Mountain Rescue Highlights the Risks of Environmental Toxins for Dogs

A routine hike on Ben Nevis turned into a harrowing ordeal for Tokyo, a five-year-old Labrador, after she ingested discarded marijuana on the trail. The dog suffered severe intoxication, losing the ability to stand, and required an emergency rescue by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team to reach safety and recover.

Key Takeaways

• Acute ingestion of discarded, high-THC marijuana can cause real intoxication in dogs — the danger is dose-dependent, not a property of hemp itself.
• Symptoms of a large marijuana ingestion often include swaying, tremors, dilated pupils, and lethargy or loss of consciousness.
• Immediate veterinary care is vital any time you suspect a significant ingestion.
• There is a wide gap between an uncontrolled dose of concentrated marijuana and the precise, trace amount of THC (legally under 0.3%) in a properly formulated, third-party-tested full-spectrum hemp product for dogs.
• Peer-reviewed veterinary research — including a Colorado State University study using HempMy Pet's extract — found full-spectrum hemp oil to be well tolerated and beneficial for dogs.
• Discarded substances in nature pose real risks to curious pets — stay vigilant on trails.

The Dangers of Cannabis Toxicity in Pets

At HempMy Pet, we believe education is the foundation of pet wellness. While hemp-derived products, when formulated correctly and backed by scientific standards, can support a dog's health, it's essential to distinguish them from the psychoactive effects of concentrated marijuana. Unlike the carefully cultivated, low-THC hemp we use in our products, recreational marijuana can contain very high levels of THC. Dogs have a greater density of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and do not metabolize large THC loads the way humans do, which makes an uncontrolled, high-dose ingestion far more likely to overwhelm them. For a veterinary overview of cannabis and pets, see the American Veterinary Medical Association.

That last phrase — uncontrolled, high-dose — is the part of Tokyo's story that deserves a closer look, because it's exactly where a lot of pet-owner anxiety comes from, and where the science tells a more precise story.

Dose and Formulation Are Everything: Marijuana Toxicity Is Not the Same as Trace THC in Hemp

Cannabis affects dogs on a dose-response curve. What happened to Tokyo was the result of a curious dog eating an unknown — and likely large — quantity of discarded, high-THC material with no way to control the amount. That scenario absolutely warrants an emergency response. But it's the opposite end of the spectrum from the trace THC found in full-spectrum hemp made for pets.

By law, hemp contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. In a correctly dosed serving of a full-spectrum pet extract, that translates to a tiny fraction of a milligram of THC — orders of magnitude below the amounts associated with the intoxication seen in trail-ingestion cases. Veterinary toxicology also notes that while marijuana ingestion is distressing, plant-material cases are rarely fatal on their own; most dogs recover fully with supportive care. The serious outcomes usually involve concentrated edibles combined with other toxins like chocolate or xylitol — not trace THC in a lab-tested hemp product.

Here's the part the headlines miss: at those trace levels, THC isn't a liability — it's a contributor. Researchers call it the entourage effect. CBD, CBG, CBC, naturally occurring terpenes, and a legal trace of THC appear to work together, and studies comparing full-spectrum extracts to CBD isolate have found the full-spectrum matrix to be more effective at comparable doses. Stripping the plant down to a single molecule removes part of what makes it work. That's precisely why HempMy Pet formulates with full-spectrum extract rather than isolate. (New to the difference? Our guide on hemp oil vs CBD oil for dogs breaks it down.)

So the honest lesson from Tokyo's rescue isn't "all cannabinoids are dangerous." It's that dose and formulation are everything. An unmeasured mouthful of discarded marijuana and a precisely dosed, third-party-tested full-spectrum hemp oil are not the same input — and they don't produce the same outcome. (For how precise dosing actually works, see our CBD dosage guide for dogs.)

What the Research Actually Shows

We don't ask pet owners to take our word for it. HempMy Pet's full-spectrum hemp extract was the product used in an independent clinical pilot study conducted by veterinary researchers at Colorado State University and a board-certified pain specialist.

Those findings sit alongside a growing body of independent veterinary science. A landmark Cornell University study (Gamble et al., Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2018) found that CBD-rich hemp oil increased comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis and was well tolerated. A more recent 2024 trial in the same journal reported that full-spectrum hemp oil produced meaningful improvement with no major adverse effects attributable to the product. The consistent thread across this research is tolerability and benefit — the profile of a controlled, properly dosed hemp extract, not of an accidental marijuana overdose.

Trust signals matter here. Every HempMy Pet product is made from organically grown, U.S. hemp, is third-party lab tested for potency and for contaminants such as heavy metals, and is verified to contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. Formulated correctly, tested independently, and dosed precisely — that's the difference between a supplement and a hazard.

Recognizing the Signs of Ingestion

When Tokyo began to show symptoms, her owner initially feared a spinal injury. A significant marijuana ingestion in dogs can present in several alarming ways. As pet parents, being aware of these signs can help you act quickly in an emergency:

• Loss of coordination or swaying (ataxia)
• Dilated pupils and excessive drooling
• Tremors or muscle weakness
• Lethargy or drifting in and out of consciousness

If you observe these behaviors, contact a veterinarian immediately. Professional care is the safest way to ensure your pet is monitored and stabilized. Being honest with your vet about a suspected cannabis ingestion speeds up the right supportive care — there's no reason to be embarrassed, and it can shorten your dog's recovery.

If you suspect your dog ate marijuana or any toxic substance: call your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), or the Pet Poison Helpline right away. Bring any packaging if you have it.

Why Responsible Trail Etiquette Matters

The incident on Scotland's highest peak is a sobering reminder of why we must advocate for "Leave No Trace" principles. When we venture into the wilderness, our pets are at the mercy of what others leave behind. Whether it's discarded medication, food, edibles, or other toxic substances, these items can be dangerous to curious animals.

At HempMy Pet, our mission is to foster a world where pets live healthier, more comfortable lives through transparency and scientific integrity. We encourage every pet owner to stay vigilant on trails, keep a close eye on what their companions explore, and choose hemp products the same way — by looking for organic sourcing, third-party lab results, and clear dosing. By prioritizing safety, evidence, and environmental responsibility, we can keep our outdoor adventures joyful and safe for our four-legged family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hemp the same as marijuana for dogs?
No. Both come from cannabis, but hemp is legally limited to less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, while marijuana can be very high in THC. A lab-tested, full-spectrum hemp product for dogs contains only a trace of THC at a properly dosed serving — a completely different input than a mouthful of discarded marijuana.

Can CBD or hemp oil get my dog "high"?
No. Properly formulated full-spectrum hemp under 0.3% THC is non-intoxicating at correct servings. Intoxication like Tokyo's comes from an uncontrolled, high-dose ingestion of concentrated marijuana — not from a measured serving of lab-tested hemp.

What are the signs a dog ate marijuana?
Common signs include swaying or loss of coordination, dilated pupils, drooling, tremors or weakness, and lethargy or drifting in and out of consciousness. If you see these, treat it as an emergency.

What should I do if my dog ate weed?
Contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or a poison control line (ASPCA Animal Poison Control, 888-426-4435) immediately. Be honest about the suspected ingestion — it speeds up the right supportive care. Most dogs recover fully with prompt care.

Is full-spectrum hemp oil safe for dogs?
Peer-reviewed research — including a Colorado State University pilot study using HempMy Pet's extract — has found full-spectrum hemp oil well tolerated and beneficial for dogs at proper servings. Choose organic, U.S.-grown, third-party-tested hemp with clear dosing, and check with your vet if your dog is on medication.

HempMy Pet Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil for Dogs

The full-spectrum extract used in our Colorado State University pilot study — organically grown, third-party lab tested, and verified under 0.3% THC. Precise, dropper-based dosing you control.

250 mg (small & medium dogs) — $49  ·  1000 mg (large dogs) — $99

Shop Hemp Oil →

Sources

• Kogan LR, Hellyer PW, Downing R. "The Use of Cannabidiol-Rich Hemp Oil Extract to Treat Canine Osteoarthritis-Related Pain: A Pilot Study." Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Vol. 58, Spring 2020. Read the study (PDF).
• Gamble LJ, Boesch JM, Frye CW, et al. "Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2018;5:165. Read on Frontiers.
• Panda C, Rathinasabapathy T, Metzger B, et al. "Efficacy and tolerability of full spectrum hemp oil in dogs living with pain in common household settings." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024;11:1384168. Read on Frontiers.
• "Dog rescued from UK's highest mountain after apparently ingesting cannabis." AP News.
• "A dog ate marijuana on Scotland's highest mountain, got too high to stand and had to be carried down." The Times of India.

Editorial note: This article references peer-reviewed veterinary research, including an independent clinical pilot study conducted by Colorado State University veterinary researchers using HempMy Pet's full-spectrum hemp extract. HempMy Pet products are organically grown, third-party lab tested, and verified to contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration; this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian immediately.