What’s happening?
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has released new guidelines on prescribing and dispensing medicinal cannabis. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomed the move. “Like AHPRA, the Guild has been concerned about recent reports of irresponsible prescribing and dispensing of medicinal cannabis,” said National President Professor Trent Twomey. “We also applaud the Regulator’s proactive action against practitioners who’ve demonstrated poor professional practices when prescribing medicinal cannabis.”
Why it matters
“These guidelines are aimed at prescribers but also apply to pharmacists in their dispensing role,” Professor Twomey said. “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.”
Local Impact
“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,” Professor Twomey said. “The Guild observes that for many symptoms, the clinical evidence supporting the use of medicinal cannabis remains low.”
By the numbers
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Evidence remains low for many symptoms treated with cannabis.
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Pharmacists must check therapeutic need and exit plans before dispensing.
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Prescribers conducting telehealth must meet extra obligations.
Zoom In
Professor Twomey said pharmacists must resolve any clinical issues 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.
