(a) A licensee shall not dispense or administer cannabis or cannabis products to an animal patient.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law and absent negligence or incompetence, a veterinarian licensed under this chapter shall not be disciplined by the board or have their license denied, revoked, or suspended solely for discussing or recommending the use of cannabis on an animal for potential therapeutic effect or health supplementation purposes.

Terms Used In California Business and Professions Code 4884

(c) On or before January 1, 2020, the board shall adopt guidelines for veterinarians to follow when discussing cannabis within the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The board shall post the guidelines on its internet website.

(d) By January 1, 2024, the board shall adopt guidelines for veterinarians to follow when recommending cannabis within the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The board shall post the guidelines on its internet website.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 389, Sec. 2. (AB 1885) Effective January 1, 2023.)