California AB-384, Aiming to Expand Cannabis for Pets and Veterinarians’ Oversight, Supported by VETCBD

Bill Allowing Veterinarians to Legally Recommend Cannabis to Their Clients Passes First Hurdle

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of upcoming National Pet Month, veterinarian-founded cannabis company VETCBD has announced its support of California Assembly Bill 384, a critical measure that would help expand veterinarian oversight of medical cannabis products designed for companion animals. The bill recognizes cannabis as a therapeutic for non-livestock animals and allows veterinarians to legally recommend the use of cannabis to clients and provide pet-specific dosage information.

“Following Assembly Bill 2215’s passage in California in 2018, veterinarians were allowed to discuss cannabis with clients, but not recommend it,” said Dr. Tim Shu, founder and CEO of VETCBD. “Due to that legal gray area, many veterinarians were uncomfortable discussing its use whatsoever. The passage of AB-384 would remove that barrier and allow veterinarians to recommend the use of cannabis without fear of legal reprisal.”

In addition to allowing veterinarians to recommend cannabis as a therapeutic treatment for companion animals, AB-384 would create a separate category for pet cannabis products that are sold in California dispensaries and subject to the same testing requirements as other products. If AB-384 is passed, California would be the first state to adopt such a law, making history and likely setting a precedent for others, as it did with medical cannabis for human consumption in 1996 and again in 2003. AB-384 successfully passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on Apr. 13 and will be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee next month. AB-384 was drafted by California Assembly member Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, and initially introduced to the assembly on Feb. 2.

VETCBD asks the public to join in supporting the measure by writing letters to the California Legislature through PetCannabis.org.

About VETCBD

VETCBD creates innovative plant-based therapies with a focus on education, research and advocacy in the cannabis space. The company, founded in 2015 by veterinarian and medical cannabis expert Dr. Tim Shu, makes specially formulated full-spectrum cannabis products that are independently lab tested for quality and purity. VETCBD’s 20:1 and 10:1 CBD:THC tinctures and topical cannabis salve are available for purchase in dispensaries across California.