[Vision2020] Marijuana Patch for Dogs

[Saundra Lund]

While I absolutely support legalization of marijuana in general and medical marijuana specifically for humans, I find the news story pretty shockingly irresponsible.  “Holistic” does NOT mean safe, as any vet can tell you who has treated Heinz body hemolytic anemia in a dog or cat who ate too much garlic or onion . . . or has treated THC toxicity in a dog, cat, or horse.

 

It’s really too bad no vet med pharmacists or docs were interviewed to explain whether or not “medical marijuana” might – or might not -- be appropriate for dogs, cats, or horses.  For instance, I know that the emetic & appetite centers in the feline brain are actually quite different than in the human brain, so assuming that because marijuana helps human cancer patients minimize/eliminate nausea/vomiting &/or inappetence, it will have the same effect in other species isn’t appropriate.  Similarly, assuming that because it can be an effective pain treatment in humans, it will be a safe & effective pain treatment in other species is dangerous, particularly for a substance that’s known to have toxic effects in dogs, cats, and horses is irresponsible.

 

Now, it’s possible that medical marijuana might be beneficial for other species, but it’s just plain stupid – not to mention potentially dangerous & perhaps even fatal -- to assume there would be benefits absent supporting scientific data.

 

 

 

Saundra Lund

Moscow, ID

 

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.

~ Edmund Burke

 

***** Original material contained herein is Copyright 2011 through life plus 70 years, Saundra Lund.  Do not copy, forward, excerpt, or reproduce outside the Vision 2020 forum without the express written permission of the author.*****

 

 

 

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com] On Behalf Of Tom Hansen
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2011 8:51 AM
To: Moscow Vision 2020
Subject: [Vision2020] Marijuana Patch for Dogs

 

Courtesy of KREM at:

 

http://www.krem.com/news/northwest-news/Marijuana-patch-for-dogs-126406233.html# <http://www.krem.com/news/northwest-news/Marijuana-patch-for-dogs-126406233.html> 

 

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Marijuana patch for dogs


SEATTLE -- We all love our animals and want to keep them happy. And since it's hard for them to roll a joint, a Seattle company is developing a medical marijuana patch for pets. Seriously.

Jim Alekson's Medical Marijuana Delivery Systems LLC has patented a patch called Tetracan that he says could be used on dogs, cats, even horses.

But why would a dog need medical marijuana?



"Because dogs suffer from the same maladies that humans do. It's a question of quality of life," said Alekson.

While the patch does conjur visions of pups frolicking in fields of poppies, Alekson says pets suffer greatly from pain -- everything from arthritis to cancer. He points to pharmaceutical painkillers that have proven harmful, sometimes fatal in animals.

Alekson, an owner of three Papillons, says the pot patch is far more...mellow.

"I'd much rather they were on something holistic as opposed to something chemical that I know is breaking down some of the organs in their body," he said.

The patch does pose a plethora of problems. Not the least of which is that laws in states that do allow medical marijuana for humans would likely have to be amended to include animals.

Not to mention the Milk Bone bills.

Developers say the patch would be available for use by humans as well. They hope to have it ready for market by the end of the year.

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

 

Tom Hansen

Moscow, Idaho

 

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change and the Realist adjusts his sails."

 

- Unknown

 

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