The use of medicinal cannabis in veterinary medicine is gaining ground in Brazil and worldwide. According to veterinarian Carolina Mariga, the plant can be an important ally in the treatment of various diseases that affect dogs and cats, offering anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and behavioral benefits.

Among the main cases in which cannabis can be indicated are inflammatory diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions, in which CBD acts as a potent anti-inflammatory. In animals with gastrointestinal problems, the cannabinoid helps regulate appetite, control nausea, vomiting, and persistent diarrhea. THC also plays an important role, especially in cases of inappetence.

Another highlight is the use in osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative condition that causes inflammatory, nociceptive, and neuropathic pain, impairing the animals' mobility. CBD acts as an antioxidant and analgesic, while THC helps in pain modulation.

Cannabis has also been shown to be effective in behavioral problems, going beyond anxiety, and in autoimmune diseases, thanks to the immunomodulatory potential of CBD. In the specific case of cats, there are good results in managing urinary diseases, such as stress-associated idiopathic cystitis, with improved behavior and reduced recurrence.

In feline gingivostomatitis, a condition often linked to infections like FIV and FeLV, cannabinoids help control pain and inflammation, as well as stimulate appetite — a critical factor, as food loss in cats can be a clinical emergency.

Another promising field is the treatment of wounds in general, as cannabinoids reduce pain, itching, self-trauma, and accelerate healing.

For Carolina Mariga, cannabis opens up new perspectives in veterinary medicine: 

“We are talking about a therapy that can improve the quality of life of animals on different fronts, from pain management to the regulation of the immune and behavioral systems.”