Animal Health Solutions

29 Q2 2021 | Animal Health Solutions Helpful tips Having assisted veterinarians from New York to Hawaii concerning DEA compliance, state regulatory compliance and cannabis regulatory requirements, I've learned that "all hands on deck" is the norm for veterinary professionals. There are always important issues to deal with. Time is precious. Don't waste it searching for answers in the wrong places. Below are several tips to consider concerning CBD and the practice of veterinary medicine. Be prepared: As a veterinarian, expect CBD inquiries from pet owners. Whether you are currently using CBD in veterinary medicine, recommending it, or considering doing so, make sure you have your compliance bases covered for all applicable regulations. Be informed: The counterpart to being prepared is being informed. Regulations are constantly changing, which is why you need to stay on top of all applicable laws at the federal, state, and local levels when it comes to CBD and your practice. And don't forget you state veterinary medical board ultimately oversees your license and practice. Be protected: Until the FDA settles on a national CBD regime, veterinary professionals working with CBD have no choice but to accept a certain level of risk. At the end of the day the FDA runs the show, and a State law saying you're allowed to use/recommend CBD does not necessarily protect you. As a best practice, make sure to always consult with your attorney and state regulatory agencies prior to making any decisions that could put you in a compromising position. Be methodical: In other words, treat CBD no differently than any other controlled substance you would consider before working with it. Do your research. Weigh the pros, cons, side effects, and most effective utilizations for the patients you intend to treat. As of today, the CBD landscape still remains gray. On the bright side, CBD regulations are constantly evolving, and while there is uncertainty on what the future holds, legislative patterns suggest that progress is being made and clearer skies are on the horizon. California California has always been a frontrunner when it comes to trailblazing from a regulatory standpoint. Still, CBD laws in California tend to be fairly strict. Currently, cannabis is still illegal for use in veterinary medicine throughout California. While legislative efforts are in process with the goal of expanding how veterinarians can work with cannabis products, existing law still holds limiting veterinarians to discussing CBD products but not recommending nor dispensing. Michigan In December 2020, Michigan made a groundbreaking move when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed H.B. 5085 into law; allowing veterinarians to consult with pet owners on the use of marijuana and hemp products —including cannabidiol (CBD)— for animals. While H.B. 5085 made it legal for Michigan veterinarians to recommend, or advise against, the use of therapeutic cannabis products for animals, existing Michigan law bans the sale of CBD animal feed and pet food products (including CBD treats). According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, "safe levels for animal consumption have not been established." Local ordinances As noted above, certain municipalities will enforce even more stringent laws beyond what the state they are located within have chosen to enact. Such local ordinances have been enforced on varying levels in cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago. About the author Kelley Detweiler is a DEA compliance consultant who provides controlled-substances risk-management solutions to veterinarians and the healthcare industry. She is an owner, co-founder, and the former managing partner of Titan Group, a regulatory compliance firm.

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