Bill would allow veterinarians to prescribe medical marijuana for pets
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Rhode Island lawmakers introduced a new bill that would allow pets to use medical marijuana if certified by a licensed veterinarian.
However, veterinarians and animal rights advocates said they have grave concerns about the bill.
"If it does get passed it's going to be a really big problem for pets in Rhode Island," said Dr. Shelly Pancoast, emergency vet and president of the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association.
Pancoast highlighted how toxic THC is for pets when ingested.
"They get pretty severe neurological signs and can sometimes look like they're dead or in a coma," explained Pancoast.
Pancoast said all studies show THC is harmful to pets.
"We can't figure out why exactly anyone would want it to be marketed towards pets," she said. "I feel like if people don't know better, they'll end up seeing us with their dogs really sick."
This was the second time the bill was introduced. Reps. Patricia Serpa and Charlene Lima are co-sponsoring the bill.
"We need to get this dialogue going to see if it will be beneficial," explained Lima. "It might not be, studies have shown THC can be very deadly for animals."
Lima said the bill adds to the present medical marijuana statue and would give veterinarians the right to discuss or use medical marijuana for pets. California is the only state that currently allows this.
"You know how quickly science changes," she said. "There's a lot more studies out there now than there was last year when it was first introduced."
Lima said lawmakers would like to hear from experts to discuss all pros and cons during the hearing of the bill.