New resource provides veterinarians with latest research, regulatory updates on cannabis products for pets

For more information Phone: 847-313-9597 Cell: 847-313-9597
For immediate release: 09/01/2020

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) September 1, 2020—With the publication of "Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine" by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), veterinarians now have a comprehensive new resource guide to the latest scientific and regulatory information about cannabis-related products for animals.

"Veterinarians face a wide variety of challenges and questions when it comes to cannabis and pets," notes Dr. Douglas Kratt, President of the AVMA. "A clinician may need to treat a dog that has ingested marijuana intended for its owner's recreational use, or answer questions from clients about the legality, safety and effectiveness of cannabis-derived products marketed for use in companion animals.

"This resource guide, compiled by experts from within veterinary medicine and outside of it, will help clinicians get the answers they need," Dr. Kratt said, adding that with the research and regulatory landscape evolving rapidly, the report will be updated regularly.

The resource guide includes:

  • An introduction to the endogenous endocannabinoid system
  • A synopsis of manufacturing quality
  • A review of animal clinical studies exploring efficacy and safety
  • Information about potential adverse effects (including data around exposures and toxicoses from poison control centers)
  • A description of the current regulatory landscape

The potential for cannabis as a veterinary therapeutic also was a focus of the recently concluded 2020 AVMA annual convention, with presentations from a diverse slate of experts—including researchers, practitioners, and toxicologists, as well as representatives from regulatory organizations. Topics included cannabis toxicosis in companion animals, the importance of quality control in cannabis-derived products, and research into clinical applications of cannabis-derived products.

"The use of CBD-rich hemp and other cannabinoids is exploding with little evidence for efficacy or even whether your dog or cat absorbs these interesting molecules," said one of the presenters, Dr. Joe Wakshlag, a professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

More than 4,000 members of the veterinary profession registered for the Convention, which was moved online for the first time in AVMA history because of the pandemic.

The cannabis resource guide is available to AVMA members at https://www.avma.org/system/files/2020-08/Cannabis-in-veterinary-medicine-AVMA.pdf.

About the AVMA

Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.