Veterinary Cannabis Counseling

Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a network of cellular receptors present in all vertebrates. The function of this bodily system is to maintain balance (homeostasis) of the other body systems and metabolic processes. It is comprised of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids that are produced by the body “on demand”, and enzymes. We can supplement the body’s supply of endocannabinoids by giving cannabinoids that are extracted by plants or made synthetically.

Cannabis Counseling

There are many commercial products readily available touting the benefits of hemp or CBD for dogs and cats. There is also minimal knowledge and education available for consumers to know what they are looking for, what products to choose, and the reasons why (and why not) to use cannabis therapy for their pets. There is also a need to educate clients on the potential negative side-effects of cannabis therapy and signs of intoxication.

We gear our counseling sessions to fill this education and knowledge gap with our clients, to make goals for cannabis supplementation, research products that your pet may be currently taking, and to give specific guidance on products.

Schedule a Cannabis Consultation for Your Pet

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Is your pet a current patient at P.A.W.S. for Rehabilitation?*

Yes

Currently, we are only offering Cannabis consultations to current, established patients. If you would like to continue with booking a rehabilitation consultation, please use this link to access our new patient form.

Your First Name*

Your Last Name*

Your Phone Number*

Your Email*

Your Pet's Name*

Your Pet's Date of Birth (Month, Day, Year)*

Your Pet's Social History*

Where did you get your pet from, at what age, any behavior concerns (current or previous)?

What other pets do you have in your household?*

Your Pet's Medical Problems*

Please list previous surgeries, concerns, diagnoses, and treatments with approximate dates.

When was your pet's last bloodwork performed?*

Your Pet's Current Diet and Feeding Schedule*

Please list your pet's current medications.*

Have you used Cannabis therapy for your pet in the past?*

Yes

Maybe

What are your goals/hopes for using Cannabis therapy for your pet?*

Veterinary Cannabis Consultation Informed Consent and Waiver of Liability*

The landscape surrounding cannabis is constantly evolving. As we continue to learn more about the potential benefits and risks, your Veterinary Cannabis Counselor (VCC) will help guide you in choosing a safe and effective cannabis product for your pet.

Cannabis products have an impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is present in all mammals. The ECS is an important feedback system that helps keep many other systems, including the central nervous system, immune system, peripheral tissues, and organs, in a constant state of balance. Because the ECS affects so many other functions in our pets’ bodies, introducing exogenous cannabinoids (either synthetic cannabinoids developed in a lab or phyto-cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant) can change many bodily functions including how our pets metabolize other medications.

While marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug under the DEA, the 2018 Farm Bill removed industrial hemp from the DEA schedule, making cannabis plants with less than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at the time of harvest legal for sale in stores and online. Cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC are classified as “marijuana” and are only legal for sale through a dispensary.

You, your veterinarian, and your VCC must work together as a team to provide optimal care for your pet. Each member of this team must understand the requirements of their role. The roles are:

Pet parent:

You have made the decision to administer a cannabis product to your pet with the intent of improving your pet’s quality of life. You are ultimately responsible for properly administering the cannabis product to your pet. You agree to follow all medications and treatments ordered by your pet’s veterinarian including laboratory diagnostics, monitoring, and communicating all affects (both positive and negative) you see at home to both your VCC and your veterinarian. Keeping a detailed journal is strongly encouraged, as doing so will help ensure effective use of the product you choose.

Veterinarian:

It is your veterinarian’s role to diagnose diseases and conditions in your pet and prescribe medications and treatment. Your veterinarian will communicate with your VCC regarding diagnosis and prognosis, which will assist your VCC in developing a dosing and monitoring schedule. Your veterinarian will interpret and monitor examination and laboratory results and make all decisions regarding patient medical care within their scope of practice.

Veterinary Cannabis Counselor:

Your VCC will guide you in choosing a safe and effective product, as well as formulate a dosing and administration schedule suggestion. Your VCC will consider all your pet’s conditions and current medications/therapies when developing the treatment plan to detect potential drug interactions. Your VCC will use the monitoring information from you and your pet’s veterinarian to help identify if a change in dose may be warranted. Your VCC will help guide you in:

- Product selection
- Therapeutic goals
- Administration and monitoring schedules
- Potential drug interactions
- Administration techniques
- Journal guidance

If your pet receives care from another medical professional at any point, please be sure to inform them that your pet is receiving a cannabis product. This is vital information because serious drug interactions can occur. All products, supplements, or medications administered need to be accurately documented, both in a veterinary facility and at home.

The FDA has not approved any cannabis product for use in animals. Existing products have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.

By consenting to this waiver and submitting this form, you are agreeing that you have read, discussed, and understand the current legal status of cannabis products. You are agreeing that you understand the necessity of maintaining a Valid Client Patient Relationship with a veterinarian. You understand the roles and responsibilities of the VCC, veterinarian, and pet parent regarding the administration of cannabis products to your pet. You agree to follow all instructions from your veterinarian and VCC, including lab work and follow-up care appointments. You agree to maintain a journal of patient progress at home and maintain open and honest communication with your VCC and veterinarian. You understand that, like any medication, there are potential unexpected side effects.

I consent.

Veterinary Cannabis Counseling

Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis Counseling

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