New York could become the first state to legalize cannabis for animals

New York State may soon allow cannabis prescriptions for pets.

Last Thursday, MP Amy Paulin introduced a bill to change the law and allow veterinarians to prescribe medical marijuana to animals.

«Medical cannabis has helped a significant number of people in the management and treatment of chronic and disabling illnesses,» presented Amy Paulin in its report.

«Research suggests that animals may also benefit from cannabis to similarly treat their ailments.»

Nevada and California are also considering legalizing cannabis for animals to treat chronic illnesses such as anxiety or inflammation.

«This would give pet owners and veterinarians another alternative for relieving pain in pets. This could help a huge number of animals in need of care, especially those with chronic illnesses or who are not helped by traditional medical treatments» states the report.

However, Amy Paulin will have to face the state's many reluctances to open up the possibility of cannabis treatments.

New York State in fact legalized medical cannabis in non-smokable forms in January 2016, initially severely restricting the conditions that could be treated with cannabis. It has gradually opened up its medical cannabis program to more pathologies and let more doctors prescribe cannabis.

In France, some cannabidiol treatments are already available for pets.