Marijuana
Cannabis sativa · Cannabaceae
How it looks
Marijuana (Cannabis) is an herb whose palmate leaves, divided into 5-9 lobes, are arranged in opposite pairs. The leaf edges are serrated, and the leaves and flowers give off a strong, distinctive scent. It grows upright to 3-13 ft (1-4 m); cultivation is strictly restricted in South Korea.
Caution — monitor for neurological signs
Eating Marijuana causes depression, vomiting, incoordination, and sleepiness, and it can progress to seizures and coma. Death is rarely reported, so as a caution-level plant it calls for monitoring.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Symptoms
- Depression, Vomiting, Incoordination, Sleepiness, Excitement, Hypersalivation, Dilated pupils, Low blood pressure, Low body temperature, Seizures, Coma, Death (rare)
- Onset (typical course)
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
Guide for parents
When a cat chews or swallows marijuana, the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) acts on the nervous system: prolonged depression, vomiting, incoordination, and sleepiness. Pupils may dilate and body temperature and blood pressure may drop, and it can progress to seizures and coma. Death is rarely reported.
Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach.
If your cat is heavily sedated, unsteady, or seizing, don't wait 12 hours — call your vet right away.
Details
- Scientific name
- Cannabis sativa
- Common name
- Marijuana
- Family
- Cannabaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
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