Grateful dog owner describes mountain rescue after canine apparently ingests cannabis

Christina Bluhme, a dog owner from southern England, described a harrowing mountain rescue after her 5-year-old black Labrador retriever, Tokyo, reportedly ingested cannabis while hiking on Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, on July 5. The incident occurred as Bluhme and her family were ascending the 4,413-foot peak in the Scottish Highlands. Tokyo, who had been walking ahead of them, suddenly began to stagger, losing coordination and eventually collapsing. Bluhme, who has trained dogs for 25 years, was taken aback by the sudden behavior, which she later attributed to cannabis intoxication. The group, consisting of Bluhme, her son Magnus, and two other dogs, had been climbing for more than three hours when the situation worsened. The weather deteriorated rapidly, turning from clear skies to heavy rain and dropping temperatures to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. With Tokyo unable to move and the conditions worsening, Bluhme decided to abandon the attempt to reach the summit. She instructed her son to call for assistance, but local police expressed uncertainty about sending a rescue team due to the challenging terrain and weather. However, fortune intervened when a crew from the all-volunteer Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, already descending the mountain following a separate rescue operation involving a helicopter evacuation, offered aid. The team swiftly transported Tokyo using a stretcher down the treacherous, wet trail, reaching the base within an hour. Bluhme recounted how the rescuers moved with remarkable speed and agility, describing the moment as "incredible." Upon arrival at the trailhead, the dog was immediately attended to by veterinarians at Crown Vets in nearby Fort William. Initial assessments suggested a spinal injury, but a senior vet noted Tokyo exhibited classic signs of neurotoxicity, including drifting in and out of consciousness. A consultation with a poison control center confirmed the diagnosis of cannabis intoxication. Tokyo was administered activated charcoal and monitored throughout the night, ultimately recovering fully by the next morning. Bluhme expressed relief at the outcome, acknowledging the financial cost of the veterinary care, $1,335—as a small price for the dog’s safety. She described the recovery process as seamless, noting that Tokyo appeared unaffected the following day. "The next day it was like nothing ever happened," Bluhme said, adding that she remained emotionally shaken by the ordeal. Cannabis toxicity in pets has become increasingly prevalent, particularly in regions where marijuana is legal or used medicinally. In the United States, such incidents have surged, with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reporting that marijuana-related pet poisonings rose nearly threefold over the past five years. In the U.K., while less common, cases are growing as cannabis use becomes more widespread. Bluhme, despite her extensive experience with dogs, admitted she had never encountered this specific scenario before. As the story unfolds, authorities continue to emphasize the dangers of cannabis exposure to animals, urging pet owners to exercise caution, especially in areas where cannabis is accessible. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable effects of cannabis on non-human species and underscores the importance of vigilance among pet guardians. For Bluhme, the experience has left a lasting impression, both emotionally and professionally. She remains grateful for the timely intervention of the rescue team and the expertise of the veterinarians, ensuring that Tokyo will remain a healthy and active member of the household.