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Cannabis (THC)
marijuana, edibles
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | No LD50 is established; oral THC at 3,000-9,000 mg/kg was not lethal in dogs. Synthetic cannabinoids are more dangerous. Reference book A veterinary reference written and reviewed by specialists, summarising accepted practice. The product label gives the authorised dose. |
| Cat | Toxic | Not established in the open sources |
Toxic principle
THC acts on cannabinoid receptors, mainly CB1; dogs have more CB1 receptors in the cerebellum than people. It is stored in fat and recirculates through the bile.
Onset
30-90 minutes after eating; signs last up to 72 hours.
Clinical signs
Depression, ataxia, bradycardia, mydriasis, hypothermia, urinary incontinence (a useful clue), brief hyperaesthesia, vomiting, drooling, agitation; rarely seizures or coma.
Organs affected
Central nervous system, heart and circulation, thermoregulation.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
Usually symptomatic; decontamination is often unnecessary because of the aspiration risk. Fluids, temperature support, turning a recumbent animal. Intravenous lipid emulsion has been used in severe cases. Over-the-counter urine drug tests often miss THC in dogs. Prognosis is good; reported deaths were mostly from aspiration pneumonia, often with other ingredients involved.
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Sources
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Marijuana toxicosis in animals. aspcapro.org 2025
- Scientific article. Donaldson CW. Marijuana exposure in animals. Veterinary Medicine, Jun 2002:437-439 (ASPCA toxicology brief) 2002
- Scientific article. Amissah RQ, et al. Cannabis-induced toxicoses in pets: a survey of veterinarians. PLoS One 17(4):e0261909 2022
- Scientific article. Markert C, et al. Intravenous lipid emulsion for poisonings in 313 dogs and 100 cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 10:1272705 2023
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026