[This post was last updated July 7, 2025. Reviewed for accuracy January 2026]
Editor’s Note (2026):
Questions about cannabis and CBD for pets continue to grow as laws, regulations, and professional guidelines evolve at different paces across states and regulatory bodies. While this article reflects the legal realities many veterinarians face today, pet parents are encouraged to stay informed and consult trusted professionals when making decisions about their animals’ care.
Ever try to discuss cannabis with your fur baby’s doctor, and it seemed like the cat had their tongue? You're not imagining it. Here's why veterinarians often go silent on the topic of animal cannabis and — how that landscape is beginning to shift.
There are some very real reasons for this, which we’ll dig into below. We’ll also explore what your vet can help you with when it comes to cannabis-related questions for your pet, and we’ll close with practical tips for opening the lines of communication in a way that respects both medical ethics and legal boundaries.
If you’d like more foundational information on cannabis for pets, we recommend reading our guide CBD for Dogs & Cats [A Guide for Pet Parents].
If the subject on the exam table is cannabis, don’t be surprised if your vet’s inner basenji — a famously “silent” dog breed — takes over.
Veterinarians and cannabis still have a complicated relationship. Many vets are open to discussing the topic but remain understandably cautious. Below are the three biggest reasons why—and why that caution is slowly beginning to ease.
Even if you live in a cannabis-friendly state where adult-use and medical cannabis are legal, federal law continues to impose significant restrictions. Cannabis and THC-containing products remain federally regulated substances, and federal regulations limit how veterinarians may prescribe, dispense, or administer cannabis products for animals, regardless of state-level legalization [1][6].
This creates a gray area for veterinarians, whose professional licenses are governed by both state veterinary boards and federal law [2][6].
Hemp-derived CBD, containing no more than 0.3% THC, is federally legal to produce and sell under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any CBD or cannabis-derived products for use in animals, whether as drugs, supplements, or food additives [9] [10].
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has echoed this position, advising veterinarians that existing human-use cannabis laws do not apply to animals and that recommending unapproved products may place a veterinarian’s license at risk [2].
In short, availability to consumers does not equal professional authorization for veterinarians.
As of early 2026, California remains the most developed state in the U.S. when it comes to veterinary cannabis policy.
The state’s progress began with the passage of AB 2215 (2018), which allowed licensed veterinarians to discuss cannabis with pet owners without risking disciplinary action. However, veterinarians were still prohibited from recommending, prescribing, or dispensing cannabis products.
That changed on January 1, 2023, when AB 1885 took effect—thanks in large part to advocates like VetCBD, making California the first state to explicitly allow veterinarians to recommend cannabis for animal patients [6].
However, the law left one major issue unresolved: how cannabis products marketed for animals should be regulated.
To address this, the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has been developing rules governing:
Until final rules are implemented, veterinarians may recommend cannabis in general, but may not recommend or dispense specific products unless those products comply with existing adult-use cannabis regulations and are not labeled for animal consumption.
Some veterinary professionals and pet wellness advocates have expressed concern that such restrictive potency limits could make products impractical—or drive pet owners toward repurposing human-use cannabis products that may pose risks to animals.
Key federal and professional barriers include:
Bottom line: Just because you can walk into a pet boutique and buy CBD treats does not mean your veterinarian is legally or professionally permitted to discuss or recommend them in detail.
Even as state laws evolve, many veterinary boards remain conservative, limiting what veterinarians can say—even in casual conversation. In some states, vets are prohibited from initiating discussions about cannabis altogether.
With regulatory landscapes shifting frequently, veterinarians must continually monitor both federal and state guidance. Until national policy becomes more consistent, many will continue walking a tightrope between client demand and legal risk.
Many veterinarians hope for a future where they enjoy protections similar to those afforded to human healthcare providers in cannabis-legal states.
While cannabis has a long history in traditional medicine, its integration into modern veterinary practice—particularly in the U.S.—is relatively recent. Hemp-derived CBD entered the mainstream pet market after the 2018 Farm Bill, but clear clinical guidelines and regulatory clarity have not kept pace with consumer demand.
Despite extensive education and clinical training, many veterinarians do not feel confident advising clients about cannabis for pets. Surveys consistently show that fewer than half of U.S. veterinarians feel comfortable discussing CBD or other cannabis-derived products, particularly those early in their careers or practicing in states with stricter cannabis policies [4] [5].
This hesitation is driven by several overlapping factors:
Although cannabis has a long history of use in traditional medicine, its reintroduction into modern veterinary practice—particularly in the United States—is relatively recent. Hemp-derived CBD entered the mainstream pet market following the 2018 Farm Bill, but clinical guidelines, standardized education, and regulatory clarity have not kept pace with consumer demand.
This leaves a growing number of pet parents asking thoughtful questions about cannabis—while many veterinarians feel they are playing catch-up. Clinicians are often left trying to understand new product formulations, appropriate dosing considerations, safety data, and potential drug interactions largely on their own.
Compounding the challenge, the legal landscape continues to shift. State laws vary widely, and many veterinary boards provide little to no explicit guidance. For some veterinarians, uncertainty around what they can and cannot say is enough to discourage discussion altogether.
As one veterinarian put it:
“It’s not that I’m unwilling to help—it’s that I’m unsure what help I can legally provide.”
Until veterinary education, federal regulation, and state licensing frameworks evolve to better align with consumer interest and product availability, many clinicians will continue walking a fine line—motivated to help, but limited in what they can safely say.
Closely tied to the knowledge gap is the lack of rigorous scientific research on the safety and effectiveness of cannabis-derived products in animals.
While there are many anecdotal reports and observational accounts from pet owners and holistic practitioners, most veterinarians are trained to rely on evidence-based medicine—which prioritizes peer-reviewed studies, standardized dosing protocols, and clearly defined safety margins.
The challenge is that this level of data remains limited.
Organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and many state veterinary boards continue to approach cannabis cautiously—and understandably so. Without FDA approval or robust clinical trial data, recommending cannabis for animals places veterinarians in a legal and medical gray zone.
Although early-stage and exploratory studies have investigated the use of cannabinoids in animal health, the research is still emerging. In other words, veterinary cannabis research is in its early developmental phase—far from the comprehensive guidelines clinicians rely on in daily practice.
In an effort to help bridge this gap, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on January 16, 2025. The agency invited veterinarians, researchers, and other stakeholders to submit real-world data and insights through April 16, 2025 [7].
The FDA specifically sought information on:
For now, most veterinarians are operating in a space where clinical evidence, regulatory clarity, and professional guidance have not fully caught up with consumer interest.
While early studies and real-world observations suggest potential applications for cannabis-derived compounds in animal care, veterinary medicine is grounded in evidence-based standards. That means clinicians rely on peer-reviewed research, standardized dosing guidance, and clearly defined safety margins—much of which is still emerging in this field.
As regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration begin to engage more directly with veterinary cannabis research, the foundation for evidence-based guidance is slowly taking shape. Until then, many veterinarians remain cautious—not out of resistance, but out of responsibility.
When it comes to cannabis and your pet, it’s important to understand a critical distinction: discussing cannabis is not the same as recommending or prescribing it.
Even in states where veterinarians are permitted to talk about cannabis, they are often still prohibited from recommending or prescribing CBD, THC, or other cannabinoid products for animals. Doing so may place their professional license at risk or conflict with state veterinary board policies.
That said, in some jurisdictions and under limited circumstances, a veterinarian may still be able to:
Veterinarians are legally permitted to prescribe FDA-approved human drugs for extra-label use in animals when medically appropriate. This includes Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved CBD medication for human seizure disorders.
Because Epidiolex is not restricted from veterinary use, some veterinarians may consider it for animal patients with seizure conditions—particularly when conventional therapies have not been effective.
Several synthetic cannabinoid medications—such as dronabinol and nabilone—are FDA-approved for human use. However, they are not approved for animals, and veterinary research on their safety is extremely limited.
In fact, some evidence suggests potential toxicity in dogs, underscoring why veterinarians approach these drugs with extreme caution.
Bottom line: If your vet avoids making specific product recommendations, it’s not a lack of care—it’s an ethical and legal safeguard.
Despite legal and regulatory limitations, you can—and often should—bring up cannabis with your veterinarian.
If your pet is facing health challenges where conventional approaches have fallen short, starting a thoughtful, informed conversation is an important step.
A veterinarian’s ability to discuss cannabis may be limited by:
This is particularly true when it comes to dosing, which varies significantly by species and physiology and requires specialized knowledge of the endocannabinoid system.
If your veterinarian chooses not to engage in cannabis discussions, you still have options:
Starting a cannabis conversation with your vet doesn’t require confrontation—it requires clarity, preparation, and respect.
Veterinarians may hesitate because of legal uncertainty, limited training, or a desire for more data. That hesitation isn’t rejection; it’s risk management.
Veterinary medicine is shaped not only by state law, but also by federal oversight. Agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulate drugs, biologics, and supplements used in animals.
Because cannabis-derived products for animals have not yet received FDA approval, veterinarians must operate cautiously—even when products are widely available to consumers. This federal framework plays a significant role in determining what veterinarians can legally discuss, recommend, or document in practice.
Even when product recommendations aren’t possible, many veterinarians can still help you think critically about safety, interactions, and next steps.
Pet parents play an important role in shaping the future of veterinary cannabis policy. Clear, science-based regulations help protect animals, empower veterinarians, and support responsible care.
If your veterinarian hesitates to discuss cannabis, it’s rarely about resistance or dismissal. More often, it reflects a complex mix of legal uncertainty, limited formal training, and a profession grounded in evidence-based care.
The good news? Change is underway. As research expands, regulatory agencies engage more actively, and states clarify veterinary protections, the conversation around cannabis and animal care is becoming more informed—and more accessible.
Until then, pet parents can play a constructive role by staying informed, asking thoughtful questions, and advocating for clear, science-driven policies that empower veterinarians to guide care safely and responsibly.
Cannabis may not yet have a defined place in veterinary medicine—but the groundwork is being laid.
“It’s not that I’m unwilling to help—it’s that I’m unsure what help I can legally provide.”
In most cases, a veterinarian’s hesitation stems from legal and professional considerations—not opposition. Common reasons include regulatory uncertainty, limited formal education on cannabis science, and a lack of FDA-approved animal-use products. Many vets are balancing client interest with the need to protect their license and follow evidence-based standards of care.
Veterinarians may prescribe FDA-approved human medications, such as Epidiolex, for extra-label use in animals when medically appropriate. However, they generally cannot recommend or sell unapproved hemp or cannabis products marketed for pets. There are currently no FDA-approved cannabis drugs specifically for animals.
Veterinarians often suggest well-studied alternatives such as prescription medications, supplements like L-theanine, behavioral training, or calming pheromone diffusers. These options have established safety profiles and are widely accepted in veterinary practice.
Yes. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound typically derived from hemp, while marijuana contains THC, which can be toxic to animals. Pet parents should always read labels carefully and avoid human-use cannabis products, especially edibles.
Yes. Even if your vet cannot recommend specific products, they may still help assess safety concerns, review medication interactions, or refer you to reputable educational resources or specialists.
Yes. Research into cannabis-derived compounds and animal health is still emerging. Federal agencies, including the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, are actively gathering data to better understand safety, dosing, and potential applications.
While progress is being made, it will take time before clear clinical guidelines and approved products become widely available.
If your dog is struggling with stiff joints, reduced mobility, or the early signs of arthritis, you're not alone. Canine arthritis affects nearly 1 in 5 dogs in the U.S., making it one of the most common causes of chronic pain in our four-legged companions. For pet parents seeking gentle, effective relief, CBD for dogs […]
You’ve heard great things about CBD (cannabidiol) for humans. But could this cannabis compound prove beneficial for pets, too? Suffice it to say, CBD shows more promise than your prodigious dog on the first day of obedience school. As more research comes to light, we’re learning more about how CBD might help animals. Keep reading […]
If your dog is struggling with stiff joints, reduced mobility, or the early signs of arthritis, you're not alone. Canine arthritis affects nearly 1 in 5 dogs in the U.S., making it one of the most common causes of chronic pain in our four-legged companions. For pet parents seeking gentle, effective relief, CBD for dogs […]
You’ve heard great things about CBD (cannabidiol) for humans. But could this cannabis compound prove beneficial for pets, too? Suffice it to say, CBD shows more promise than your prodigious dog on the first day of obedience school. As more research comes to light, we’re learning more about how CBD might help animals. Keep reading […]
Copyright © 2025 Green Bee Life | Green Bee LLC, is a subsidiary of Green Life Media, Inc., a full service creative agency and production company.
