Cannabis in Practice: Is It Worth the Risk?

Liz Hughston, MEd., RVT, CVT, VTS (SAIM, ECC), and Stephen F. Cital, RVT, SRA, RLAT, VTS-Lab Animal, veterinary board members for Phyto Animal Health, advise veterinarians to check their state laws regarding recommending and discussing cannabis products with clients. This is a very gray area right now, Hughston says, and it has become much more difficult to know where to draw the line.

The two board members caution practitioners when it comes to recommending and even carrying a cannabis product in their hospital. Federally, there is a huge potential for risk if you do so.

Hughston lays out the safest course for a veterinarian interested in incorporating cannabis products into their practice. First, learn as much as you can about the cannabis products available and identify what profile you're looking for. Secondly, do a risk assessment and decide how much risk you're willing take in your veterinary practice.

Remember: Clients can get these products easily on their own—it may not be worth the risk of your licenses to carry these products out of your practice.