Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) has signed two bills shielding veterinarians from disciplinary action for discussing or recommending cannabis and CBD products for animals.
The new law bars the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners from suspending or revoking a license, reprimanding or censuring a licensee, or placing a licensee on probation "solely on the basis of the licensee discussing or recommending the use of cannabis…or a product that contains cannabidiol on an animal for potential therapeutic effect or health supplementation purposes." It takes effect October 1.
SB 54, sponsored by Sen. Clarence Lam (D), and HB 452, sponsored by Del. Michele Guyton (D), each passed their respective chambers unanimously.
Lam said the bills grew out of conversations with veterinarians who, following a prior letter from the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, feared discipline for even broaching cannabis as a potential option for ailing animals. "I'd heard from some vets who were concerned, because they had heard from animal owners or pet owners that some of their pets and animals were experiencing things like cancer," he said, "and their veterinarians were not able to even discuss the options for cannabis use for those animals to be able to alleviate alleviate their pain and suffering for those animals, even if the animal owner requested it."
Matthew Weeman of the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association testified in support, noting that CBD products are available over the counter and that clients frequently bring questions to their vets about them. He said most veterinarians feel unable to engage with those questions, fearing punitive action against their licenses if they do.
Maryland lawmakers have also sent Moore legislation to protect firefighters and rescue workers from penalties for lawful off-duty medical marijuana use and passed bills to extend a psychedelics task force through 2027 to develop updated recommendations on therapeutic access and a potential regulatory framework for broader legalization.
