Maryland’s Senate Bill 54, which would protect veterinarians from professional discipline solely for discussing or recommending cananbis products for animals, has now passed the full Senate in a unanimous 45 to 0 vote.
A companion measure, House Bill 452, was given approval last month by the full House of Delegates by a vote of 136 to 0. With the Senate now giving the proposal final passage, it has been sent back to the House and referred to the Environment and Transportation Committee.

The measure would make it clear that the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners could not suspend or revoke a license, reprimand or censure a veterinarian, or place them on probation solely because they discussed or recommended the use of marijuana or a product containing CBD for an animal’s potential therapeutic benefit or for health supplementation purposes.

Supporters say the change would give veterinarians more freedom to speak openly with pet owners about possible treatment options without worrying that doing so could jeopardize their license.

If enacted, the measure would take effect October 1.