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 GI symptoms
All parts of Marijuana contain irritating compounds that can cause depression, vomiting, and incoordination if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of Marijuana usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. 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 symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Depression, vomiting, incoordination, sleepiness
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Cannabis sativa
- Common name
- Marijuana
- Family
- Cannabaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Depression, vomiting, incoordination, sleepiness
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
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