Evolving Global Perspectives of Pharmacists: Dispensing Medical Cannabis

Shulman, Holly B.; Sewpersaud, Vashti; Thirlwell, Celeste

doi:10.1089/can.2020.0144

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 31 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Our study findings offer timely direction regarding how the medical cannabis landscape in Canada could be re-envisioned to promote equity and reasonable access, as well as to support informed treatment decisions by Canadians. Pharmacies as a point of access for medical cannabis have been discussed for many years in Canada and other jurisdictions [ 19 , 20 ] and may facilitate individuals to receive evidence-based advice, particularly regarding contraindications and drug-cannabis interactions [ 21 ]. Lastly, ongoing evaluation of whether reasonable access to medical cannabis is being achieved, and by whom, as well as the impact of the legalization of the recreational market on medical cannabis access, is urgently needed to inform future policy decisions and priorities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canadians’ use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes since legalization of recreational cannabis: a cross-sectional analysis by medical authorization status

Balneaves,

Brown,

Green

et al. 2024

BMC Med

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background There has been a precipitous decline in authorizations for medical cannabis since non-medical cannabis was legalized in Canada in 2018. This study examines the demographic and health- and medical cannabis-related factors associated with authorization as well as the differences in medical cannabis use, side effects, and sources of medical cannabis and information by authorization status. Methods Individuals who were taking cannabis for therapeutic purposes completed an online survey in early 2022. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of demographic and health- and medical cannabis-related variables associated with holding medical cannabis authorization. The differences in medical cannabis use, side effects, and sources of information by authorization status were determined via t-tests and chi-squared analysis. Results A total of 5433 individuals who were currently taking cannabis for therapeutic purposes completed the study, of which 2941 (54.1%) currently held medical authorization. Individuals with authorization were more likely to be older (OR ≥ 70 years vs. < 30 years, 4.85 (95% CI, 3.49–6.76)), identify as a man (OR man vs. woman, 1.53 (1.34–1.74)), have a higher income (OR > $100,000/year vs. < $50,000 year, 1.55 (1.30–1.84)), and less likely to live in a small town (OR small town/rural vs. large city, 0.69 (0.59–0.81)). They were significantly more likely to report not experiencing any side effects (29.9% vs. 23.4%; p < 0.001), knowing the amount of cannabis they were taking (32.1% vs. 17.7%; p < 0.001), obtaining cannabis from regulated sources (74.1% vs. 47.5%; p < 0.001), and seeking information about medical cannabis from healthcare professionals (67.8% vs. 48.2%; p < 0.01) than individuals without authorization. Conclusions These findings offer insight into the possible issues regarding equitable access to medical cannabis and how authorization may support and influence individuals in a jurisdiction where recreational cannabis is legalized, highlighting the value of a formal medical cannabis authorization process.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canadians’ use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes since legalization of recreational cannabis: a cross-sectional analysis by medical authorization status

Balneaves,

Brown,

Green

et al. 2024

BMC Med

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, many pharmacy students believe they need more time to be ready to provide such a level of information to patients regarding safety, efficacy, and legal implications [ 17 ]. On the other hand, while current practicing pharmacists feel comfortable answering clinical questions, most would prefer additional education to ensure proper safety and efficacy standards are met [ 18 ]. The literature in this area primarily has a sample of a single pharmacy school or a few schools and is descriptive.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Pharmacy Students’ Preparedness towards Counseling over Cannabis Use Disorder

Ganna,

Daggolu,

Sansgiry

2024

Pharmacy

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The rise in cannabis use prompts significant concerns regarding pharmacy students’ abilities to counsel patients over cannabis use disorder. This study aims to understand pharmacy students’ preparedness to counsel patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD) and evaluate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes towards medical cannabis (MC) and recreational cannabis (RC), and behavior intention (BI) to counsel over CUD. A cross-sectional survey was administered to pharmacy students. Descriptive analyses of sample characteristics were assessed with the t-test and one-way ANOVA test. Pearson correlation and linear regression were conducted, measuring the strength and direction of relationships. The average scores for knowledge, attitudes towards MC use and RC, and behavioral intention were 81% (SD 16%), 4.13 (SD 0.75), 3.28 (0.80), and 2.74 (1.00). Significant correlations were observed between knowledge–attitudes toward MC, knowledge–attitudes towards RC, and attitudes towards RC–behavioral intentions. Linear regression indicated attitudes towards MC use and RC, academic year, awareness of MC use legality, obtained knowledge, and past patient interaction were significantly associated with behavioral intention on confidence in counseling over CUD. There is a gap in students’ behavioral intention to counsel. These findings emphasize the importance of ample preparation that enables student pharmacists to address patient needs related to cannabis use confidently.

show abstract

“…On the other hand, while current practicing pharmacists feel comfortable answering clinical questions, most would prefer further education to ensure proper safety and efficacy standards are met. [18] Literature in this area primarily has a sample of a single pharmacy school or a few schools and is descriptive. This study aims to understand pharmacy students' preparedness to counsel patients with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and evaluate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and BI to counsel over CUD.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Pharmacy Students' Preparedness Towards Counseling Over Cannabis Use Disorder

Ganna,

Daggolu,

Sansgiry

2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The rise in cannabis use has caused significant concerns pharmacy students’ abilities to counsel patients over cannabis. This study aims to understand pharmacy students’ preparedness to counsel patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD) and evaluate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes towards medical cannabis (MC) and recreational cannabis (RC), and behavior intention (BI) to counsel over CUD. A cross-sectional survey was administered to pharmacy students. Descriptive analysis of sample characteristics were assessed with T-test and one-way ANOVA test. Pearson correlation and linear regression were conducted measuring the strength and direction of relationships. The average scores for knowledge, attitudes towards MC use and RC, and BI were 81% (SD 16%), 4.13 (SD 0.75), 3.28 (0.80), and 2.74 (1.00). Significant correlations were observed between knowledge-attitudes toward MC, knowledge-attitudes towards RC, and attitudes towards RC-BIs. Linear regression indicated attitudes towards MC use and RC, academic year, awareness of MC use legality, obtained knowledge, and past patient interaction were significantly associated with BI on confidence in counseling over CUD. There is a gap in students’ BI to counsel. These findings emphasize the importance of a comprehensive curriculum and state policy and practice changes, enabling future pharmacists to address patient needs related to cannabis use confidently.

show abstract

Evolving Global Perspectives of Pharmacists: Dispensing Medical Cannabis

Cited by 5 publications

References 31 publications

Canadians’ use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes since legalization of recreational cannabis: a cross-sectional analysis by medical authorization status

Canadians’ use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes since legalization of recreational cannabis: a cross-sectional analysis by medical authorization status

Understanding Pharmacy Students’ Preparedness towards Counseling over Cannabis Use Disorder

Understanding Pharmacy Students' Preparedness Towards Counseling Over Cannabis Use Disorder

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About