New Research Unveils What Occurs When Donkeys Get High — A World Donkey Day Special
A groundbreaking study on cannabis exposure in donkeys sparks new conversations about veterinary cannabis, pet CBD, and the future of animal wellness
Each year on 8th May, the globe observes World Donkey Day in celebration of one of the least appreciated animals of agriculture — the humble, diligent donkey. The day puts the spotlight on their invaluable contributions to farming, transport, and rural economies, particularly in third-world countries. But in 2025, World Donkey Day brought something entirely unexpected — a viral scientific report on what happens when donkeys are high on cannabis.
At a moment when the cannabis market is expanding at record speed, the unforeseen consequences of access to weed are beginning to appear in the most unlikely of places — including among animals. A new study by Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine explored the effects of THC exposure in donkeys, providing findings that could change veterinary cannabis studies and CBD for animals forever.
Why Celebrate World Donkey Day?
Donkeys, or Equus asinus, have been part of human life for over 6,000 years. Donkeys were domesticated in Nubia and Egypt and were utilized by humans for farming, transportation, and the hauling of heavy loads in harsh environments — places where horses fail. Despite all that they accomplish, donkeys are often underworked or overworked in most of the world.
World Donkey Day was started by Raffaele Mazzarella with the help of the International Donkey Protection organization to change international perception. Its aim? Raising awareness, encouraging humane treatment, and demanding improved working and living conditions for donkeys internationally.
The Study: What Happens When Donkeys Eat Weed?
In what appears to be the start of a super-stoned stoner film, scientists conducted an experiment with two donkeys — a jack (male) and a jenny (female) — that were each given a few grams of premium, legally cultivated cannabis flower.
Symptoms thereafter were strikingly close to a high edible overdose in humans:
- Increased heart rate
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Long recovery time (one donkey recovered after 44 hours)
Both the donkeys later recovered "uneventfully," the study said. But the result was anything but insignificant. This is the first reported case of marijuana toxicosis in donkeys, highlighting that as marijuana becomes more ubiquitous, animals — particularly working animals — are more likely to accidentally ingest cannabis.
Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine: How Animals Respond to THC and CBD
Using high-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), researchers analyzed the donkeys' blood samples to detect cannabinoid levels. The method provides a clearer picture of how THC and CBD affect bigger animals, which can be crucial in future veterinary testing.
The study’s authors stated:
"Cannabis toxicosis is commonly encountered by companion animal vets, but with more marijuana in circulation, the risk of toxicosis in other animals is also higher."
This trend of veterinary research is a harbinger of a growing problem within the legal marijuana industry: pets unintentionally getting high on marijuana, particularly in home and farm settings where edibles, flowers, or cannabis concentrates are present.
Already, such incidents of dogs becoming high due to consuming human stools following THC exposure have been observed, and this has become a rising trend among pet owners and veterinarians that cannot be overlooked.
The Rise of CBD for Animals
Although this study focused on the detrimental effect of THC on donkeys, its potential applications in pets and livestock are also being intensely studied. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that is anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and analgesic.
Recent research has discovered:
- CBD oil enables dogs with epilepsy to experience fewer seizures
- CBD for horses may decrease anxiety and joint inflammation
- CBD dog treats are assisting pets with arthritis and anxiety
- CBD for pain relief in animals is producing promising results in a variety of species
The CBD pet industry was expected to generate $629 million, as reported by Forbes in 2021. The industry is expected to hit $1.1 billion in 2025. CBD dog chews, CBD horse food, and cannabis pet topicals are going mainstream at a lightning speed.
Implications for the Legal Cannabis Industry
This donkey research shows one of the lesser-told consequences of the trend toward legalizing cannabis — exposure of animals. With cannabis as prevalent as liquor in so many households, safe storage and education are more important than ever. Familiarity with the signs of marijuana toxicosis in animals or livestock can be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Meanwhile, the full healing potential of CBD in animals may revolutionize veterinary medicine. While we're only just begun, future advances in veterinary cannabis will likely translate to new CBD-formulated treatments for stress, pain, inflammation, and more.
Final Thoughts: What Donkeys Can Teach Us About Weed
What was originally a bizarre story — pot-stoned donkeys — became a larger debate about how marijuana affects animals, how CBD is revolutionizing pet health, and the considerations involved in legal cannabis use. As we continue to explore the medicinal properties of cannabis, it is equally vital that we take our furry friends with us too. Whether it is helping an arthritic dog or minding a stoned donkey on World Donkey Day, where cannabis science and animal welfare converge is a place of strange, surreal, and beautifully promising potential.
Written By: IC GLASS
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