# Cannabis as a dewormer? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 20, 2010, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329 "2010-11-20T13:57:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/1 "2010-11-20T13:57:32Z")
In [this story](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11799303) a farmer has been convicted for possession of cannabis. He said he had it for deworming his ducks. But I note that neither the linked story, nor any other I’ve found, indicate that the prosecution disputed his claim; they just prosecuted him for possession. Is there any validity to his claim? Is the cannabis plant good for killing intestinal worms? ---
**Author:** ![dzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/2 "2010-11-20T20:53:59Z")
What you’re talking about would be called an “affirmative defense”. IOW, something is illegal per se but is justified under certain conditions. If you can show one such condition applied to your situation, then you would be justified in committing the illegal act. For example, self-defense is an affirmative defense to manslaughter. The answer to your question would depend on whether or not there was an affirmative defense to possession of MJ that applied to the defendant’s situation. If not, the prosecution was justified in ignoring it since it had no legal relevance. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/3 "2010-11-20T21:17:26Z")
I’m not actually interested in the legal side. Just whether or not cannabis does what this farmer says it does. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/4 "2010-11-20T21:23:00Z")
I wouldn’t mind seeing video of a bunch of ducks (hopefully worm-free) after a few hours spent backstage at a Phish/Willie Nelson/Snoop Dogg concert… ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2010, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/5 "2010-11-20T21:52:39Z")
It turns out it was used for just that purpose in ancient [Greece](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis#Ancient_Greece). It also is effective against bacteria, for which reason it was used in topical [corn remedies](http://antiquecannabisbook.com/chap6/CornMed.htm) up until the last years before the federal government hounded it out of the market in the late 1930s. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/6 "2010-11-21T01:09:57Z")
I’ve never done a study on dogs who ingested pot (usually the dog owner’s roommate’s pot) to find out if they were rendered worm free later. However, due to the other undesirable effects and cost, I don’t think it would be very efficient. There’s plenty of other stuff that’s going to be cheaper, work better and not make the animal a pain in the ass to be around for several hours. ---
**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/7 "2010-11-21T05:23:57Z")
How do you use marijuana to deworm a duck? Blow smoke up his ass? ---
**Author:** ![Pullet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Pullet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pullet)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/8 "2010-11-21T06:21:32Z")
There is some evidence that oregano works as a coccidiastat in poultry (I’m too drunk to look up cites now, but might later if you ask nice). It is used by several organic farmers I’ve visited. In those cases, administration is of the distilled oregano oil mixed into the watering systems. However, I’m pretty sure the literature is thin on use of cannabis. ---
**Author:** ![Weedy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/weedy/32/301_2.png) [@Weedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weedy)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/9 "2010-11-21T10:12:16Z")
A quick search found a some French and Indian articles referring to the effect of cannabis extract on worms. No suggestions on how to administer it to ducks. > [@](#): > > \*\*In vitro flukicidal effect of leaf extract of Cannabis sativa Linn. on the trematode Fasciolopsis buski \*\* > Author(s): Roy, Bishnupada; Tandon, Veena Source: _Indian Journal of Experimental Biology_ Volume:35 Issue:1 Pages:80-82 Published: 1997 > **Abstract:** The efficacy of crude extract of Cannabis sativa leaf on the motility and morphology of Fasciolopsis buski was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Treatment of the worms in vitro with 5 , 10, and 20 mg of crude extract per ml of phosphate buffered saline caused paralysis, taking 1-1.3, 0.6-0.8 and 0.4-0.6 hr, respectively. SEM observations on treated flukes revealed deformation of the surface architecture, particularly of papillated ventral surface. Deep scars were also observed both on the dorsal and ventral surface. The leaf extract of the plant was thus found to be effective against intestinal giant fluke. > [@](#): > > **Larval susceptibility of Aloe barbadensis and Cannabis sativa against Culex quinquefasciatus, the filariasis vector.** > Author(s): Maurya, Prejwltta; Mohan, Lalit; Sharma, Preeti; Srivastava, _J Environ Biol_ Volume:29 Issue:6 Pages: 941-3 Published: 2008 Nov > **Abstract:** Larvicidal potential of petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride and methanol extracts of Aloe barbadensis and Cannabis sativa has been investigated against Culex quinquefasciatus. Among the extracts examined, Carbon tetrachloride extract (Cte) of Aloe barbadensis was the most effective with LC50 values of 15.31 and 11.01 ppm after 24 and 48 hr of exposure, respectively followed by pertoleum ether extract (Pee) of A barbadensis, Cte of C. sativa, methanol extract (Mee) of A. barbadensis, methanol and petroleum ether of C. saliva, LC, being 25.97, 88.51, 144.44, 160.78 and 294.42 ppm affer 24hr and 16.60, 68.69, 108.38, 71.71 and 73.32 ppm after 48 hr of post treatment, respectively. Cte of both the plants exhibits potential larvicidal activity and can be used as ecofriendly alternative in the management of the filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. > [@](#): > > **Toxic effects of essential oil of Cannabis sativa L. and main constituents on planarian (Dugesia tigrina) (author’s transl) \*\* > Author(s): Fournier, G; Lenicque, P M; Paris, _Toxicol Eur Res_ Volume:1 Issue:6 Pages:385-9 Published: 1978 Nov > \*\* Abstract:** Regenerating pieces of planarian worms are able to absorbe insoluble substances deposited on the base of the vessels in which they are cultivated. This biological test was used to study the toxic effects of the essential oil of Cannabis sativa L. The hydrocarbons such as pinene (alpha and beta), caryophyllene and so on were not toxic. On the contrary caryophyllene oxide was highly toxic. It was not possible to detect any protection by 5-hydroxytryptamine as it was the case against delta 1-tetrahydro-cannabinol and cannabidiol. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/10 "2010-11-21T14:27:32Z")
> [@Wile\_E](#): > > There’s plenty of other stuff that’s going to be cheaper, work better and not make the animal a pain in the ass to be around for several hours. Having never been around an animal that was high on MJ, I have to ask: what are the observable effects of MJ on domesticated pets? FTR, I’ve thought about locking my cat in the bathroom with me the next time I toke, but I keep forgetting (heh). ---
**Author:** ![Staggerlee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/staggerlee/32/3134_2.png) [@Staggerlee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Staggerlee)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/11 "2010-11-21T15:53:11Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > Having never been around an animal that was high on MJ, I have to ask: what are the observable effects of MJ on domesticated pets? > > FTR, I’ve thought about locking my cat in the bathroom with me the next time I toke, but I keep forgetting (heh). Not a pet, but a moth I once shared a joint with lost the ability to fly (temporarily) and started walking backwards in circles. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/12 "2010-11-21T19:41:08Z")
Would cannabis that’s been eaten have any hallucinogenic effect? ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/13 "2010-11-21T19:54:42Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Would cannabis that’s been eaten have any hallucinogenic effect? If it’s eaten with a fatty meal, yes. THC is fat soluble, so if you eat just the leaves, or drink pot tea without eating fat with it, then no, it won’t. Or rather, it might, but it’s most likely placebo driven. But if you eat a bud along with, say, a nice greasy burger, the fat in the burger will dissolve enough of the THC from the bud in your stomach to get you high. Good “pot brownies” and such are generally made by soaking pot in butter or oil and using the infused butter or oil in a standard recipe. No need for the actual green stuff in the brownies. ---
**Author:** ![Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8c91f0/32.png) [@Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bam_Boo_Gut)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/14 "2010-11-21T22:53:18Z")
Bit of a downer for the farmer. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2010, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/15 "2010-11-22T01:50:18Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > Having never been around an animal that was high on MJ, I have to ask: what are the observable effects of MJ on domesticated pets? > > FTR, I’ve thought about locking my cat in the bathroom with me the next time I toke, but I keep forgetting (heh). See [this for details](http://www2.aspca.org/site/DocServer/toxbrief_0602.pdf?docID=101&AddInterest=1101). Basically, they’re pooping, peeing, crying, vomiting and hyper. They may have moments of mellowness but they are hyperreactive and the slightest noise or movement could set them off again. ---
**Author:** ![Nehemiah\_Samedi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7993a0/32.png) [@Nehemiah\_Samedi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nehemiah_Samedi)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2010, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/16 "2010-11-22T02:51:43Z")
> [@Wile\_E](#): > > See [this for details](http://www2.aspca.org/site/DocServer/toxbrief_0602.pdf?docID=101&AddInterest=1101). Basically, they’re pooping, peeing, crying, vomiting and hyper. They may have moments of mellowness but they are hyperreactive and the slightest noise or movement could set them off again. In my experience, animals that have consumed marijuana are generally very sedated. I think the pooping, peeing, crying, and vomiting have been over-emphasized to drive the point that it is not generally considered a good thing to give animals intoxicants, especially illegal ones. One time, my friend made a large batch of marijuana cookies, and threw the butter soaked marijuana used to make the infusion in the trash can. His three dogs tore through the trash bag and ate it all. They became almost comatose. Obviously this varies by animal, and the type of weed being used is also a factor. ---
**Author:** ![komolono](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/komolono/32/532_2.png) [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2010, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/17 "2010-11-22T09:58:00Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > Having never been around an animal that was high on MJ, I have to ask: what are the observable effects of MJ on domesticated pets? It’s not only mammals that drugs have effect on [http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/spiderdrugs.htm](http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/spiderdrugs.htm) I should stop using Caffeine:smack: ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2010, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/18 "2010-11-22T17:33:25Z")
> [@Nametag](#): > > How do you use marijuana to deworm a duck? Blow smoke up his ass? That’s not as implausible as it sounds - historically, tobacco has been used as a vermifuge for horses and cattle, with the help of a set of bellows. Anecdotally, I _have_ seen cannabis oil administered orally (mixed into food) to deworm a cat. Pro: After every OTC treatment utterly failed, cat was finally worm free. (Unexpected result - ejection of still-wriggling worms in clear mucous. Ewww.) Con: Cat spent an unhappy day hunkered down in a quiet cupboard. Not “Dude, I’m like totally _baked_” hunkered down, but “I am feeling really ill” hunkered down. Poor little guy. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2010, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannabis-as-a-dewormer/561329/19 "2010-11-23T03:55:51Z")
I don’t know about cannabis and ducks, but farmers have traditionally used tobacco plugs to deworm horses. Hint: it’s not administered orally.