As you’re probably aware, there is a constant stream of new research, technology, and information available to us in the veterinary profession that helps both make our jobs easier, and deliver better care to our patients. Today we’re diving into the veterinary applications of cannabis oil with one of the leaders in the field Dr. Stephanie McGrath. Dr. McGrath is a board-certified neurologist and assistant professor at Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital. She is here to talk neurology, family, stem cells and CBD oil, among others. We are discussing Dr. McGrath’s recent field of study, cannabis oil in veterinary use, and how she came to be one of the first veterinarians out there researching the effects of CBD in veterinary medicine. In addition to cannabis, Stephanie tells us all about attending school at Columbia, Michigan State, and CSU; plus how she made the decision to become a veterinarian, and who inspired her to become a neurologist. We are tackling the tip of the iceberg when using cannabis in veterinary medicine and so much more. Are you excited by neurology? What are your thoughts on the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!   In This Episode What it's like to be a neurologist, mom, and marijuana researcher The difference between CBD and THC in medical use Why Dr. McGrath opted out of a traditional residency for a specified internship How spinal and brain surgery is different between humans and dogs A breakdown of how the cannabis plant can be used in medicine   Quotes “Michigan State did not at the time, have a neurologist. So I learned from an orthopedic surgeon, who ironically actually has later become board certified in neurology. And he is wonderful, however, it was challenging to learn a complicated subject from somebody who stepped up to the plate but didn't really have a strong background in neurology at the time.” (22:17) “My favorite aspects of neurology are like I was saying before, kinda the narrowness in some ways of the field. So we do a neurologic exam on every animal and that neurologic exam is exactly the same every single time, for me, that's really soothing I guess in some ways, it really helps me kind of I feel like get better at doing it, because I do the same thing every single time.” (29:23) “There's absolutely no data to support using it or not using it. So again as a veterinarian, as an animal advocate, as a scientist, I felt like even though it might be okay its probably not a good idea. And, somebody should probably start looking into it because clearly it seems to have a lot of interest and potentially some medical attributes that could help dogs and humans and so it seemed like this is something that maybe we should look into.” (45:35) “All I’m out to do is start understanding what this drug does, how it works in the body, and whether its effective in treating some of the diseases in veterinary medicine that we don't have good treatments for right now.” (56:29)   Links Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perks! Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!