Cannabis and Pets - A Safety Warning Every Cannabis Consumer Needs
Cannabis is acutely toxic to dogs, cats, and other small mammals at doses well below what's considered recreational for humans. Veterinary emergency rooms have reported a 4× increase in cannabis-related visits since recreational legalization began rolling out across U.S. states. This page covers what cannabis exposure does to pets, what to do if it happens, and how to prevent it. We sell cannabis at Greenleaf Wellness and we take pet safety seriously - see the shop page for child-resistant and resealable packaging, and store every product securely after purchase.
Cannabis is acutely toxic to dogs, cats, and other small mammals at doses well below what's considered recreational for humans. Veterinary emergency rooms have reported a 4× increase in cannabis-related visits since recreational legalization began rolling out across U.S. states.…
Why cannabis is more toxic to pets than to humans
Dogs have far more CB1 receptors per body weight than humans, and a much higher concentration in their brainstem (the area controlling vital functions). The result: dogs are more sensitive to THC's effects per milligram, and the symptoms hit critical neurological territory at lower doses. Cats are similarly vulnerable. Smaller pets (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs) are at even higher relative risk.
The lethal dose for dogs is roughly 3 g of cannabis per kilogram of body weight (high-THC concentrate consumed orally) - but neurological symptoms requiring veterinary care can begin at 50–100 mg of THC for a medium-sized dog (35 lb / 16 kg).
Common symptoms of pet cannabis exposure
| Symptom | Severity | Onset |
|---|---|---|
| Lethargy, ataxia (wobbling) | Mild-moderate | 30–60 min |
| Dilated pupils | Common | 30–60 min |
| Hypersalivation | Common | 30–90 min |
| Urinary incontinence | Common, distressing | 60–120 min |
| Hypothermia (low body temp) | Moderate | 60–180 min |
| Tremors, seizures | Severe | 90–180 min |
| Coma, respiratory depression | Critical | Variable |
What to do if your pet ingests cannabis
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Provide: the type of cannabis (flower, edible, concentrate, vape oil), estimated amount, time of ingestion, and your pet's weight. Be honest - veterinary professionals are not legally required to report cannabis exposures and care quality depends on accurate information.
Do not induce vomiting unless the vet specifically instructs you. THC is stored in fat tissue; vomiting may not extract it once absorbed.
Bring the original packaging if possible - the COA on the label tells the vet exactly what was consumed.
Prevention practices
See storing cannabis properly for the broader storage guide.
- Store all cannabis in a locked cabinet or out-of-reach shelf
- Never leave edibles, vape carts, or flower on countertops or accessible surfaces
- Dispose of trash containing cannabis residue (joints, blunt tips) in sealed bins
- Don't smoke or vape near pets - secondhand smoke causes mild-to-moderate exposure
- Use child-resistant packaging (NV law) - child-resistant is generally pet-resistant for cats; less reliable for dogs
Honest caveat
CBD-only products are far less acutely toxic to pets than THC products, but pet CBD products should still be veterinarian-recommended - not human cannabis. Some "pet CBD" supplements are FDA-cautioned and clinical evidence for veterinary CBD is preliminary. Always discuss pet medication with a veterinarian.
Buying responsibly at Greenleaf
1730 Glendale Avenue, Sparks NV, 8 minutes from Reno. Open daily 8 AM – 10 PM, reserve. Valid government photo ID required for entry. Our packaging is NV-compliant child-resistant, and our budtenders can help you choose products less likely to be confused with pet treats.
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21+ only. Keep cannabis out of reach of children and pets. Cannabis cannot be transported across state lines. Do not drive after consuming. If you suspect pet cannabis exposure: call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately.
Greenleaf Wellness is licensed by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. 1730 Glendale Avenue, Sparks NV 89431. Adults 21+ only. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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1730 Glendale Avenue · Sparks NV · 8 AM–10 PM daily.
You must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID to purchase cannabis products at Greenleaf Wellness.
Cannabis may impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of cannabis.
Greenleaf Wellness is a licensed Nevada cannabis dispensary operating under retail license D056 and cultivation license RC050, regulated by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board. Cannabis cannot be transported across state lines.