Nevada Measure Would Allow Medical Marijuana Use for Pets

Medical marijuana would be permitted for pets under a measure introduced this week in the Nevada legislature. A veterinarian would have to certify that the animal has an illness that might be alleviated by marijuana, the Associated Press reports.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Tick Segerblom, acknowledged some animals might have adverse reactions to medical marijuana, but added, “you don’t know until you try.” The measure is part of a larger bill that would overhaul Nevada’s medical marijuana law.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, medications do not necessarily work the same in animals as they do people. The association does not have an official position on medical marijuana for pets. “There are possibilities of adverse reactions, including toxicities and failure to treat the clinical condition at hand,” the group says on its website. The group adds, “Veterinarians making treatment decisions must use sound clinical judgment and current medical information, and must be in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.”

Some veterinarians say marijuana can relieve the symptoms of some sick and dying pets. Marijuana has not been proven to be effective as a painkiller for animals, the article notes.