§ Toxic plants · Cannabaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is cannabis toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include dullness or depression, vomiting, wobbliness or poor coordination, lethargy, overexcitement, drooling, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizures, coma and drowsiness. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Cannabaceae plants toxic to pets
Cannabis belongs to the Cannabaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about cannabis and pets
Is cannabis toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists cannabis as toxic to cats.
Is cannabis toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists cannabis as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats cannabis?
Signs include dullness or depression, vomiting, wobbliness or poor coordination, lethargy, overexcitement, drooling, dilated pupils, low blood pressure, low body temperature, seizures, coma and drowsiness. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is cannabis called?
Cannabis is also sold or known as ruderalis marijuana, indica marijuana and sativa marijuana.