Is It Ethical To Use Medical Marijuana To Treat Animals?

Question

For strictly medicinal purposes...

Answer 1

I have never heard of any studies showing it works on animals, but if it does, then by all means use it.

Answer 2

I think if an animal is in pain, marijuana could be a good natural way to alleviate some of their suffering, just like with humans. The problem would be making sure they got a decent dosage, and that it was administered in a way that would not be harmful to animal. For example, blowing a lot of smoke on a small animal might be too much for its lungs to take, and it could asphyxiate.

Answer 3

the idea of giving your dog medicine to treat a problem is ethical to begin with, people think that just because you're using marijuana automatically makes it an unethical act of wanton stonerism.  

just like the dog story, cats use catnip the same way.  marijuana is a helpful drug, and giving it to an old dog isn't going to hurt it.  

and not to bash on the comment above me but i dont think an animal could asphyxiate on smoke blown in its face, no matter how much you blow on how small a dog.  i think an animal is smart enough (as a human is) to move away from the smoky area long before it would asphyxiate, so you should be safe in that department.

Answer 4

I read an article about a man who had this dog at his house as a teenager, who used to try smoking with the dog, but the dog never wanted to and always turned away. He returned home after many years after he moved out, the dog was old by this time. He went out on the porch to smoke, and blew it in the dogs face, the dog lapped it up like it was water. For the time the he spent there, he smoked with the dog every day and everyone commented on how the dog was forever young. Within a few months after he moved back out, the dog became lethargic and soon died.

My personal friend has a 9 yr old dog, who she used to smoke with every day (who lapped up the smoke), at time the dog played and ate like normal. She had to quit smoking for a job, and now the dog hardly eats, suffers from arthritis and hardly moves.

So I believe that no, it won't be medicine to make them get better from something. But if they loose their appetite, or if they are too sore to move, yes it will help them. However, their tolerance is much lower, if I would approach that route, I would measure a small amount into their food, I doubt the inhalation of smoke is good for their lungs.

Answer 5

No, but man does my terrier get the munchies after a couple of bong hits!

Answer 6

If that was your only option and you were experienced, maybe. I use homeopathy to control pain, when cure is not possible. Best to consult a homeopathic veterinarian: http://www.drpitcairn.com (unless it's something acute, like a sprained ankle, etc., in which case you can plug in symptoms at http://www.abchomeopathy.com and find a self-help remedy available over-the-counter).