 products and byproducts, including animal feeds. But there has been little research to find whether the animals experience unwelcome physiological effects, and whether any of the psychoactive properties of cannabis could be passed on to humans. To find out, researchers at the German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment gave cannabinoid-rich industrial hemp silage to 10 dairy cows. Germany is in the process of decriminalising the cultivation and possession of cannabis. They discovered that animals showed significant behavioural changes, including increased yawning, salivation, tongue play and unsteady movements. The cows also appeared drowsy and often stood for unnaturally long periods in abnormal postures. The team also tested their milk and found high levels of THC - the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation. Mood alterations Levels were so high that in humans it could lead to drowsiness, impair working memory performance and cause mood alterations, the researchers said. 'We observed significant changes in respiratory and heart rate as well as a reduction of feed intake and milk yield,' a spokesman told The Telegraph. 'Other signs included yawning, salivation, prolapse and reddening of the nictitating membrane [a third eyelid present in some animals], tongue play and nasal secretion. 'Consumption of milk with delta-9 THC concentrations as measured in the current study could result in intake levels above the acute reference dose, with especially high intakes in children. 'Higher intake levels are undesired, since adverse effects may occur. These exposure levels may especially affect the central nervous system, e.g. increased sedation, impaired working memory performance, and mood al){kind=link}
Concern over the use of cannabis-based feeds in countries where the drug has been legalised
Cows appear to get stoned and produce milk which could make people sleepy after eating hemp feed, a new study suggests.
The recent legalisation of cannabis in many countries, and US states, has triggered a booming industry of hemp (cannabis sativa) products and byproducts, including animal feeds.
But there has been little research to find whether the animals experience unwelcome physiological effects, and whether any of the psychoactive properties of cannabis could be passed on to humans.
To find out, researchers at the German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment gave cannabinoid-rich industrial hemp silage to 10 dairy cows. Germany is in the process of decriminalising the cultivation and possession of cannabis.