Mandatory pharmacist-led education session for patients seeking medical cannabis

Abstract

Objective: The primary objectives of this pre-post session study, was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led education session on the perceived benefits and safety of cannabis among patients with chronic pain, as well as determine the influence of pharmacist education on the selection of safer cannabis products and dosage forms for medical use among patients.
 Methods: A retrospective analysis of completed pre-post session questionnaires was conducted among chronic pain patients attending a mandatory education session led by a pharmacist, prior to being authorized cannabis in clinic. All questionnaire data was analyzed using SPSS v. 25. Demographic and sample characteristics were reviewed using univariate analyses. Chi-Square tests were employed to determine if the group-based education significantly affected knowledge, perception of efficacy and safety of cannabis.
 Results: Of the 260 session participants, 203 completed pre-post session questionnaires. After the session, a majority of current cannabis users (33.8%) and cannabis naïve/past users (56.9%) reported they would use a low THC product in the future, and a majority of current users (54.5%) would use a high CBD product in the future. After education, participants were more likely to report cannabis as having the potential for addiction (chi-square =42.6, p <0.0001) and harm (chi-square =34.0, p <0.0001).
 Conclusions: Pharmacist counselling and education has the potential to influence patient selection and use of cannabis, from more harmful to safer products, as well as moderate the potential perceived benefits of use.

Medical Use of Cannabis in Africa: The Pharmacists’ Perspective

“…Even though cannabis is a drug of abuse, the fact that it is a potential pharmacotherapy agent cannot be overemphasized and pharmacists, together with other stakeholders’, in Africa need to take the ownership to safeguard the health of the populace at the large interest of public health. 19 …”

“…Even though cannabis is a drug of abuse, the fact that it is a potential pharmacotherapy agent cannot be overemphasized and pharmacists, together with other stakeholders', in Africa need to take the ownership to safeguard the health of the populace at the large interest of public health. 19 Currently, there is a lack of knowledge on the perception, attitude and beliefs of healthcare professionals including pharmacists on the use of medical cannabis in Africa. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published articles in any of the African countries on this topic.…”

Description and Disposition of Patients With Cancer Accessing a Novel, Pharmacist-Led Cannabis Consultation Service

“…44 As medication therapy experts, professional organizations, pharmacy regulatory bodies, and public groups have suggested that pharmacists should be involved in provision of care to patients using cannabis for medical purposes. [45][46][47][48] Although pharmacists are involved in assessing, educating, and managing patients on MC, 49 there is scarce documentation of this role in the literature. Pharmacist-delivered patient education about cannabinoids has been shown to guide patients toward choosing safer products and minimizing health risks while using cannabis.…”

“…Pharmacist-delivered patient education about cannabinoids has been shown to guide patients toward choosing safer products and minimizing health risks while using cannabis. 49 The regulating body for pharmacists in Ontario, Canada, has mandated completion of a general educational course about cannabis for pharmacists to maintain registration. 44 Several US states mandate pharmacist consultation in MC programs 50 ; no such directive exists in Canada.…”