The Government of Mendoza marked a milestone by creating the Reprovet, a program and registry for access to medicinal cannabis for veterinary patients. This measure clearly defines the responsibilities of professionals and growers, covering a gap in the national law 27.350, which only contemplates therapeutic use in humans.
From now on, animals suffering from terminal illnesses, epilepsy or common ailments such as tendinitis will be able to legally access innovative treatments. According to authorities, the use of cannabis in pets was an “open secret” in Mendoza clinics; it was informally applied in dogs or equestrian horses because there is scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, but the legal framework that the province now provides was missing.
The role of the veterinarian: prescription and cultivation
The new regulation not only regulates the prescribing veterinary doctor —who will have a limit of up to 150 patients before requiring the endorsement of an NGO—, but also creates the figure of the veterinarian grower.
For a professional to be authorized to carry out the planting, harvesting, and processing of cannabis derivatives for therapeutic purposes, they must register in the Provincial Registry of Cannabis and Industrial Hemp (RPCCI) fulfilling the following requirements:
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Professional license valid in the province.
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Submit a Sworn Declaration of Acceptance of the Position.
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Accredit training in veterinary cannabinoid medicine through a recognized institution.
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Inform the georeferenced address of the cultivation and processing.
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Register lots and varieties with their respective chromatographic analyses.
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Submit semi-annual traceability reports.
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Keep a Book of exits/expenses duly foliated.
How to access treatment for a pet?
No owner will be able to acquire cannabis directly; access is strictly subject to the prescription of a treating veterinary doctor. The professional must register the animal on the official RPCCI platform by entering the following mandatory data:
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Patient identification: Chip number, health booklet, and tutor’s data.
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Complete medical history: Diagnosis, reason for consultation, and complementary studies.
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Treatment protocol: Detail of the dose, concentration, route of administration, and the indicated chemotype.
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Follow-up plan: Frequency of clinical controls.
Obligations and rights of the responsible tutor
For an animal to receive the medication and the owner to transport it legally within the provincial territory, the tutor must meet two essential requirements: provide their identity data and sign an Informed Consent, assuming full responsibility for the treatment of their pet.
Once the registration is completed, the Responsible Tutor Registration Certificate will be issued. This legal document exclusively enables the possession, administration, and safeguarding of cannabis preparations. The certificate will remain valid indefinitely as long as the treatment remains active, becoming immediately void if it is suspended or if the animal dies.
