Issues spotlight: Medical cannabis

Abstract

CPhA’s position

As medication experts, pharmacists are best equipped to provide clinical advice to patients and appropriate oversight in the safe management and dispensing of medical cannabis. Pharmacists have the necessary expertise to help manage potential risks associated with medical cannabis, including adverse effects, harmful drug interactions, contraindications and potential addictive behaviour. Pharmacists also have the existing infrastructure in place to handle controlled substances, as well as a secure supply chain to limit diversion. CPhA believes that pharmacist management and dispensing of medical cannabis is the best option to strengthen any future framework, improve access and protect patient and public safety. With governments moving to pass regulations and prepare for legalization in 2018, CPhA has consistently stressed the need to maintain a robust medical cannabis stream and improve patient care and safety through pharmacist dispensing.

Overview of CPhA activities

Independent research: In February 2016, CPhA commissioned Abacus Data to survey Canadians on their perceptions and attitudes towards marijuana. In March 2016, CPhA commissioned KPMG research into the key benefits that could be expected from pharmacist management and dispensing of medical cannabis.

Government submissions: Over the past 2 years, CPhA has been actively involved in the government’s consultations on the legalization of cannabis, including participating in the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulations and appearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Throughout each consultation, we emphasized how proposed legislation could affect patients relying on medical cannabis as part of their drug therapy regimen. CPhA also offered statements and commentary throughout 2016 and 2017 as the federal government debated the proposed regulations.

Education and practice tools: CPhA has developed a number of resources to help pharmacists provide effective medication management for their patients using medical cannabis, including the following:

• Online CE programs: “An Introduction to Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids” and “Medical Cannabis: Applying the Evidence to Practice” are offered free of charge to members of provincial pharmacy associations and Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC)

• Medical Cannabis FAQ

• Cannabis for Medical Purposes Evidence Guide

CPhA continues to work on this file and is committed to working with governments to mitigate risk and enhance safety for Canadians. Additional education and practice tools will be released throughout 2018 to support pharmacists across Canada. For more information on CPhA’s efforts on medical cannabis, please visit www.pharmacists.ca/cannabis. ■