Cannabis Crop Leaves Mouse “Stoned” and Asleep
Farmers are accustomed to battling rodents and insects that threaten their crops, posing risks to both yield and quality. However, an unexpected twist occurred in a cannabis field in New Brunswick, Canada, where the plant’s natural defenses seemed to have an unusual effect on a tiny intruder.
Colin Sullivan, a farmer in the region where cannabis cultivation is legal, noticed a mouse pilfering leaves from his plants over two consecutive days. Photos captured the rodent indulging in its own miniature “harvest” before succumbing to unexpected consequences. Sullivan discovered the mouse sprawled amidst the leaves, appearing completely incapacitated.
Taking pity on the creature, Sullivan confined the mouse in a cage to allow it to “detox” from whatever had caused its peculiar state. Remarkably, after six days of rest, the mouse recovered and was released back into the wild.
Amused by the incident, Sullivan shared the tale on social media, humorously referring to the mouse as a “pothead” and suggesting it may have been self-medicating for its missing ear, jokingly attributing it to PTSD. He mused about staging an “intervention” upon the mouse’s awakening, promising a serious conversation about its leaf-eating habits.
This peculiar encounter serves as a reminder of the unexpected interactions that can occur in the natural world, even within the confines of a cannabis plantation.
A few days later, Sullivan provided an update to his followers, reporting that the mouse was still residing in its Perspex cage. He remarked, “These past few days have been quite a challenge for our little baked buddy here. Despite grappling with a belly ache and an insatiable case of the munchies, I am optimistic about his prospects for a full recovery.”
“We’ve adjusted his diet to one medium leaf per day, and it seems like he’s adapting well. We take it one day at a time, my friend,” Sullivan added reassuringly.
Three days later, the mouse was released from its “rehabilitation” phase. Sullivan joyfully shared the news of the mouse’s newfound sobriety, punctuating his update with witty puns:
“Embarking on the Rodent to Redemption journey,
After an arduous battle with addiction, this resilient mouse has ground through his struggles, sieving out the seeds and stems, and is now primed to roll out to a brighter future. We could all learn from banding together to help clear the haze in any addict’s life. He gave it his all and earned his first Twelve Step chip.”
“While I may have been the one to open his cage, it was he who liberated himself. Farewell for now, my friend, until our paths cross again.”
The “Stoner Mouse” Goes Viral
The initial post amassed over 461 thousand shares, while the final update garnered over 6.4 thousand shares and 1.5 thousand comments, brimming with appreciative laughter and witty remarks.
Cody Myshrall expressed his delight at the mouse’s recovery, stating, “I’m thrilled to hear about his progress.”
Rhyll O’Keefe humorously imagined the mouse, Cheech, reminiscing, “‘That was some trip, man…don’t know where I was…but I ended up in jail.'”
Wendy Chaplin empathized with the challenges of withdrawal, thanking Sullivan for caring for the little stoner.
Sullivan’s own journey through substance detox was not lost on his audience. Amidst the mouse saga, he shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Robyn Sullivan, acknowledging her pivotal role in his sobriety, stating, “She literally saved my life, and she is the main reason I’ve stayed sober this long…”
Many comments on the post initially drawn in by the stoner mouse, later shifted to appreciation for Sullivan’s touching message and congratulatory remarks on his sobriety.
Cannabis’s Legal Status in New Brunswick
Cannabis has been legalized in Canada since 2018, with each province and territory adopting varying regulations regarding its use.
The government of New Brunswick emphasizes on their official website, “Through our decisions, actions, and legislation, we are fostering a culture that prioritizes safety, legality, responsibility, and restricts access to adults. We prioritize public health education and awareness while harnessing the economic potential of this burgeoning industry.”
In New Brunswick, individuals must be 19 years or older to consume cannabis, and its sale is restricted to licensed retailers. Possession is capped at 30 grams per individual, with consumption prohibited in public spaces or vehicles. Landlords maintain the authority to prohibit smoking or cultivation of cannabis, although if they permit tobacco smoking, they cannot prohibit cannabis consumption.
“It is imperative for New Brunswickers to comprehend the associated risks to make informed decisions regarding personal cannabis use,” the government concludes.
