In a recent press release, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) called for pharmacists to be more involved in the dispensing of medical marijuana. According to Phil Emberley, their Director of Professional Affairs, “Pharmacists are the safest and best equipped to provide clinical advice to patients and provide appropriate oversight. Pharmacist involvement in dispensing of medical marijuana would help identify potential problems such as drug interactions, alternative therapies, contraindications and potential addictive behavior, and provide the opportunity for patient counselling on appropriate use. As well, pharmacists have an existing infrastructure that is already in place to handle controlled substances and have a secure supply chain to limit diversion.”
The announcement was an opportunity to update their position on the dispensation of medical marijuana by not only providing patient safety and support through pharmacist involvement, but to take the lead role as a primary distributor. They supported their statements with data provided by Abacus Data and KPMG reports.
However, the Canadian Medical Cannabis Industry Association (CMCIA) issued a response to the CPhA just seven hours later. “Pharmacy may be a valuable additional option for patients in the future, but as a complement, not as a replacement to the existing, successful direct access system,” said Neil Closner, newly-elected Chair of CMCIA. “Distribution only via pharmacies would reduce access and product choice, and raise costs to patients, and could also increase the risk of diversion.”
Colette Rivet, Executive Director of CMCIA added, “We are pleased pharmacy is now recognizing the valuable role medical cannabis plays in helping patients deal with chronic conditions, particularly since they chose not to participate in the medical cannabis system when the MMPR was introduced in 2013.”
The CPhA’s announcement also prompted responses from patient advocacy groups and the current licensed producers who had concerns about patient access to the assorted varieties of medical cannabis for particular health needs, and for those patients licensed for self-production.
The CMCIA further stated they “will be reaching out to the CPhA to begin a dialogue on how pharmacists and pharmacy can work with Licensed Producers of medical cannabis, physicians, patients and other stakeholders to expand patients’ access to regulated, affordable products.”
