Prominent Veterinarian Group Backs Move To Reschedule Cannabis

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) is an association that represents over 89,000 veterinarians who are working around the US.

Those veterinarians can be working in a variety of settings, such as an academia setting, government, corporate practice, or private etc. The association admittedly lobbies for what it believes to be animal-friendly legislation and now that includes making the move to endorse the rescheduling of cannabis in the US.

Last month, the AMVA allegedly approved a resolution that seeks to explore how to advocate for the rescheduling of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule II substance.

AVMA members have signaled their interest to have policies drafted surrounding the use of cannabis as a treatment for animals and this really reflects the strength of the market and the interest that is growing in this area.

Cannabis isn't only for humans, as there are many pet owners out there now who are using it for their cats and dogs as well. Many pet-specific cannabis companies have sprung-up as a result, most of them selling CBD pet products.

Members of the AMVA have said that they have concerns over seeing an increase in toxicity cases for animals who have consumed cannabis and this is why they say they are pushing for more research to be done. Although it isn't considered a mainstream treatment yet for animals, there are a growing number of veterinarians who are interested in the possible benefits and the role that it could play in animal healthcare.

Because of the scheduling of cannabis as a Schedule I substance, it's difficult for research to be conducted and so that is why they are pushing for it to be regarded as a Schedule II substance; examples of substances on that list are things like codeine, morphine, opium, and oxy.

One main difference between those substances on the Schedule I list and those on Schedule II is that those on the latter are recognized for having currently accepted medical use in the country.

The AMVA is going to be looking to network with research organizations to push for the move to reschedule cannabis and it's something that others in the country have been pushing for as well. Along with efforts that call for legalization and/or decriminalization; people overwhelmingly seem to want the criminalization to come to an end.