SAN DIEGO — A new report from pet insurance provider Trupanion reveals that California has the highest number of marijuana toxicity claims for pets in the United States over the past five years. The data highlights growing concerns about pet exposure to cannabis products as more states legalize recreational use.
According to Trupanion, the company has processed 1,852 claims for marijuana toxicity-related health issues in pets since 2020. California tops the list with 428 cases, followed by Colorado with 84. Nine states have reported more than 40 marijuana toxicity-related claims during this period, with Florida being the only state among them where recreational marijuana use remains illegal. California also has the highest claim amount at $810.
“Only 4% of pets in the US are insured, and we’re also not the only insurance company out there, so we have to assume that there is a bit of a higher number involved,” said Erin Cooper, a claims specialist at Trupanion.
Veterinarians are urging pet owners to be vigilant about preventing marijuana exposure and to recognize the signs of toxicity. Dr. Leilani Im, a veterinarian at Humane Society San Diego, explained the symptoms.
“They’re going to be really, really wobbly. They might be really, really sensitive to sound or to touch. They could be really drowsy or lethargic. They’re going to have urinary accidents,” she said.
In severe cases, pets may become comatose or experience seizures. Treatment can include induced vomiting, fluid administration, and monitoring of vital signs.
Experts attribute the rise in marijuana toxicity cases to increased accessibility following legalization. Cannabis has been legal for medical use in California since 1996 and for recreational use since late 2016.
Pet owners are cautioned about the risks of both human cannabis products and unregulated pet-specific CBD and THC products.
“There’s a lot of CBD products and THC products out there that are not regulated, and so because they’re not regulated, you could have a lot of other things that are actually hidden in there that you don’t know about,” Im said.
Veterinary professionals emphasize the importance of keeping marijuana products out of pets’ reach and being honest with veterinarians if exposure occurs. Cooper said the vets are jus wanting to help the pets. just
“We just want to know what it was. So that way, we are fully aware of how to treat your pet in a timely manner,” Im said.
As marijuana legalization continues to expand across the United States, pet owners are advised to remain aware of the potential risks to their animals and take necessary precautions to prevent accidental ingestion.
