What are Edibles?

Food products that have been infused with marijuana are known as edibles. These items can be found in several forms, including:

Edibles can be created at home or commercially for dispensaries. When manufactured at home, the psychoactive element in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is commonly converted into oil or butter that may be used in cooking or smeared directly over food. Although smoking remains the most common method of marijuana intake, edibles are increasingly becoming a popular way to consume the substance. Unfortunately, many people who take edibles are ignorant of the risks involved.

The effects of edible cannabis products are usually the same as those of other kinds of cannabis. The effects of edibles are determined by the amount consumed. Typically, the effects grow with increasing dosage. However, taking too much cannabis through edibles is simple, and it can result in unpleasant side effects. Some of the effects that we have after consuming edibles are:

Please note that these are just some of the effects of consuming, people may experience other effects as well.

Marijuana is indeed hazardous to cats. The precise hazardous dosage, however, is uncertain. While the ASPCA states that marijuana intoxication is more prevalent in cats accounting for around 3% of marijuana toxicity occurrences. There is far less study and data about cats. We do know, however, that marijuana, particularly the THC effects, is harmful (though seldom deadly) to cats.

The good news is that, in most cases, cats may recover completely from marijuana poisoning with no long-term consequences. Age, health state, and body size differences, as well as complications such as aspiration pneumonia, seizures, or pre-existing cardiac issues, can all have an impact on an individual’s toxicity and capacity to recover. As a result, if you suspect your cat has consumed marijuana, take them to a veterinarian right away.

Cats have a more refined palate than dogs and can become inebriated by marijuana by consuming cannabis or any other THC-containing substance. When cats are in the same room as people who are smoking marijuana, they might be exposed to secondhand smoke. Because cats are smaller and have more CB1 receptors than humans, even little dosages of THC-containing items can elicit clinical symptoms and harm.

Cannabis’ effects, like those of other medicines, are based on chemistry. The medication enters the body by inhalation or ingestion and interacts with and modifies chemical messengers in the brain such as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.

Everything that enters the body must leave it. THC is highly lipid-soluble, which means it is easily retained in fatty tissue in the liver, brain, and kidneys before being excreted. THC is processed in the liver, and the vast majority (65-90%) is expelled in the feces, with just a tiny fraction (10-35%) passing via the kidneys. For the effects of the medicine to wear off, they must be digested and eliminated.

Some cats enjoy the scent of cannabis, while others despise it. If your cat is drawn to the fragrance, keep the cannabis out of sight and reach of your cat. If your cat is drawn to the fragrance, it may get intrigued and attempt to eat it. If this occurs, your cat will be exposed to the weed’s toxins.

The most prevalent negative effects of marijuana consumption in cats include ataxia (or uncoordinated shaky movements), excessive sleepiness, and a slower heart rate than normal (the normal heart rate for a cat is 120-140 beats per minute). More severe intoxication can cause the following symptoms:

An accurate history and clinical symptoms are used to make a diagnosis. Although there are tests to assess the quantity of THC in the urine, the findings are time-consuming and hence inconvenient. Human urine drug screening tests are faster, but they are not reliable in dogs. When responsible pet owners submit correct

information about the pet’s exposure, the diagnosis is determined considerably faster and treatment is commenced.

Marijuana Toxicity in cats is treated in two ways:

Detoxification: One of the first therapy measures is to remove marijuana from the cat’s system. Your veterinarian will detoxify your cat by giving it an enema or utilizing fluid therapy to drain the medication out of its system.

Supportive care: The next step is to support the cat until the effects of the THC wear off, which normally takes a day or two. Because most cats will not eat or drink until the effects wear off, supportive care might include controlling their body temperature and fluid intake to maintain hydration and blood pressure. Your veterinarian may also prescribe medicine to your cat for seizures or tremors, as well as basic nursing care such as dealing with pee and feces, delivering anxiety meds (if necessary), keeping the cat calm, and preventing self-trauma while they’re under the influence.

Most cats recover completely with proper care. Your doctor will be able to advise you what to expect in terms of short-term and long-term consequences based on your cat’s exposure and reaction.

The bottom line with cannabis and cats is the same as it is with other substances in the home: be cautious. Keep all types of cannabis, whether medical or recreational, out of your pet’s reach. When not in use, consider storing items in high cabinets or lockable drawers. Pets should be kept in a separate, well-ventilated room away from secondhand smoke. Keep in mind that pets have a keen sense of smell and will be enticed to consume candy, chips, chocolates, and cannabis directly if they are available.

If you detect any suspicious behavior in your cat and suspect cannabis exposure, take your pet to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary facility for treatment.

Happy Mood and Health to your Cat and lots of Love and Licks to you!

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