Educate ~ Advocate ~ Collaborate

June xx, 2019

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Dear Minister xxxxxxxxxxx,

I am writing to you today to call on Health Canada to recognize the role veterinarians play as front-line health care workers for their animal patients. Since the legalization of cannabis in October, veterinarians have frequently been receiving questions from pet owners about the therapeutic use of cannabis for their pets to treat conditions such as pain, seizures, arthritis, and anxiety. With the current legislation, veterinarians are not able to authorize the use of cannabis in companion pets.

Since there is no legal pathway, many pet owners are resorting to using potentially dangerous products intended for human consumption or seeking out products from the illicit market. While cannabis has the potential to be an effective treatment for numerous conditions, without proper veterinary guidance and oversight on product selection, dosing, and monitoring, well-intentioned pet owners might inadvertently harm their pets. The lack of a legal pathway ultimately pushes pet owners into a “buyer beware” situation.

As a result, I ask Health Canada to amend Part 14 of the Cannabis Regulations to allow veterinarians to provide necessary medication to their patients.

I wish to also suggest Health Canada add a warning statement regarding pets on THC-containing products (e.g., “keep out of reach of children and animals”). There is evidence that companion animals, in particular, dogs, are very sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Given the increased risk that THC-containing products have to pets, and the likelihood that edible and topical products will be particularly appealing to pets, an amended warning label is imperative.

These two amendments can positively impact millions of Canadian pet owners by allowing access to cannabis therapy in the safest and most responsible way possible for the millions of Canadian pets.  I hope you and your department will consider these suggestions.

Sincerely,

XXXX