Healing with Herb: Cannabis Treatments for Ailing Animals

Medical cannabis is widely accepted for humans, but using CBD and THC to treat pets and zoo animals is a new frontier in veterinary care.

In a groundbreaking move, Dr. Quetzalli Hernández, a veterinarian in Mexico, administered cannabidiol (CBD) to Nidia, a 55-year-old Asian elephant suffering from chronic foot problems. Collaborating with Dr. Mish Castillo from ICAN Vets, they hoped CBD would alleviate Nidia’s pain and stimulate her appetite.

Starting with a low dose of CBD equivalent to 0.02 milligrams per pound of Nidia’s weight, administered daily with fruit, they witnessed remarkable results. Nidia’s appetite surged, and within weeks, she gained 555 pounds. Moreover, her mood improved, and her abscesses began to heal, enabling her to walk down a small hill to drink water from a fountain.

Despite the success, challenges persist in introducing cannabis into veterinary medicine. Legal complexities, stigma, and a lack of education hinder its widespread adoption. However, advocates like Dr. Stephanie McGrath from Colorado State University emphasize the need for further research to harness cannabis’s potential in treating various conditions in animals.

Mexico emerges as a leader in integrating cannabis into veterinary practices, with Dr. Castillo training thousands of veterinarians since 2019. Dr. Mónica Lozano Garza, inspired by success stories, has treated numerous animals with CBD, witnessing remarkable improvements in conditions like inflammatory disorders and stress.

While cannabis holds promise in veterinary care, its integration requires careful consideration of dosing, legal frameworks, and potential interactions with conventional medications. Nonetheless, as more countries pave the way for veterinary cannabis, the collaboration among veterinarians globally offers hope for further advancements in animal healthcare.