Pet medical pots legalized in California

Countless good dogs and adorable kittens in California will suffer less from seizures, arthritis pain and anxiety thanks to new legislation signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 18th.

Newly enacted Congressional Bill 1885 allows veterinarians to “recommend” medical cannabis products for their hairy patients. Previously, vets could only “discuss” such products with patient owners, leading many vets to avoid the topic rather than risk losing their license.

“This is a big change,” said Tim Shu, president of the Pet Cannabis Coalition, Los Angeles-based DVM and founder and CEO of VetCBD. “This is the first bill in the world. My goal is for other states and countries to see this as a framework.”

The new law, sponsored by Rep. Ash Carla (Democrat) of San Jose, California, passed unanimously through both houses of the California legislature with the support of the state’s Veterinary and Veterinary Medicine Commission. “It was incredible,” said Dr. Shu.

There was no organized opposition to the bill. One small buzz brand, Lovingly & Legally, had safety concerns.

No one is talking about hotboxing your cat

This law does not mean that you can or should give your dog weed chocolate or your cat a hot box. It is to Desperate pet owners are now turning to internet forums, or DIY pet feeding.

“I want the owner to guide me,” said Dr. Shu. “Traditionally, vets have said, ‘Sorry, I can’t talk to you about that.’ This bill fills that gap. Go to your vet and get that recommendation.”

Karla said: This is a serious legal oversight. Veterinary recommendations help pet owners make safer, more responsible decisions when considering giving their animals therapeutics.

“AB 1885 ensures that pet owners receive proper guidance when giving their pets the benefits of safe, regulated therapeutic cannabis.”

Congressman Ash Kalra (D-San Jose)

“In short, AB 1885 ensures that pet owners receive proper guidance when giving their pets the benefits of safe, regulated therapeutic cannabis.”

The Veterinary Medical Commission (the Commission) states, “By enabling veterinarians to recommend veterinary cannabis products for potential therapeutic purposes, AB 1885 provides pet owners with an informed It provides a safer environment for making decisions.”

MMJ is used for seizures, pain in pets

Vets have ‘debated’ using cannabidiol (CBD) and low doses of THC to calm bouts of cancer animals, reduce arthritis pain, ease anxiety and stimulate appetite. If these sound like normal human applications of medical cannabis, that’s because they are. All vertebrates have an endocannabinoid system that responds to pot’s active ingredients. Animals have different tolerances and contraindications than humans, but the science is sound.

“We have seen that cannabinoids, primarily CBD, significantly reduce the number of seizures in pets, and in some cases completely eliminate seizures.” , or shows a reduction in itching.”

“Every year, more and more veterinarians say, ‘It works really well for people with arthritis and anxiety.'”

No FDA approval yet for pet-focused cannabis

About 70% of American households have pets. Often they take the place of spouses and children. In Los Angeles, humans push dogs into strollers and take cats for walks, Shu said.

As with humans, marijuana’s federal illegal Schedule 1 status hinders basic research into its medicinal properties. Veterinarians use expensive and dangerous pharmaceuticals in conditions that cannabinoids can be managed cheaply and safely.

Raw cannabis is too cheap and difficult to patent for pharmaceutical companies to use it. No products.”

According to the state veterinary board, “the board hopes to get funding for animal cannabis research.”

More than just CBD

Hemp legalization has fueled CBD research in pets, but Shu said THC is also important. there is.

“THC has gotten a bad rap. … Too much THC can have negative side effects, but THC itself has medicinal properties. The big ones are THC and inflammation,” he said. rice field. “Increasing the amount of THC may make your pet feel better.”

But you have to get the right dosage. Otherwise THC can cause anxiety. More reasons to loop to a trained veterinarian protected by state law.

According to a Senate Chamber analysis, “THC is considered particularly toxic to pets, causing hyperactivity, excessive drooling, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, urinary incontinence, seizures, disorientation, and difficulty maintaining balance. Additionally, many edible cannabis products may contain additional ingredients that can be dangerous for cats and dogs, such as chocolate and xylitol.”

Medical cannabis animal rights follow humans

The path of reform follows the path destined for man. In 1996, California legalized medical marijuana, but doctors feared the license would be revoked after recommending a plant considered equivalent to street heroin. The court affirmed doctors’ First Amendment rights to “recommend” cannabis. Although they cannot “prescribe” it.

“Veterinarians are a little more hesitant and a little more scared than human veterinarians. We’ve seen that change,” Shu said.

The 21st century awaits a world of applications across the animal kingdom. Dr. Shu knows about the use of cannabinoids on horses, pigs, ferrets, rabbits, mice and birds.

The bill would require the Veterinary Commission to adopt and publish recommended guidelines by January 1, 2024.

Fully tested and state-approved medical cannabis pet products will be available to pharmacies by July 1, 2025 under the new rules of the Cannabis Control Agency.