The debate over medical marijuana for humans has been going on for years, and now it's legal in more than 20 states. But could pot also help our pets?
16-year-old Pepper has
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always been playful.
"She loves everybody. She explores everything," said Pepper's owner, Lisa Anderson.,
But arthritis recently slowed down the active cat.
"It was causing her to not want to jump up on the couch or up on the chair" Anderson explained.
13-year-old Sadie isn't as spunky as she used to be either.
"We think she probably has a brain tumor at this point," said Julie Larsen, Sadie's owner.
Sadie has pain, vision loss as well as frequent seizures.
"She's perfectly happy otherwise" Larsen said.
But Pepper and Sadie's owners have a secret "feel better" ingredient they add to their pets' food. Its pot, but it isn't about getting high.
"It is physiologically impossible to get high with our product," said veterinarian Dr. Sarah Brandon, co-owner of Canna Companion.
Brandon sells organic hemp to pet owners. The product contains less than 1.3 percent THC, which is what causes a marijuana high. Hemp can relieve pain, increase appetite; improve allergies, and slow seizures in pets.
"Their pets feel good again, and that's why we're here. That's why we're doing this," Brandon explained.
But there are side effects such as: feeling lethargic, loose stools, and rarely, vomiting. Some critics argue there's not enough research in animals to know what doses are safe. But Brandon says she's only seen positive results and even takes the hemp herself.
"The dogs get theirs, I get mine. We get up the next morning, and we're more comfortable for the next day's hike," Brandon explained.
The hemp has helped Pepper get back to her active self, and Sadie suffers from fewer seizures.
Larsen said, "We noticed a difference right away!"
An unlikely treatment that these owners say made all the difference for their furry companions.
For more information, including how to order, go to CannaForPets.com.