marijuana plant (Photo : Reuters)
A Nevada state lawmaker is proposing a bill on Tuesday that would allow ill pets access to medical marijuana. The "pot for pets" law would allow the drug to be prescribed if a veterinarian agreed that cannabis could reduce the "symptoms" or "effects" of a major medical condition.
Senator Segerblom's proposed bill also includes provisions regarding marijuana usage among humans. That includes eliminating penalties for motorists who test positive for the drug in their bloodstream.
Several pet owners across the U.S. support "pot for pets" legislation such as the one proposed by Nevada State Senator Tick Segerblom (D-District 3), and argue that it should be legal nationwide, according to ABC News.
Becky Flowers, a ranch owner in California, said that she regularly gave her horse Phoenix doses of medical marijuana for many years, to treat its joint condition (pun unintended). After she gave some legally-prescribed marijuana to the mare, it was back on its feet within an hour.
Medical research reveals that medical marijuana can be somewhat effective in reducing the pain and suffering of pets. However, Dr. Robert Silver, a Colorado veterinarian, argues that pet owners should be cautious.
Silver explains that much more "research" and "education" must be done before marijuana is given to pets. In particular, cats and dogs react differently than humans do to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main chemical compound in pot.
Recently more U.S. states have relaxed their marijuana laws. Medical marijuana is legal in 23 states, including Nevada; meanwhile, its recreational use is allowed by law in four states.
In addition, in recent years public opinion has shifted significantly in favor of legalizing pot. About 46 percent of Americans are in favor of the drug's full legalization, according to Reuters.
