When it comes to cannabis, state and federal policies often don’t align, creating a confusing and challenging landscape for its use—especially in veterinary medicine.
In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana. This landmark decision ignited a movement, with states like Washington and Colorado following suit. Today, those flames have spread to places like Arkansas and Mississippi. For example, in 2020, Mississippi passed Initiative 65, which legalized medical marijuana with an overwhelming 67.9% of the vote.
How State Policies Work
Most state cannabis policies are designed around recommendation, not prescription. A doctor may recommend cannabis to a patient, but cannot prescribe it. Patients then apply for a medical marijuana (MMJ) identification card issued by the state. Once approved, the cardholder can purchase an allotted amount of cannabis from a licensed dispensary.
The Federal Disconnect
On the federal level, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This classification places cannabis in the same category as heroin and methamphetamine—substances deemed to have:
No accepted medicinal use
A high potential for abuse
This scheduling prevents doctors from prescribing cannabis and severely restricts research opportunities. The DEA’s stance contributes to a "gray area" in cannabis use, making it particularly difficult for veterinarians to discuss or recommend cannabinoids for their patients.
Progress in Veterinary Medicine
Despite federal restrictions, progress is being made at the state level. Once again, California is leading the way. It became the first state to recognize cannabis in veterinary medicine and enacted protections allowing veterinarians to discuss its potential uses without fear of legal repercussions.
This recognition is a step forward, but much work remains to ensure veterinarians across the country can confidently integrate cannabis into treatment plans where appropriate. The lack of federal support continues to create barriers for research and hinders a fuller understanding of the medicinal potential of cannabinoids for both humans and animals.
While the cannabis landscape remains complex, continued advocacy and education are vital. By bridging the gap between state and federal policies, we can create a clearer path for the safe and effective use of cannabis in veterinary medicine.