Maryland’s House of Delegates today approved House Bill 452 through its second reading, moving forward legislation that would restrict the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from disciplining veterinarians solely for discussing or recommending marijuana or CBD products for animals.

The measure, sponsored by Delegate Michele Guyton (D) along with Delegates Ryan Spiegel (D), Deni Taveras (D), Jen Terrasa (D), and Teresa Woorman (D), was introduced on January 23 and assigned to the Environment and Transportation Committee. After receiving a favorable committee report, the bill cleared the full House through second reading this week.

House Bill 452 would amend state law to clarify that the veterinary board may not suspend or revoke a license, reprimand or censure a licensee, or place a veterinarian on probation solely because they discussed or recommended the use of cannabis, as defined in state law, or a product containing cannabidiol for potential therapeutic or health supplementation purposes for an animal.

Under the bill’s language, the existing disciplinary authority of the board would remain intact for other violations, including fraud, professional misconduct, cruelty to animals, or violations of controlled substance laws. The legislation narrowly addresses circumstances in which a veterinarian’s communication about marijuana or CBD is the only basis for discipline.

With second reading approval now secured, House Bill 452 will need to receive one more favorable vote by the House (aka a third reading) before it can be sent to the Senate.

If enacted into law, the proposal would take effect on October 1 of this year.