New Study Examines How Donkeys React To Cannabis

Many of us have been there before, accidentally dropping an edible and watching your dog’s eyes widen as they swoop in to snag it. While in most cases, dogs seem to recover just fine after accidentally ingesting THC, besides experiencing symptoms like tiredness, discoordination, and clumsiness. 

A new study published in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation wanted to examine if cannabis poisoning in some animals was more prevalent than others. They gave two donkeys the same amount of flower buds, resulting in some significant side effects. 

Meet jack and jenny, one male and female donkey that took part in the new study, which is actually the first recorded case of donkeys ingesting cannabis. The researchers found that marijuana toxicosis was present in both donkeys after feeding them a few buds. 

According to the University of California, Davis’ Veterinary Medicine, marijuana toxicosis is when “pets ingest marijuana, homemade or commercial edible marijuana products, medical cannabis preparations or prescription medications.” So while toxicosis refers to simply ingesting the plant, it doesn’t necessarily mean poisoning, as different animals have different reactions to THC. 

Marijuana Moment notes that jack and jenny were given “a few grams of weed” that was initially intended for human use. The study didn’t discuss why they chose to feed the donkeys actual cannabis flower instead of administering an extract or oil. The FDA has stated that cannabis has not been approved for animals, nor can they ensure “the safety and effectiveness” of products designed for them. 

The study noted that the jack and jenny both showed symptoms relatively common for animals consuming cannabis, including depression, lethargy, glossy eyes, appearing tired, discoordination, and vomiting. The results were a tad more compelling in the jenny. She presented a few of the above symptoms while also showing incoordination within the nervous system (ataxia), mild colic, and a lightened tongue color, notes The Growth Op. 

The study also highlighted that while symptoms of poisoning and toxicosis usually occur from 24 to 36 hours after consumption, both the jack and jenny made a full recovery just 24 hours after “peak effects,” the researchers wrote. 

Marijuana Moment explained that the jenny (eight years old) experienced symptoms much longer than the jack (20 years old), but there is currently no evidence to prove that jacks and jennies are different enough to experience other, or elongated symptoms.