Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Fifteen-year-old Ellie the staffy has a new spring in her step thanks to a daily dose of cannabis oil under her tongue.
Old age had started to catch up with Ellie, the faithful companion of Bellambi resident Paul Lawrence; she was suffering from arthritis and glaucoma, had lost her appetite and was experiencing fitful sleep.
For Mr Lawrence, a cancer survivor who two years ago ditched legal painkillers in preference of medicinal cannabis, the remedy was obvious.
''My friends were sceptical but the results were clear. Ellie had been hobbling around, not eating or sleeping, but after starting her on cannabis oil 12 months ago she was back running up and down the backyard, her appetite had returned and she was sleeping much better.''
Mr Lawrence said the oil he administers to his beloved pet did not contain the psycho-active compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) yet did retain cannabidiol (CBD) which had therapeutic benefits.
This month NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Medical Research Pru Goward announced that, in an Australian first, children with severe treatment-resistant epilepsy would be provided with compassionate access to a cannabis-based medicine made of pure CBD.
In announcing the scheme at Sydney Children's Hospital on July 5, Ms Goward said the government recognised the potential of such medicines, particularly for people who had exhausted conventional treatment options.
"We have embarked on an ambitious research program to explore the possible therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids for patients suffering from a range of debilitating conditions," Ms Goward said.
Legal access to medicinal cannabis can not come quick enough for Mr Lawrence.
Diagnosed with a rare spinal tumour in 2010; he had three vertabrae removed during a 43-hour operation. Five of his ribs, a leg bone and 60 pieces of titanium were used to rebuild his spine. Legal painkillers didn't curb his chronic pain and caused serious side effects.
''What I'm doing to treat myself for ongoing pain — and my dog — is legal in several countries around the world, but not Australia,'' he said.
''We don't need more research, more trials — we need action. It's great medicinal cannabis is being made available for some kids with severe epilepsy but I don't see much compassion when terminally ill patients and others in chronic pain are not allowed access. It's not about smoking pot and getting stoned — it's about ingesting it to get some pain relief.''
In the US, doggie treats containing cannabis compounds are marketed to owners of ailing and elderly animals as pain relievers.
However it's important to note that the Australian Veterinary Association does not recommend the administration of cannabis oil to dogs.
''Anyone who is concerned about their older pet should contact their local veterinarian to discuss the best management plan,'' AVA member Dr Paula Parker said.
Specifically Dr Parker warned against the use of products containing THC, which she said would be dangerous for pets.
''THC causes a neurological depressant effect in dogs similar to people,'' she said.
''Owing to their smaller body size, this can lead to dangerous levels of depression of heart and lung function, especially where the compound has been concentrated in oil or butter form.
''Anyone who suspects their pet may have ingested THC in any form should contact their local veterinarian.''
In recent years there's been renewed calls for compassionate access to medicinal cannabis for the terminally ill, or those in chronic pain.
NSW has embarked on an ambitious series of clinical trials, and this month announced a new scheme to allow access to a cannabis-based medicine for children with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy.
The state government too, has formally recognised the potential of cannabis-based medicines, particularly for those who have exhausted conventional treatment options.
Meantime in the US, medical marijuana is now legal in over 20 states while countries including Canada and Israel have allowed the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes for some time.
With a wealth of claims that medicinal pot can ease everything from chronic pain and muscle spasms, can help increase appetite and decrease nausea, and improve sleep quality — it's perhaps not surprising that attention has turned to man's best friend.
In the US particularly, a burgeoning industry is creating treats and capsules containing cannabis compounds for ailing and elderly animals.
These are being marketed as natural pain relievers and anti-inflammatory supplements — however are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The Australian Veterinary Association too does not recommend the use of cannabis-based products for domestic pets.
It's not stopped some — including Bellambi resident Paul Lawrence — from using it to ease the pain of their beloved pets.
Mr Lawrence, who uses medicinal pot to ease his own chronic pain after cancer surgery, claims cannabis oil is doing wonders for his arthritic dog Ellie.
The product does not contain the psycho-active compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but does retain cannabidiol (CBD) which has known therapeutic benefits.
In other words, 15-year-old Ellie doesn't get a high from the oil, however she does seem to get much relief from her pain according to her owner.
''It's not about smoking pot and getting stoned — it's about ingesting it to get some pain relief,'' Mr Lawrence said.
Recreational use of cannabis is a different issue — it's illegal and can be dangerous.
But as society — and governments — increasingly recognise the benefits of cannabis-based products for humans — perhaps a thought should be spared for the pets also suffering from chronic — or terminal — illness.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bellambi Man Says He And His Dog Reaping Benefits Of Medical Cannabis
Author: Lisa Wachsmuth
Contact: info@illawarramercury.com.au
Photo Credit: Sylvia Liber
Website: Illawarra Mercury
Old age had started to catch up with Ellie, the faithful companion of Bellambi resident Paul Lawrence; she was suffering from arthritis and glaucoma, had lost her appetite and was experiencing fitful sleep.
For Mr Lawrence, a cancer survivor who two years ago ditched legal painkillers in preference of medicinal cannabis, the remedy was obvious.
''My friends were sceptical but the results were clear. Ellie had been hobbling around, not eating or sleeping, but after starting her on cannabis oil 12 months ago she was back running up and down the backyard, her appetite had returned and she was sleeping much better.''
Mr Lawrence said the oil he administers to his beloved pet did not contain the psycho-active compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) yet did retain cannabidiol (CBD) which had therapeutic benefits.
This month NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Medical Research Pru Goward announced that, in an Australian first, children with severe treatment-resistant epilepsy would be provided with compassionate access to a cannabis-based medicine made of pure CBD.
In announcing the scheme at Sydney Children's Hospital on July 5, Ms Goward said the government recognised the potential of such medicines, particularly for people who had exhausted conventional treatment options.
"We have embarked on an ambitious research program to explore the possible therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids for patients suffering from a range of debilitating conditions," Ms Goward said.
Legal access to medicinal cannabis can not come quick enough for Mr Lawrence.
Diagnosed with a rare spinal tumour in 2010; he had three vertabrae removed during a 43-hour operation. Five of his ribs, a leg bone and 60 pieces of titanium were used to rebuild his spine. Legal painkillers didn't curb his chronic pain and caused serious side effects.
''What I'm doing to treat myself for ongoing pain — and my dog — is legal in several countries around the world, but not Australia,'' he said.
''We don't need more research, more trials — we need action. It's great medicinal cannabis is being made available for some kids with severe epilepsy but I don't see much compassion when terminally ill patients and others in chronic pain are not allowed access. It's not about smoking pot and getting stoned — it's about ingesting it to get some pain relief.''
In the US, doggie treats containing cannabis compounds are marketed to owners of ailing and elderly animals as pain relievers.
However it's important to note that the Australian Veterinary Association does not recommend the administration of cannabis oil to dogs.
''Anyone who is concerned about their older pet should contact their local veterinarian to discuss the best management plan,'' AVA member Dr Paula Parker said.
Specifically Dr Parker warned against the use of products containing THC, which she said would be dangerous for pets.
''THC causes a neurological depressant effect in dogs similar to people,'' she said.
''Owing to their smaller body size, this can lead to dangerous levels of depression of heart and lung function, especially where the compound has been concentrated in oil or butter form.
''Anyone who suspects their pet may have ingested THC in any form should contact their local veterinarian.''
In recent years there's been renewed calls for compassionate access to medicinal cannabis for the terminally ill, or those in chronic pain.
NSW has embarked on an ambitious series of clinical trials, and this month announced a new scheme to allow access to a cannabis-based medicine for children with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy.
The state government too, has formally recognised the potential of cannabis-based medicines, particularly for those who have exhausted conventional treatment options.
Meantime in the US, medical marijuana is now legal in over 20 states while countries including Canada and Israel have allowed the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes for some time.
With a wealth of claims that medicinal pot can ease everything from chronic pain and muscle spasms, can help increase appetite and decrease nausea, and improve sleep quality — it's perhaps not surprising that attention has turned to man's best friend.
In the US particularly, a burgeoning industry is creating treats and capsules containing cannabis compounds for ailing and elderly animals.
These are being marketed as natural pain relievers and anti-inflammatory supplements — however are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The Australian Veterinary Association too does not recommend the use of cannabis-based products for domestic pets.
It's not stopped some — including Bellambi resident Paul Lawrence — from using it to ease the pain of their beloved pets.
Mr Lawrence, who uses medicinal pot to ease his own chronic pain after cancer surgery, claims cannabis oil is doing wonders for his arthritic dog Ellie.
The product does not contain the psycho-active compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but does retain cannabidiol (CBD) which has known therapeutic benefits.
In other words, 15-year-old Ellie doesn't get a high from the oil, however she does seem to get much relief from her pain according to her owner.
''It's not about smoking pot and getting stoned — it's about ingesting it to get some pain relief,'' Mr Lawrence said.
Recreational use of cannabis is a different issue — it's illegal and can be dangerous.
But as society — and governments — increasingly recognise the benefits of cannabis-based products for humans — perhaps a thought should be spared for the pets also suffering from chronic — or terminal — illness.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bellambi Man Says He And His Dog Reaping Benefits Of Medical Cannabis
Author: Lisa Wachsmuth
Contact: info@illawarramercury.com.au
Photo Credit: Sylvia Liber
Website: Illawarra Mercury
