Marijuana poisoning: when to go to the ER
Quiet and wobbly may be urgent clinic care. Collapsed or seizing is ER now.
Do this first
| Scenario | Cannabis / marijuana ingestion |
|---|---|
| Vet vs poison control vs ER | Call your veterinarian for most stable cannabis exposures; poison control helps when dose or multi-ingredient edibles are unclear. ER for neurologic crisis, severe depression, or mixed high-risk toxins. |
Immediate action steps
- ER now for seizures, collapse, severe agitation, or inability to rise
- Call your vet for milder ataxia if they can advise same-day
- Mention chocolate, xylitol, or raisins in the same product
- Bring packaging
- Prevent falls during transport
Stable vs unstable
A dog that can walk with help and is otherwise protecting their airway may be guided by a clinic phone triage.
A dog that cannot walk, is vomiting uncontrollably, or has a mixed chocolate/xylitol edible often needs the ER.
Honesty speeds care
Clinics have seen this before. Accurate product details beat vague “maybe plant material.”
If cost is a barrier, say so early so triage can prioritize.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Contact your vet for anything urgent or unclear.
FAQ
- Can I sleep it off on the couch together?
- Not as a plan. Get professional advice first — some pets need active monitoring.