California to allow cannabis prescription to pets from 2023

The legislation allows veterinarians to recommend the use of cannabis on an animal patient for “potential therapeutic effect or health supplementation purposes.”

From 1 January 2023, Californian veterinarians can recommend cannabis without fear of punishment. The law also requires the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) to adopt pet cannabis recommendation guidelines by January 2024.

The Department of Cannabis Control must adopt regulations for animal cannabis product standards by 1 July 2025. Until these regulations are in place, animal cannabis products cannot be sold or marketed.

“We have taken a major step toward making safe, clearly labeled animal cannabis products available to pet owners who would otherwise have to give their pets cannabis products meant for human use—or turn to the illegal market,” assembly member Ash Kalra, sponsor of the bill in the Legislature, told GlobalPETS.

According to Kalra, veterinarians will now be able to recommend “safe, regulated cannabis products for their animal patients so that our pets can live healthier and more comfortable lives.”