The Veterinary Cannabis Society was formed in 2020 in response to the challenges facing California veterinarians and pet owners regarding regulations preventing veterinarians from providing guidance about cannabis products.

Our founders and members recognize that medical cannabis for animals is available nationwide and is here to stay. The only way to protect veterinary patients from accidental misuse or unsafe products is through education, regulation, and supporting high quality products. Since our inception, the VCS has provided guidance on cannabis legislation in multiple states and for the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

Recently, California Governor Newsom signed AB 45 into law, which allows for the inclusion of hemp and cannabinoids (e.g., CBD), extracts, or derivatives of hemp in food and beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and processed pet food provided that they, contain less than 0.3% THC. By passing this bill, California has broken the federal FDA’s position that it is illegal to add CBD to food, beverages, and dietary supplements.

With the new law’s passage, many hemp-derived CBD Pet products will be able to enter the market legally in California, resulting in more pet parents asking their veterinarian to recommend specific products. Since veterinarians will be asked to answer basic questions and help guide pet parent toward safe and efficacious hemp-derived products, VCS representatives will be approaching the California Veterinary Medical Board to discuss the implementation of guidelines pertaining to the law.

The Veterinary Cannabis Society looks forward to leading the way in supporting ballot issues like AB 45 and AB 101 and is actively working with leaders in the industry to promote safe and effective products. We now sit on the US Hemp Roundtable, a nationwide non-profit advocacy organization, and are the only group specifically promoting the needs of veterinary patients.
We know that in many states, veterinarians put their medical license and livelihood at risk for discussing and/or recommending medical cannabis for pets who may benefit from it. The VCS and its members are eager to work with legislators and regulators to illuminate the issues veterinarians and pet owners face and to keep everyone’s furry family members safe and healthy.