If you’re an avid marijuana smoker and a hamster parent, meeting your obligations to the cute little furball can be difficult to balance with your recreational cannabis cravings. Many folks smoke at home so it is only logical to wonder whether the habit can have any effect on your hamster.
Can hamsters get high? Hamsters have cannabinoid receptors just like humans and can get high when exposed to second-hand marijuana smoke. Hamsters high on weed are likely to move around irrationally, become fearless, and may even suffer panic attacks.
Exposing hamsters to cannabis smoke can be detrimental to their health in numerous ways. It is one of the worst mistakes you can make as a hamster parent. No matter how much you enjoy recreational marijuana use, your cute pet rodent’s health needs should always come first.
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How Can Hamsters Get High?
Think humans are the only creatures that experience the mind-altering buzz of marijuana and other narcotics? You’ve got another thing coming. There are 2 main ways hamsters can get stoned so let’s dive into each one.
Firstly, Hamsters can get high from second-hand smoke just like humans. This typically occurs when you or another member of the household smokes around them.
They can also get high from consuming cannabis edibles such as gummies left in the kitchen or another area of the home. If hamsters are allowed to run around the home freely, keeping marijuana edibles out of reach should always be on the agenda.
Getting high can be detrimental to a hamster’s health and well-being in many ways. While humans may know exactly what is happening when they’re high, hamsters do not have the same sense of rationalization.
The feeling of getting stoned and the resultant euphoria can be new, increasing the risk of panic attacks. Worse still, the mind-altering effects can translate into dangerous actions that may put their lives at risk.
Effects of Smoking Marijuana Around Your Hamster
Smoking pot around any pet is a bad idea. Even larger animals such as dogs often get high when exposed to cannabis smoke. The effects can be even more critical for pocket rodents such as hamsters due to their petite-sized bodies.
Here are the major reasons why hamsters should never be exposed to marijuana edibles or second-hand smoke.
Respiratory Problems
Firstly, a hamster’s body is significantly small compared to humans. Their lungs are typically more sensitive to smoke, regardless of the type and long-term exposure can lead to infections such as asthma and bronchitis.
Asthma attacks occur when the hamster’s airways get inflamed resulting in constriction and spasming of delicate lungs.
Signs of respiratory problems in hamsters include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing
- Loss of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Heavy panting
If you notice any of these signs, a vet appointment should be on the horizon. The necessary tests will be conducted to diagnose the underlying condition behind these respiratory problems at the veterinary clinic.
The results from those tests will provide the vet with enough information to confirm whether it is asthma or another respiratory infection.
Finally, the right medications will be prescribed depending on the severity of the hamster’s asthma and his general state of health.
THC Poisoning
Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC is the active ingredient in Cannabis. Different strains of marijuana contain varying amounts of this powerful ingredient. THC can enter the bloodstream of hamsters via exposure to second-hand smoke or consuming cannabis edibles.
It is quickly absorbed from the hamster’s gastrointestinal tract and metabolized by the liver. THC also breaches the brain’s barrier and acts quickly on brain receptors resulting in signs such as sudden euphoria.
Unfortunately, the hamster’s small body means they can easily overdose on THC, leading to signs such as
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- loss of coordination
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
- Coma
If you suspect that your hamster may have been exposed to marijuana or notice any of the THC poisoning symptoms above, seek immediate veterinary attention.
THC poisoning can occur within 30 minutes after second-hand marijuana smoke inhalation or ingestion of cannabis edibles. In severe cases, hamsters could fall into a coma or even die so a visit to a vet should always be of utmost priority.
Irrational Behavior
Hamsters exhibit significant signs of irrational behavior when high. While these creatures have always been physically active, a hamster who has just been exposed to pot often begins displaying signs of hyperactivity including:
- Restlessness
- Excessive burrowing
- Excessive workouts on exercise wheels
- Running up and down the same routes
- Squeaking
- Bruxing
Cannabis-induced hyperactivity in hamsters can last for up to 24 hours so it is important to watch them carefully. Make sure all potential sources of injury are removed from their cages within that period.
The food and water bowl should be filled as these rodents may experience sudden hunger. A hamster high on Marijuana may also eat and drink more than usual.
Common Plants That Can Make Your Hamsters Get High
Marijuana can get hamsters high but there are many other plants with similar euphoria-inducing effects on these little rodents. These plants contain mind-altering substances that can get humans and several animals including hamsters high when consumed.
A few of such plants include:
- Opium
- Coca plant
- Magic mushrooms
- Marula tree
- Narcotic lichen
- Fermented berries
- Yage vine (banisteriopsis caapi)
- Pen-tailed tresshrew (Ptilocercus lowii)
Do Hamsters Get High Off Catnip?
Hamsters cannot get high off catnip because the euphoria-inducing effect of the plant is limited to animals from the feline family. Like most rodents, hamsters have a low tolerance for catnip (Nepeta Catharria) which is closely related to plants from the mint family.
Feeding catnip to hamsters can lead to severe digestion problems such as diarrhea. This is why you need to protect them from this plant at all costs. Alternatives such as fruits and green leafy vegetables may be more beneficial for your hamster.
How Do You Protect Your Hamster from Getting High as a Smoker?
Are you a hamster parent who loves smoking pot or consuming cannabis edibles? If yes, how do you protect your cute hammy from getting exposed to marijuana?
Smoke in Another Room to Protect Your Hamster From Getting High
Never smoke or vape in the same room as hamsters or other pets. This does not only apply to marijuana or other severe mind-altering substances but cigarettes as well.
Regardless of the size of the room, hamsters can easily inhale traces of second-hand cannabis smoke leading to quick intoxication.
Remember, hamsters have an amazing sense of smell and can inhale second-hand smoke much quicker than humans and larger pets.
Hide Cannabis Edibles from Hamsters
Cannabis edibles should never be left in plain sight if your hamster is allowed out of his cage to roam freely at home. Always keep cannabis edibles packaged and covered after use and make sure no residue is left on the kitchen countertop or another area of the home.
This can eliminate the risk of hamsters accidentally stumbling upon and getting high from consuming the edibles.
Conclusion
Hamsters may get high when exposed to second-hand marijuana smoke or cannabis edibles. The effects of THC on these small rodents can be significant leading to irrational behaviors such as excessive running, restlessness, panic attacks, and constant burrowing.
Hamsters could also suffer THC poisoning which may lead to severe ramifications including death. If you love smoking pot or consuming cannabis edibles, do your hamster a favor and keep them at arm’s length from the little guy.