The Question of Doggijuana at PetSmart
The original question that sparked this article asked simply “Do they have Doggijuana at PetSmart?”. On the surface, this seems like a straightforward question about a specific product availability at a particular pet retail chain. However, it touches on several interesting and controversial issues around cannabis products for pets, the ethics of selling controversial pet products, and whether major retailers should cater to perceived consumer demand for such items.
The interest and curiosity around this question likely stems from the growing awareness and debates over the use of cannabis-derived products like CBD for pets. With marijuana legalization expanding in many areas, people are questioning if cannabis products for pets are showing up in mainstream pet stores. PetSmart, as the largest pet retailer in North America, is an obvious target for such questions. The curiosity over Doggijuana availability reflects broader conversations happening around cannabis in society.
What is Doggijuana?
Doggijuana is a brand of catnip-based dog toys and treats made by the company Doggijuana. According to the Doggijuana website, “Dogs experience the world through their noses and catnip is a natural way to encourage dogs to play.” (https://doggijuana.com/) Catnip contains an essential oil called nepetalactone which can induce a temporary euphoric state in cats. Though the effect is not as strong in dogs, many still enjoy and react to the smell and taste of catnip.
The way Doggijuana products are administered to pets is through toys and treats infused with catnip. The toys can be filled with catnip to release the scent and flavor, encouraging chewing and play. Doggijuana’s catnip-infused treats provide a tasty catnip experience. The effects of catnip on dogs can include excited behavior, playfulness, drooling, and chewing. However, effects vary greatly between dogs. Catnip serves as a safe, natural way to stimulate play and engagement.
In summary, Doggijuana offers catnip-based toys and treats designed to encourage dogs to play, chew, and engage through the smell and taste of catnip’s active ingredient, nepetalactone. The products allow owners to provide a positive catnip experience without any harmful side effects.
Is Doggijuana Legal?
Doggijuana itself is not an illegal substance, as it does not contain any THC or CBD derived from the cannabis plant. According to the Doggijuana website, their products are made from catnip, which is safe and non-toxic for dogs when used as directed. While catnip produces effects in cats similar to those of THC in humans, it does not contain cannabinoids and is generally considered safe.
That being said, there are some regulations around doggijuana products. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC at the federal level, but some states have additional restrictions. For example, California prohibits the sale of any CBD products marketed for pets or other animals. The FDA also has not approved CBD for use in animals and prohibits marketing CBD as a dietary supplement for pets.
While doggijuana itself may not contain THC or CBD, products marketed alongside it, like treats or oils, may contain CBD. Pet owners should be careful that any additional products abide by all federal and state laws. The legal landscape is complex, but pure doggijuana should avoid raising any regulatory flags.
PetSmart’s Stance on Controversial Pet Products
PetSmart generally aims to provide pet parents with a wide assortment of products to care for the health and well-being of pets. However, they have policies against carrying controversial or offensive merchandise that promotes violence, intolerance, racism, or harm (1). For example, in shareholder engagements, PetSmart has concurred that they can exclude shareholder proposals asking them to sell controversial products like firearms or tobacco (2).
PetSmart has not made any public statements about selling doggijuana specifically. As an unapproved veterinary product, it likely falls under their policy against offensive or harmful merchandise. However, PetSmart aims to respond to customer needs, so if legal and ethical concerns around doggijuana are resolved, they may reconsider in the future.
Selling Doggijuana at Pet Stores
Doggijuana, also known as “Juananip,” is not currently sold at major pet retail chains like PetSmart. PetSmart’s product selection focuses on items that are legal and safe for pets. Doggijuana occupies a legal gray area in many jurisdictions, making it too risky for a large retailer to carry.
Some smaller pet stores do choose to sell doggijuana products, often marketed as “calming aids” or “anxiety relievers” for dogs. For example, Petco sells the Doggijuana brand of dog nip, including refillable chew toys. However, availability is inconsistent as local regulations vary.
The main challenges for selling doggijuana products in retail stores are legal restrictions and ethical concerns. Even in places where it is technically legal, many major chains are reluctant to sell something controversial. There are also worries that dogs may become dependent on doggijuana for relaxation. For these reasons, widespread retail availability remains limited.
Though uncommon in stores currently, customer demand exists for doggijuana. Some pet owners view it as a natural alternative to anxiety medications. As cultural attitudes and laws evolve, there may be greater feasibility of selling doggijuana products in pet retail in the future. But for now, most national chains avoid taking that risk.
Customer Demand for Doggijuana
There has been some customer interest in pet retailers like PetSmart carrying doggijuana products, though it does not appear to be widespread. In 2019, a petition on Change.org called for PetSmart to begin selling CBD oil for pets, gathering just over 1,000 signatures. The petition argued that CBD could help pets with anxiety, seizures, pain relief, and other conditions. However, PetSmart has not yet chosen to sell CBD or any cannabis products for pets in their stores.
While there are likely some individuals who would shop at major retailers like PetSmart for doggijuana if it were legally available, there does not appear to be large, organized demand or public pressure campaigns calling for these national chains to sell cannabis products. Most doggijuana purchasers currently obtain these products through specialized outlets, online stores, or recommendations from veterinarians.
Unless legalization and public acceptance of doggijuana dramatically shifts, large retailers like PetSmart seem unlikely to face major customer demand or pressure to sell these types of controversial pet products in their stores in the near future.
Ethical Concerns Around Doggijuana
Doggijuana raises several ethical considerations when it comes to administering it to pets. While supporters point to potential benefits like calming anxiety or reducing pain, critics argue there are risks involved as well.
Those in favor of using doggijuana note it contains compounds that interact with a dog’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various biological functions (Doggijuana | FAQs). Some proponents claim it is a natural way to relieve anxiety or other conditions without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. They argue dog owners should have the choice to use doggijuana if they believe it improves their pet’s quality of life.
However, opponents raise concerns about the lack of research on the long-term effects of doggijuana. Administering any substance to an animal that cannot consent also raises ethical questions. There are also concerns that pet owners may use doggijuana irresponsibly or for purposes other than the pet’s best interest. Some argue the potential for abuse outweighs any unproven benefits.
Overall, the use of doggijuana involves a complex debate with arguments on both sides. More research is likely needed to provide definitive guidance on the ethical implications. In the meantime, pet owners should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits when considering using doggijuana.
The Benefits and Risks of Doggijuana
When used appropriately, doggijuana can provide some benefits for pets. According to https://doggijuana.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-catnip-dogs, catnip acts as a mild sedative and relaxant in dogs. It can calm nervousness, stimulate appetite, and encourage play. The terpenes in catnip are also said to have anti-inflammatory properties.
However, there are some risks to be aware of. Consuming too much catnip can cause lethargy, upset stomach, and diarrhea. It should not be given to pregnant or nursing dogs. Doggijuana products may also contain other ingredients that could be unsafe for dogs to ingest.
It’s important to monitor your dog closely when giving them any catnip products. Start with a small amount and watch for any adverse reactions. Never leave your dog unattended with access to large quantities of doggijuana, as overconsumption could lead to toxicity.
Speak to your veterinarian before introducing doggijuana to your pet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions. When used sparingly under supervision, doggijuana can provide some benefits. But be aware of the risks, and do not use it as a substitute for proper veterinary care.
The Future of Doggijuana at PetSmart
It is unclear if PetSmart will begin selling Doggijuana products in their stores in the future. Currently, PetSmart does not appear to offer any Doggijuana branded products, though they do sell some toys that mimic the effects of catnip for dogs using other natural ingredients (source). PetSmart likely takes a cautious approach when evaluating controversial new pet products like Doggijuana.
The legal status of cannabis products for pets remains in flux. While Doggijuana itself does not contain THC or other cannabinoids, the branding and marketing clearly associates the products with marijuana. Some states have banned the sale of CBD products for pets, while others permit it (source). If restrictions on cannabis-related pet products ease in the future, PetSmart may become more open to carrying Doggijuana toys.
Customer demand will also influence whether PetSmart eventually sells Doggijuana. As more pet owners become aware of and interested in cannabis-related wellness products, the customer base advocating for Doggijuana may grow. However, PetSmart must balance this against concerns about the ethics and risks of exposing pets to what could be seen as a marijuana-like substance.
In summary, while the trajectory is uncertain, it seems unlikely PetSmart will sell Doggijuana in the immediate future. But changing attitudes and regulations around cannabis could prompt reevaluation down the road. PetSmart is likely to move cautiously with any new pet products in this space.
Conclusion
So does PetSmart sell Doggijuana currently? Given the controversial and legal nature of this substance, it’s unlikely that a major retailer like PetSmart would offer it in their stores. While there may be customer demand from some pet owners, the potential backlash and ethical concerns make it improbable that Doggijuana is being sold openly on their shelves.
There are several important considerations around the issue of Doggijuana at pet retailers. The purported medical benefits for pets would need to be carefully evaluated by veterinary bodies before stores could legitimately offer it. The legal status of cannabis products for pets remains ambiguous in many areas, so large chains are unlikely to risk controversy by selling Doggijuana. And the potential for abuse means pet stores would have to consider their ethical obligations in providing the substance.
In conclusion, while Doggijuana may offer therapeutic potential for some pet ailments, the controversial nature of this unregulated product means major retailers like PetSmart are highly unlikely to carry it today. The legal and ethical questions surrounding Doggijuana will need further resolution before mainstream stores would consider offering it. For now, pet owners interested in cannabis products for their animals would need to explore alternatives outside the traditional pet supply chain.