A bill in Maryland allowing veterinarians to discuss cannabis products for pets with their clients takes effect today. Prior to the bill’s passage veterinarians in the state risked license suspension, revocation, or professional reprimand or censure for discussing cannabis as a therapeutic option for pets.
Maryland is the fifth state to allow veterinarians to discuss cannabis and CBD products with their clients, joining California, Michigan, Nevada, and Utah.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “cannabis-derived products that have been suggested as therapeutic agents for use in animals to-date have not followed the traditional path to [Food and Drug Administration] approval.”
“Related to that, while cannabinoids such as CBD appear to hold therapeutic promise in certain areas like treatment of epilepsy and management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, the available scientific evidence pertaining to their use in animals for various conditions is limited. The AVMA continues to support well-controlled clinical research and pursuit of FDA approval by manufacturers of cannabis-derived products so that high-quality products of known safety and efficacy for specific therapeutic use can be made available for veterinarians and our patients.” — AVMA website, “Cannabis Use and Pets, Safety and efficacy”
The state House passed the legislation unanimously in February, and the Senate passed it unanimously in April. Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed the bill into law days after its passage.
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