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New over-the-counter drug gives your pooch pot

Updated Mon. May. 15 2006 10:22 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Pet owners across Canada have a new a new way to treat the ailments of their beloved four-legged friend -- through cannabis treatment.

While most Canadians are aware that medicinal marijuana is legal in Canada, many may not know that there is a product available that also offers cannabis health benefits for your pets.

Med-Marijuana's newest product, Medi-Paws, is being used by Canadian pet owners for a host of animal issues such as cardiac health, arthritis, liver and kidney functions.

The product is a supplement that contains 100 per cent pure cannabis sativa oil. Med Marijuana uses customized seeds using a certified grower through Health Canada.

Sherry Martin gives her 18-month-old dog, Jade, a shot of Med Marijuana's Medi-Paws everyday.

Martin gives him the cannabis drug as preventative measure because he is part German Shepard - a breed that is notorious for hip problems.

"There are no psychoactive properties to it," Martin told CTV Calgary. "You won't get the munchies - - humans or pets. That's what makes it legal for over the counter sale."

Canna-Pets is safe for animal consumption because the level of THC, the psychoactive ingredient, is only two to three parts per million -- well below Health Canada's benchmark of 10 parts per million.

"The oil is pressed out of the seeds under very controlled conditions in an inert environment, which is key to maintaining medicinal properties of the oil," Martin said.

So far, so good

Wanda Vockeroth, a vet at Marda Loop Veterinary Centre, says that several of her clients use the cannabis supplement on their pets.

"Some people say they've seen a lot of improvement but certainly it hasn't given any bad issues," Vockeroth told CTV Calgary.

She said the cannabis drug seems to be especially helpful for arthritic conditions.

"Their dogs seem to handle it very well, no bad side effects, and either improvement in movement and/or coat," Vockeroth said.

The product is available at heath stores and some pet stores.

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