On July 5, Christina Bluhme faced a frightening ordeal on Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, when her five-year-old Labrador retriever, Tokyo, showed signs of severe intoxication during their hike. The dog, which had apparently ingested cannabis along the trail, began to stagger and was unable to walk, prompting an urgent rescue operation.

Bluhme, a canine trainer with 25 years of experience, was initially unsure of what was affecting Tokyo. “She had a very bad trip,” Bluhme said, describing the experience as terrifying. Despite her expertise, the symptoms of cannabis poisoning were not immediately obvious.

At the time of the incident, Bluhme, her son Magnus, and their two dogs had been climbing for more than three hours and were near the summit of the 1,345-meter mountain in the Scottish Highlands. Weather conditions had worsened, turning rainy with temperatures dropping to around 5°C. Recognizing the severity of Tokyo’s condition, Bluhme decided to abort their summit attempt and prioritize the dog’s safety.

Magnus contacted emergency services, but police were initially uncertain if a rescue team could be dispatched. Fortuitously, the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was descending from the peak after assisting in the helicopter evacuation of an injured hiker. The volunteer crew quickly intervened, placing the 25-kilogram dog in a stretcher and carrying her down the steep, slippery trail. They reached the base of the mountain in approximately one hour, moving swiftly despite challenging conditions. Bluhme described their efforts as “incredible,” noting the team’s agility and speed.

Upon arrival in Fort William, a veterinarian at Crown Vets was prepared to assess Tokyo. Initial examinations suggested a possible spinal injury, but further evaluation by a senior vet indicated the dog was affected by a neurotoxin, as she fluctuated between consciousness and lethargy. Consultation with a poison control center confirmed that Tokyo’s symptoms aligned with cannabis intoxication.

Tokyo was treated with activated charcoal and made a full recovery overnight. Bluhme reflected on the experience with relief, remarking that, despite the £1,000 veterinary bill, the cost was justified given Tokyo’s rapid recovery. “The next day it was like nothing ever happened,” she said, noting that she felt more shaken than her dog following the incident.

Cannabis toxicity in pets is an increasing concern in Britain and is even more prevalent in the United States, where it was added to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ top 10 pet toxins list in 2023. Bluhme’s experience underscores the risks that outdoor environments may pose to animals, as well as the importance of prompt medical intervention.