies and candy. These can be more dangerous because effects take longer to start but last longer.
Dogs are often poisoned by accidentally eating marijuana products, especially edibles. They can get very sick, showing signs like stumbling, drooling, and confusion. Small dogs are at higher risk. Most dogs recover within a few days, but some can die if they eat a lot. There is no specific cure, but treatment helps them recover.
Testing for marijuana in dogs is hard, and current drug tests aren’t always accurate. Labels on marijuana products are also confusing, with no clear system to show how strong the product is. This lack of clear labeling can be dangerous for both pets and children. Experts say the marijuana industry needs better safety standards, clear labels, and more research to protect animals and people from accidental poisoning.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
