New tricks for old dogs Medical cannabis for people is a controversial, convoluted subject. When it comes to animals, things get even hairier. By Kimberly Kirchner Herbalist Contributor American pet owners are spectacularly big spenders. The American Pet Products Association reports that consumers spent over $72.5 billion on their animal companions in 2018, and predicts 2019 totals will surpass $75 billion. If that doesn't impress you, consider that the National Retail Federation estimates Americans forked over $480 million last year just for their pets’ Halloween costumes. With that kind of money on the table, it’s no
surprise that cannabis producers have expanded into the pet supply market. Sales of cannabis products for pets quadrupled in the last two years — going from $8 million in 2017 to $32 million in 2018 — according to industry research firm Brightfield Group. But while sales surge ahead, actual medical research proceeds at a slow trickle, held back by the same legal uncertainty that has complicated medical marijuana research for humans. Owners interested in cannabis treatments for their pets face a maze of regulatory and scientific questions.
Photo: Ken Reid/UnSplash Summer 2019
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