New rules on medicinal cannabis gain Guild support
Guild welcomes AHPRA guidelines on medicinal cannabis prescribing and dispensing as pharmacists urged to assess plans and risks.
What’s happening?
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed new guidelines released by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for practitioners prescribing and dispensing medicinal cannabis.
National President Professor Trent Twomey said, “Like AHPRA, the Guild has been concerned about recent reports of irresponsible prescribing and dispensing of medicinal cannabis.” He added, “We also applaud the Regulator’s proactive action against practitioners who’ve demonstrated poor professional practices when prescribing medicinal cannabis.”
Why it matters
Professor Twomey said the guidelines were aimed mainly at prescribers but also applied to pharmacists in their dispensing role.
“When dispensing medicinal cannabis prescriptions, community pharmacists should also assess the therapeutic need for the prescription and ensure prescribers have developed an appropriate management plan with the patient, which includes a clear exit strategy,” he said.
Local Impact
Professor Twomey said, “The Guidelines reinforce that medicinal cannabis should not be considered a first-line treatment, but rather a therapeutic option, used only when supported by appropriate evidence.”
He added, “The Guild observes that for many symptoms, the clinical evidence supporting the use of medicinal cannabis remains low. It is essential that patients are fully informed of both the limitations of the evidence and the potential risks and adverse effects. This responsibility rests with both the prescriber and the dispensing pharmacist.”
Key points
Evidence supporting medicinal cannabis for many symptoms remains low.
Reports of irresponsible prescribing and dispensing led to the release of new guidelines.
Pharmacists are required to check management plans and exit strategies before dispensing.
Zoom In
Professor Twomey said community pharmacists are well placed to identify and assess clinical concerns and consult with prescribers before dispensing.
“The Guild strongly supports the recommendation for communicating, following the patient’s permission, with their regular practitioners as well as the additional obligations for prescribers conducting telehealth consultations,” he said.
Zoom Out
“A patient’s regular healthcare providers, such as their general practitioner and regular community pharmacy, are best placed to manage the safe and effective use of medicinal cannabis products,” Professor Twomey said.
What to look for next?
“The Guild also reinforces the responsibility of all healthcare providers, including community pharmacists, to report any unprofessional prescribing practices related to medicinal cannabis to the relevant regulatory authorities,” Professor Twomey said.