Putting the POT in Pot Bellied Pigs

[wakingdreams53]

"OLYMPIA, Wash. — With Washington state about to embark on a first-of-its-kind legal market for recreational marijuana, the budding ranks of new cannabis growers face a quandary over what to do with the excess stems, roots and leaves from their plants.

Susannah Gross, who owns a 5-acre farm north of Seattle, is part of a group experimenting with a solution that seems to make the most of marijuana’s appetite-enhancing properties — turning weed waste into pig food.

Four pigs whose feed was supplemented with potent plant leavings during the last four months of their lives ended up 20 to 30 pounds heavier than the half-dozen other pigs from the same litter when they were all sent to slaughter in March.

“They were eating more, as you can imagine,” Gross said...."
more here: http://bangordailynews.com/2013/05/20/news/nation/marijuana-waste-feed-gives-new-meaning-to-pot-bellied-pigs/?ref=latest

So how do you feel about reducing the waste from the medical marijuana to give pigs the munchies? I'm all for waste reduction and I think it's hilarious. So many ways of profiting off of the drug, it's incredible that the government hasn't taken advantage of it for so long.

 

[kenny]

I say, no big deal.

My goodness, we're going to kill them and eat them.
Compared to that getting them high seems beyond humane.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't know.

One the one hand, it's cleaner and I'm sure a lot safer than other 'weight gain' methods for livestock. So that's good. And the pigs are probably well... happier while they are alive.

And it is innovative.

On the other hand...kinda makes me want to re-consider being a vegetarian. Not the pot. Just the slaughter.

 

[sonnyjane]

So how do you feel about reducing the waste from the medical marijuana to give pigs the munchies? I'm all for waste reduction and I think it's hilarious.

Even if we are going to eat them, we should still treat them humanely while they are alive. Giving them drugs so that they eat more and get fatter isn't "hilarious" to me in any way, shape, or form.

 

[mrs jam]

So how do you feel about reducing the waste from the medical marijuana to give pigs the munchies? I'm all for waste reduction and I think it's hilarious.

Even if we are going to eat them, we should still treat them humanely while they are alive. Giving them drugs so that they eat more and get fatter isn't "hilarious" to me in any way, shape, or form.

Ditto. The comment about finding such inhumane treatment "hilarious" is disgusting. Comments like this make me so happy I'm vegan and take no part in this.

Sometimes, I really dislike humans.

 

[aviastar]

I think it depends. Pot grows, naturally, all on its own. Is it or would it be a normal food source for wild pigs if they simply stumbled on it? I mean, if it grows, then something eats it right? As part of the food chain? For all I know, maybe the whole evolutionary purpose of the plant was to increase appetite in animals so they could fair better through winter, or whatever.

And I am confused; admittedly I am anti mind altering substances in my own life (too much of a control freak), so I don't have any personal experience. But humans don't just eat green, raw pot leaves- I thought the THC required some sort of chemical reaction (burning) to be released and activated and that there are only specific parts of the plants that contain it. Why are we assuming that a pig that eats a pot stem is getting high?

 

[kenny]

They do zillions of artificial things to crops and livestock to maximize yield and profits.
Growth hormones, pesticides, herbicides, chemicals etc.

Feeding a natural plant that would otherwise go to waste seems smarter than sending it to our overloaded landfills.
Have you seen how livestock live in factory farms?
Maybe it's more humane that they are high on pot.

I do not find it funny, let alone hilarious.
It's just business, that feeds people.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I think it depends. Pot grows, naturally, all on its own. Is it or would it be a normal food source for wild pigs if they simply stumbled on it? I mean, if it grows, then something eats it right? As part of the food chain? For all I know, maybe the whole evolutionary purpose of the plant was to increase appetite in animals so they could fair better through winter, or whatever.

And I am confused; admittedly I am anti mind altering substances in my own life (too much of a control freak), so I don't have any personal experience. But humans don't just eat green, raw pot leaves- I thought the THC required some sort of chemical reaction (burning) to be released and activated and that there are only specific parts of the plants that contain it. Why are we assuming that a pig that eats a pot stem is getting high?

If pigs could get high off of green, raw leaves, people would be make salads instead of brownies.

 

[House Cat]

Perform the google image search "marijuana soda" and "marijuana candy" and "marijuana hot sauce." You will see a sample of some of the items that are sold at marijuana dispensaries. You definitely don't have to smoke it in order to get high.

These "medical" dispensaries popped up all over my county a few years ago. So did the doctor's offices, where people were given "prescriptions" for pot for every ailment from anxiety to asthma.

The leaves and the stems definitely have THC in them and can get you high. People make butter out of them and then make baked goods out of the butter.

This idea of feeding the stems and leaves to the pigs is a large scale version of that jerk guy that everyone knew in high school. You know the guy, he used to hot box his dog and laugh his butt off at his poor, confused, stoned dog. This makes me so sad. Pigs are very intelligent beings.

The pot of today is GMO'd to the max. This isn't the the pot of 50 years ago. This is a very powerful, addictive, harmful drug. The most harmful facet to today's pot is that it is still hiding under the guise of "it is just a harmless herb." I've seen too many people ruin their lives for this harmless herb. They are the very definition of a junkie. I'm just praying that people will wake up sooner than later.

 

[JaneSmith]

I think it depends. Pot grows, naturally, all on its own. Is it or would it be a normal food source for wild pigs if they simply stumbled on it? I mean, if it grows, then something eats it right? As part of the food chain? For all I know, maybe the whole evolutionary purpose of the plant was to increase appetite in animals so they could fair better through winter, or whatever.

And I am confused; admittedly I am anti mind altering substances in my own life (too much of a control freak), so I don't have any personal experience. But humans don't just eat green, raw pot leaves- I thought the THC required some sort of chemical reaction (burning) to be released and activated and that there are only specific parts of the plants that contain it. Why are we assuming that a pig that eats a pot stem is getting high?

Evolution does not work that way. A plant does not evolve a trait that would benefit an animal to the complete detriment of the plant (being eaten).

As for the original question, I'm not sure how much THC is even in the stems, probably minimal amounts. I also don't know how pigs metabolise THC, although its probably similar to humans. I doubt the pigs are getting gourd-numbingly high. But if they are, I hope a vet has made sure its OK. Mellow stoned pigs, OK. Paranoid scared pigs, horrible.
If the pigs are safe and happy eating the green waste, it sounds like a good idea. They could always just compost it and sell it to the public or garden centres.

 

[aviastar]

I think it depends. Pot grows, naturally, all on its own. Is it or would it be a normal food source for wild pigs if they simply stumbled on it? I mean, if it grows, then something eats it right? As part of the food chain? For all I know, maybe the whole evolutionary purpose of the plant was to increase appetite in animals so they could fair better through winter, or whatever.

And I am confused; admittedly I am anti mind altering substances in my own life (too much of a control freak), so I don't have any personal experience. But humans don't just eat green, raw pot leaves- I thought the THC required some sort of chemical reaction (burning) to be released and activated and that there are only specific parts of the plants that contain it. Why are we assuming that a pig that eats a pot stem is getting high?

Evolution does not work that way. A plant does not evolve a trait that would benefit an animal to the complete detriment of the plant (being eaten).

Even if the animal then spreads seeds through excrement that further spread the plant? Like fruit and birds?

Perform the google image search "marijuana soda" and "marijuana candy" and "marijuana hot sauce." You will see a sample of some of the items that are sold at marijuana dispensaries. You definitely don't have to smoke it in order to get high.

True, but all have undergone a chemical change, yes? You have to extract the THC, you don't just throw buds in your brownie mix or stick of butter.

I mostly agree with your other comments, though. I have known people who have abused it and it was definitely an addiction- debate all you like that's it's non habit forming, I think you can become addicted to a lifestyle as much as anything- but have also known people who were just as responsible about their pot use as others can be about alcohol use. As little personal experience as I have doing any kind of drug, I did go to an art school and ya know, art kids...well, let's just say I was in the drastic minority So I saw lots of varying levels of use, and I really don't think it's a simple black and white issue- I think of it very much like alcohol. People are responsible in their recreations or they are not- people today are also addicted to their blackberries and their video games and facebook. Hate the player, not the game, so to speak.

But humans don't just eat green, raw pot leaves- I thought the THC required some sort of chemical reaction (burning) to be released and activated and that there are only specific parts of the plants that contain it. Why are we assuming that a pig that eats a pot stem is getting high?

If pigs could get high off of green, raw leaves, people would be make salads instead of brownies.

MC, you said what I meant, but in a much clearer and wittier way.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Perform the google image search "marijuana soda" and "marijuana candy" and "marijuana hot sauce." You will see a sample of some of the items that are sold at marijuana dispensaries. You definitely don't have to smoke it in order to get high.

These "medical" dispensaries popped up all over my county a few years ago. So did the doctor's offices, where people were given "prescriptions" for pot for every ailment from anxiety to asthma.

The leaves and the stems definitely have THC in them and can get you high. People make butter out of them and then make baked goods out of the butter.

This idea of feeding the stems and leaves to the pigs is a large scale version of that jerk guy that everyone knew in high school. You know the guy, he used to hot box his dog and laugh his butt off at his poor, confused, stoned dog. This makes me so sad. Pigs are very intelligent beings.

The pot of today is GMO'd to the max. This isn't the the pot of 50 years ago. This is a very powerful, addictive, harmful drug. The most harmful facet to today's pot is that it is still hiding under the guise of "it is just a harmless herb." I've seen too many people ruin their lives for this harmless herb. They are the very definition of a junkie. I'm just praying that people will wake up sooner than later.

The THC is infused into butter by heat. You can't just mix leaves into butter and voila!

 

[House Cat]

Perform the google image search "marijuana soda" and "marijuana candy" and "marijuana hot sauce." You will see a sample of some of the items that are sold at marijuana dispensaries. You definitely don't have to smoke it in order to get high.

These "medical" dispensaries popped up all over my county a few years ago. So did the doctor's offices, where people were given "prescriptions" for pot for every ailment from anxiety to asthma.

The leaves and the stems definitely have THC in them and can get you high. People make butter out of them and then make baked goods out of the butter.

This idea of feeding the stems and leaves to the pigs is a large scale version of that jerk guy that everyone knew in high school. You know the guy, he used to hot box his dog and laugh his butt off at his poor, confused, stoned dog. This makes me so sad. Pigs are very intelligent beings.

The pot of today is GMO'd to the max. This isn't the the pot of 50 years ago. This is a very powerful, addictive, harmful drug. The most harmful facet to today's pot is that it is still hiding under the guise of "it is just a harmless herb." I've seen too many people ruin their lives for this harmless herb. They are the very definition of a junkie. I'm just praying that people will wake up sooner than later.

The THC is infused into butter by heat. You can't just mix leaves into butter and voila!

Hi MC,

You're right. I didn't put two and two together about the heated butter.

The proof that one can get high on pot without heat is in this article? The pigs are heavier, therefore, they are feeling something? Even the original article states that the left over leaves and stems are "potent."


Oh, and just for LOL's...google sprinkling marijuana shake on salad...people do it!

 

[House Cat]

I think it depends. Pot grows, naturally, all on its own. Is it or would it be a normal food source for wild pigs if they simply stumbled on it? I mean, if it grows, then something eats it right? As part of the food chain? For all I know, maybe the whole evolutionary purpose of the plant was to increase appetite in animals so they could fair better through winter, or whatever.

And I am confused; admittedly I am anti mind altering substances in my own life (too much of a control freak), so I don't have any personal experience. But humans don't just eat green, raw pot leaves- I thought the THC required some sort of chemical reaction (burning) to be released and activated and that there are only specific parts of the plants that contain it. Why are we assuming that a pig that eats a pot stem is getting high?

Evolution does not work that way. A plant does not evolve a trait that would benefit an animal to the complete detriment of the plant (being eaten).

As for the original question, I'm not sure how much THC is even in the stems, probably minimal amounts. I also don't know how pigs metabolise THC, although its probably similar to humans. I doubt the pigs are getting gourd-numbingly high. But if they are, I hope a vet has made sure its OK. Mellow stoned pigs, OK. Paranoid scared pigs, horrible.
If the pigs are safe and happy eating the green waste, it sounds like a good idea. They could always just compost it and sell it to the public or garden centres.

I was thinking hot composting would be a much better answer to this "issue" too.

 

[JaneSmith]

I think it depends. Pot grows, naturally, all on its own. Is it or would it be a normal food source for wild pigs if they simply stumbled on it? I mean, if it grows, then something eats it right? As part of the food chain? For all I know, maybe the whole evolutionary purpose of the plant was to increase appetite in animals so they could fair better through winter, or whatever.

And I am confused; admittedly I am anti mind altering substances in my own life (too much of a control freak), so I don't have any personal experience. But humans don't just eat green, raw pot leaves- I thought the THC required some sort of chemical reaction (burning) to be released and activated and that there are only specific parts of the plants that contain it. Why are we assuming that a pig that eats a pot stem is getting high?

Evolution does not work that way. A plant does not evolve a trait that would benefit an animal to the complete detriment of the plant (being eaten).

Even if the animal then spreads seeds through excrement that further spread the plant? Like fruit and birds?

If you mean that the plant has evolved THC because it makes it more appealing to animals which would in turn spread its seeds and give the species a better shot at survival and then yes, that would be in keeping with evolutionary theory.
If you mean that the plant has evolved THC because it altruistically helps animals gain weight to survive the winter but leaves the plant damaged from being eaten, then no, that is not how evolution works.

 

[aviastar]

I think it depends. Pot grows, naturally, all on its own. Is it or would it be a normal food source for wild pigs if they simply stumbled on it? I mean, if it grows, then something eats it right? As part of the food chain? For all I know, maybe the whole evolutionary purpose of the plant was to increase appetite in animals so they could fair better through winter, or whatever.

And I am confused; admittedly I am anti mind altering substances in my own life (too much of a control freak), so I don't have any personal experience. But humans don't just eat green, raw pot leaves- I thought the THC required some sort of chemical reaction (burning) to be released and activated and that there are only specific parts of the plants that contain it. Why are we assuming that a pig that eats a pot stem is getting high?

Evolution does not work that way. A plant does not evolve a trait that would benefit an animal to the complete detriment of the plant (being eaten).

Even if the animal then spreads seeds through excrement that further spread the plant? Like fruit and birds?

If you mean that the plant has evolved THC because it makes it more appealing to animals which would in turn spread its seeds and give the species a better shot at survival and then yes, that would be in keeping with evolutionary theory.
If you mean that the plant has evolved THC because it altruistically helps animals gain weight to survive the winter but leaves the plant damaged from being eaten, then no, that is not how evolution works.

Yup, that's the one! Thanks for clarifying!