The interaction between wild animals and cannabis plants presents a fascinating, albeit under-researched, area. While the effects of cannabis on humans are well-documented, its impact on wild animals remains largely a mystery. However, various creatures do encounter and, in some cases, consume parts of the cannabis plant. This article explores these interactions and their potential effects.
The Opportunistic Grazers and Foragers
Herbivores, such as deer and rabbits, are known to browse on cannabis plants, especially when other food sources are scarce. Their opportunistic feeding habits lead them to sample a wide array of vegetation. Gophers and moles may target the roots of cannabis plants, causing damage to the plant’s structure. Rodents, including rats, mice, and squirrels, may consume cannabis seeds, which are rich in nutrients.
♦ Interested in high-quality CBD edibles and merchandise? Check out the FGE shop ♦
Hemp seeds, a variety of cannabis, are a popular food source for birds, and hemp seed bird feed is commercially available due to its high nutritional value. Raccoons and other larger animals can damage cannabis crops while foraging for food. Their digging and foraging behaviours disrupt the plants.
The Uncertain Effects: Endocannabinoid Systems and Varied Reactions
The effects of cannabis on wild animals are not extensively studied. However, many animals possess endocannabinoid systems, suggesting they could be affected by cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The cannabinoid content in wild cannabis varies, leading to potentially diverse effects on animals. It is important to note that domesticated animals, like dogs, cats, and horses, are far more likely to have issues with marijuana consumption. High THC cultivated cannabis can be dangerous to pets. Effects like loss of coordination and lethargy are known to affect some domesticated animals that consume cannabis.
Protecting Crops and Wild Animals
To protect cannabis crops fencing and other physical barriers are effective in deterring larger animals. Deterrents such as predator scents can also help keep animals away. While wild animals do interact with cannabis plants, the full extent of the effects remains unknown. It is crucial to be aware of these interactions, especially when cultivating cannabis, and to take precautions to protect crops from potential animal damage.
However, protecting an industrial level of crops does come at a disadvantage to the wild animals. Through the creation of cannabis growing fields and land, habitats are destroyed. Consequently, in major growing states (such as California), the negative impact of land loss forces the animals to find feed where feed newly appears.
