California Lawmakers Consider Pot For Pets

SAN JOSE, CA -- Could your four-legged best friend use some marijuana to help with pain? California lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow veterinarians to recommend the drug to a pet if needed.

Assemblywoman Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) recently proposed Assembly Bill 2215 that would "require the Veterinary Medical Board to establish guidelines for licensed veterinarians to discuss the use of cannabis on animal patient clients."

The bill would also "protect state-licensed veterinarians from disciplinary action for discussing the use of cannabis on animal patient clients."

Despite hurdles, the bill has found support among some pet owners.

California resident Pamela Lopez told the Sacramento Bee that her dog benefited from cannabis after suffering from anxiety.

"Lopez said she decided to give Bobby the medicine, which contains CBD or cannabidiol, a cannabis compound that is known for its healing properties. It is different than THC, the compound that produces the psychoactive reaction from cannabis. Animals are typically given CBD through an oil," the Bee reported. "After a month and a half of treatment with the medicine, Bobby’s condition has improved, she said."

The bill comes after California welcomed the legal use of recreational marijuana this year.

--Patch file photo

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