Why Dog Owners Use Cannabis for Pain

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A unique October 2020 study entitled "Motivations and Expectations for Using Cannabis Products to Treat Pain in Humans and Dogs: A Mixed Methods Study" that was published in the Journal of Cannabis Research explored the potential role of marijuana in acting as an analgesic for both canines and their human masters.

The study's goal was to identify "the reasons people use cannabis products to treat their own pain or their dog's pain."

The study stated its goal as identifying "the reasons people use cannabis products to treat their own pain or their dog's pain and explores whether these products have fulfilled their expectations."

Study Conclusions

"The purpose of this paper was to identify reasons people are motivated to use cannabis products to treat their own pain or their dog's pain and the extent to which the use of cannabis products to treat pain has fulfilled their expectations. We found that people choose cannabis products because they are natural and a possible solution to managing chronic pain when conventional medicines have not been effective.

"Cannabis is believed to improve quality of life for many humans and dogs suffering chronic pain by increasing relaxation and improving sleep, coping, functionality, and overall well being."

"The use of cannabis products is believed to improve the quality of life for many humans and dogs suffering from chronic pain by reducing their pain, increasing relaxation, and improving sleep, coping, functionality, and overall well being. Challenges exist in assessing and evaluating these benefits objectively, whether for human or animal patients.

"More accurate assessments are vital for understanding both the objective biomedical and subjective socioemotional benefits of cannabis products for effective pain management.

Due to a lack of standardization of products as well as constant changes in legislation and regulation, it is difficult for patients, dog owners, health care providers, and veterinarians to acquire accurate information about the pain relief potential of cannabis products.

"As a result, people are choosing cannabis products even though very few reported that their health care professional or veterinarian recommended them. We suggest that physicians and veterinarians acquire additional training and education so that they feel more comfortable proactively broaching the subject of cannabis use as a treatment option. The current laws and regulations give consumers minimal protection and information regarding cannabis products and companies, and many people obtain their information about cannabis products from friends, family or cannabis company websites.

"We suggest that physicians and veterinarians acquire additional training and education."

"Objective data-driven websites, especially for cannabis products marketed for animals, are rare. By initiating the discussion of cannabis products, health care professionals give their patients and clients the message that they can be viewed as a resource for people seeking an alternative option to improve their own, and their dogs’, quality of life.

"Cannabis use for both people and animals is projected to grow, so future research that explores how to help all interested parties' (e.g., patients, pet owners, health care professionals and veterinarians) feel more comfortable discussing cannabis products would be of benefit."

View the original study.

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