When people refer to “weed plants” in the context of animal consumption, they typically mean cannabis plants. Cannabis, encompassing species like Cannabis sativa, C. indica, and C. ruderalis, is known for its diverse chemical compounds. These plants have grown wild globally for centuries, leading to natural interactions with local wildlife. Understanding which animals consume these plants and their biological impacts is an area of growing interest.
Primary Consumers of Cannabis Plants
Various animals, from small insects to larger mammals, consume cannabis plants. Insects like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies feed on cannabis by sucking sap, causing wilting and discoloration. Slugs and snails also consume tender leaves, particularly from young plants.
Small mammals such as mice, rats, and squirrels chew on cannabis plants, often for their seeds. Rabbits consume leaves and roots, leaving characteristic bite marks. Gophers can pull entire plants into their tunnels, while moles damage root systems through tunneling.
Larger herbivores, including deer, may consume cannabis plants, though their preference varies based on other food sources. Deer might bypass the pungent plant if other options are abundant, but will consume it if food is scarce. Goats and other livestock graze on cannabis plants, especially where they are cultivated or grow wild. Birds are attracted to hemp seeds, a common ingredient in commercial bird feed due to their high nutritional value.
Physiological Effects on Animals
Consuming cannabis plants can lead to various physiological effects in animals due to cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with the animal’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system in most vertebrates that influences appetite, mood, and pain. Effects vary based on species, amount ingested, and cannabinoid concentration.
Observable effects include behavioral changes such as lethargy, disorientation, and impaired coordination. Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea are also reported. Dogs frequently show clear signs of intoxication, such as extreme lethargy and difficulty walking, after ingesting cannabis.
The response to cannabis differs greatly from human experiences, and not all animals are affected similarly. While many animals possess an ECS, the way cannabinoids interact with their specific receptors can produce diverse outcomes. Raw cannabis leaves, even from high-THC strains, generally contain very little active THC, but rather its non-intoxicating precursor, THCA, which has different effects.
Ecological Perspectives and Accidental Ingestion
In natural ecosystems, cannabis plants are not typically a primary food source for most wild animals. While certain herbivores may opportunistically graze on them when other vegetation is scarce, cannabis is not a dietary staple. The plant’s pungent aroma, attributed to terpenes, may deter some animals. Its presence in a wild animal’s diet suggests opportunistic feeding rather than a symbiotic relationship.
The interaction between animals and cannabis becomes more pronounced in human-influenced environments, especially concerning accidental ingestion by domestic animals. Pets, such as dogs and cats, are particularly susceptible to consuming cannabis from discarded plant material, edibles, or cultivated plants. This accidental ingestion is a common concern for pet owners, as it can lead to adverse effects requiring veterinary attention.
Protecting cultivated cannabis plants often involves physical barriers like fencing to deter larger animals, or natural deterrents for smaller pests. Understanding these ecological dynamics and the risks of accidental ingestion is important for both cultivators and pet owners. This awareness helps manage potential interactions between animals and cannabis, particularly in areas where the plant is grown or consumed by humans.