Maryland Considers Allowing Vets to Recommend Cannabis for Pets

Proposed legislation aims to open new medical treatment options for dogs and cats.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:09pm

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Maryland's House of Delegates has unanimously passed a bill that would allow veterinarians to discuss or recommend the use of cannabis, including CBD oil, for pets suffering from conditions like seizure disorders. The legislation is intended to provide an alternative treatment option for pet owners, similar to the use of medical cannabis for humans.

Why it matters

The bill is personal for its sponsor, Del. Michele Guyton, whose dog Pearl suffers from a severe seizure disorder. Guyton learned that cannabis could help alleviate Pearl's seizures without the harsh side effects of traditional anticonvulsant medications. If passed, the legislation would open up new avenues of medical treatment for pets in Maryland.

The details

House Bill 452 was passed by the Maryland House of Delegates 136-0 without debate on Feb. 26. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee for Education, Energy and the Environment, where it needs to be approved before going to the full Senate and then the governor's desk. The legislation is aimed at helping pets who suffer from seizure disorders and other medical conditions by allowing pet owners to discuss cannabis products with their veterinarians.

  • The Maryland House of Delegates passed the bill on Feb. 26, 2026.
  • The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee for Education, Energy and the Environment.

The players

Del. Michele Guyton

The Baltimore County Democrat who introduced the bill and shared a photo of her dog Pearl, who suffers from a severe seizure disorder.

Pearl

Del. Guyton's dog who suffers from a severe seizure disorder that is currently treated with expensive anticonvulsant medications with potentially serious side effects.

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What’s next

The bill needs to be approved by the Senate Committee for Education, Energy and the Environment and then the full Senate before being sent to the governor's desk.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Maryland highlights the growing interest in using cannabis-derived products, such as CBD oil, as an alternative medical treatment for pets suffering from conditions like seizure disorders. If passed, it could provide pet owners with new options to help improve the quality of life for their furry companions.