High Numbers: Marijuana Toxicity Affects Nearly 3,400 Pets

Marijuana may be legal in certain locations, but unless it’s a cannabis product specifically designed for pets and prescribed by their veterinarian, it still needs to be kept away from dogs and cats. Since 2020, pet medical insurance provider Trupanion has received 3,375 claims for marijuana toxicity-related issues in pets.

Marijuana Toxicity Claims by State

In all, 19 states have had more than 20 marijuana toxicity-related claims since 2020. Florida and Pennsylvania are the only states with more than 20 claims where marijuana is not legal recreationally.

Keep in mind that the numbers below reflect only pets insured by Trupanion. Meaning that the real number of pets affected by marijuana toxicity-related issues is likely significantly higher.

Marijuana Toxicity and Pets in the United States

The average cost of a marijuana toxicity-related claim varies from state to state but can be more than $800. Claims can also include both treatment and medication. Get a quick quote for pet insurance.

Marijuana Toxicity Claims by Province

Marijuana is fully legal in Canada and over the last six years, Trupanion has received more than 1,800 claims from across Canada. British Columbia has had the most marijuana toxicity claims since 2020, however, four other provinces have had more than 100 claims and in all, nine provinces have had more than 20 claims over the last six years.

Marijuana Toxicity and Pets in Canada

Marijuana Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats have more cannabinoid receptors than people so the effects of even small amounts of marijuana are more pronounced.

Marijuana toxicity in dogs and cats can happen when a pet eats something they shouldn’t have like an edible designed for people, part of a marijuana plant, a baked good containing marijuana or are exposed to secondhand smoke.

Signs and symptoms of marijuana toxicity vary depending on the amount ingested, weight of the animal and species but usually develop within 30 minutes to a few hours and last as much as 72 hours.

Signs of Marijuana Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

• Neurological signs (balance issues, lack of coordination, dilated pupils, tremors, drooling)
• Lethargy
• Hyperactivity
• Incontinence
• Changes in body temperature and/or breathing rate

Marijuana Toxicity Treatment in Pets

It’s important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your pet has eaten or been affected by marijuana. Be prepared to share any specifics including the weight and species of your pet, the product that was ingested, the amount ingested and the method of ingestion.

Methodology

For this report, Trupanion analyzed the number of marijuana toxicity-related claims in each state and nationwide from January 2020 to December 2025.

About Trupanion

Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, and certain countries in Continental Europe with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet's recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "TRUP". The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. For more information, please visit Trupanion.com.