A Maryland bill that would protect veterinarians from professional discipline for discussing or recommending marijuana products for animals has now cleared the state legislature and is headed to Governor Wes Moore.
The House of Delegates gave final approval to Senate Bill 54 today in a unanimous 137 to 0 vote. The measure had already passed the Senate on March 19 by a 45 to 0 margin.
The proposal would bar the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from taking disciplinary action against a licensed veterinarian solely for discussing with a client the possible use of marijuana or a product containing CBD for an animal’s therapeutic benefit or for health supplementation. That includes actions such as suspending or revoking a license, issuing a reprimand or censure, or placing a veterinarian on probation.
If signed into law, the change would give veterinarians in Maryland clearer legal protection when speaking with pet owners about marijuana-based treatments. Supporters say that matters because many pet owners are already using or considering CBD and other marijuana-derived products for issues such as pain, anxiety and inflammation, while veterinarians in some states remain hesitant to discuss them out of concern it could put their license at risk.
The bill does not require veterinarians to recommend such products, nor does it create a new veterinary marijuana program. Instead, it focuses on allowing those conversations to happen without fear of punishment from state regulators.
With final legislative approval now complete, the measure will be sent to the governor for consideration. If enacted, it would take effect October 1.
