August 15, 2020

Presentations on the research and regulations concerning the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine will be offered throughout the AVMA Virtual Convention 2020, scheduled for Aug. 20-22.

Practice perspectives are covered in Module 1 from 2:30-4:20 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20. Speakers include a veterinary oncologist who will discuss potential therapeutic needs and a veterinary toxicologist regarding the signs that veterinary toxicologists are seeing with exposures to both recreational marijuana products as well as cannabidiol products intended to be therapeutic.

On Friday, Aug. 21, Module 2 will focus on a regulatory review with perspectives on therapeutic use of cannabis-derived products with presentations provided by the Food and Drug Administration and the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Sessions run from 2:30-4:20 p.m.

Jim Penrod, AAVSB executive director, said the organization’s Regulatory Policy Task Force has been researching the perspectives and policies of the veterinary medical boards on the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine.

“This presentation will cover the task force’s findings as well as the proposed direction for AAVSB model guidance to assist veterinary medical boards in informing licensees on the legal aspects of discussing and dispensing cannabis-based products,” explained Penrod, who will be a presenter at the virtual convention.

Additionally, the session will feature a review from a chemist on the quality control concerns of the cannabis industry and the products that are available in the marketplace as well as guidance regarding the review of a certificate of analysis on a product.

Clinical research will be addressed in Module 3 from noon to 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, the final day of the symposium. Researchers from the veterinary colleges at Auburn University, Cornell University, and Colorado State University will update viewers on what the science says, so far, about cannabis.

“The use of CBD-rich hemp and other cannabinoids are exploding with little evidence for efficacy or even whether your dog or cat absorbs these interesting molecules,” said presenter Dr. Joe Wakshlag, a professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Wakshlag’s presentation will take viewers through the highlights of cannabinoid absorption in dogs and cats with a foray into his recent clinical osteoarthritis pilot study providing the evidence that veterinarians need to better understand these fascinating molecules and whether they may have utility in dogs and cats.