Medications: Can veterinarians prescribe medical marijuana?

Medications: Can veterinarians prescribe medical marijuana?

Hi friends and supporters of Phoenix Rising Integrative Veterinary Care. It was recently brought to my attention that there has been a Facebook discussion regarding the use of medical marijuana for dogs and cats. In this discussion my name and Phoenix Rising were being mentioned as a possible source for medical marijuana.

I want to categorically state that in full compliance with the regulations of the College of Veterinarians of B.C. I neither endorse nor prescribe the use of medical marijuana in dogs and cats. Misuse of THC in animals can lead to severe neurological signs from toxicity. 

As a Veterinarian practicing in B.C. I am not able to prescribe medical marijuana (CBD) as it would be a violation of  the Veterinary Drugs Directorate at Health Canada. 

As stated on the CVBC website:

The Office of Medical Cannabis has confirmed that the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations do not apply to veterinarians or animals; the regulations pertain to human healthcare practitioners and access for human patients only.

Please make any effort you can to ensure that there is no misinformation regarding this very serious issue.

Sincerely,

Dr. Radica Raj.