Maryland veterinarians can now legally discuss cannabis products with pet owners under a new state law that took effect this month, marking a shift in how animal healthcare providers can advise clients on alternative treatments.
The legislation permits veterinarians to have conversations with pet owners about cannabis-based products, including CBD and other hemp-derived compounds, without fear of professional repercussions. Previously, many vets avoided these discussions due to regulatory uncertainty and concerns about violating federal drug laws.
"This gives us the ability to actually have informed conversations with our clients," said Dr. Jennifer Romano, a veterinarian practicing in Baltimore County. "Before, pet owners were getting advice from dispensary workers or random websites. Now we can at least point them in the right direction."
The Legal Framework
The new law stops short of allowing veterinarians to prescribe or dispense cannabis products directly. Instead, it creates a protected space for professional guidance. Vets can discuss potential benefits, appropriate dosing considerations, and possible side effects—information that was effectively off-limits under previous regulations.
Maryland joins a handful of states that have carved out similar protections for veterinary professionals. California, Nevada, and Colorado have enacted comparable measures in recent years as pet owners increasingly turn to cannabis products for animals dealing with anxiety, pain, and seizures.
The Maryland Veterinary Medical Association supported the legislation, arguing that silence from licensed professionals was pushing pet owners toward unregulated products and dubious online advice. The association estimates that roughly 15% of pet owners in the state have already tried cannabis products with their animals, often without veterinary input.
Industry Impact
The pet CBD market has grown substantially over the past five years. Industry analysts project the sector will reach $1.7 billion nationally by 2025, up from an estimated $400 million in 2020. Maryland dispensaries and pet specialty retailers have reported steady demand for hemp-derived products formulated for animals.
But the lack of veterinary guidance has created a knowledge gap. Products vary widely in quality, potency, and formulation. Some contain THC levels that could be harmful to pets, particularly smaller animals. Others make unsubstantiated health claims.
"We've seen cases where pet owners gave their dog a product meant for humans, or they didn't understand the dosing," said Romano. "Having vets in the conversation helps prevent those mistakes."
The law also requires veterinarians who discuss cannabis products to document those conversations in patient records. This creates a paper trail that could prove valuable for future research on cannabis efficacy and safety in animals.
What's Next
Maryland's approach may serve as a model for other states grappling with the intersection of veterinary medicine and cannabis. The American Veterinary Medical Association has called for federal rescheduling of cannabis to give veterinarians clearer authority to research and recommend these products.
For now, Maryland vets face practical questions about implementation. Professional liability insurers are still determining how the new law affects coverage. And veterinary schools have yet to develop comprehensive curricula on cannabis products for animals.
The Maryland Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners plans to issue guidance on best practices for these discussions by the end of the quarter. That guidance will likely address documentation requirements, client education standards, and boundaries around product recommendations.
Pet owners seeking advice should understand that vets still cannot write prescriptions for cannabis products or recommend specific brands. The conversations remain educational and advisory. Owners must still purchase products independently and take responsibility for their use.
This article is based on original reporting by mjbizdaily.com.
