Pharmacists happy to dispense pot, but only to help the sick
As the provincial government prepares for legal marijuana sales, pharmacists say they welcome the opportunity to dispense the drug for medicinal purposes — just don’t get them into the recreational market.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association released its position on medical marijuana in April, stating that, given that there is a growing number of Canadians obtaining medical marijuana licences with minimal oversight by healthcare professionals, it’s important pharmacists play a front-line role in patient management and dispensing of medical marijuana.
“Based on expert consultations, third-party research and input from our members and their patients, CPhA believes that the best way to enhance patient safety, education and appropriate access is through pharmacist dispensing and management of medical marijuana, while promoting the use of non-smokable products as opposed to smokable forms.”
Kent MacLeod, owner of NutriChem pharmacy on Richmond Road, agrees. He says pharmacists are currently limited when it comes to treating pain with cannabinoids because pharmacists can only dispense oral doses based on a doctor’s prescription. However, he says there are many cases where an over-the-counter cannabinoid spray or topical cream would be a better option.
“Several of my pain docs have problem patients where they’ve (taken) oral cannabinoids, for example, and we want to manipulate those oils into either creams or suppositories, because they are not tolerating them — or there are other issues, and I legally can’t obtain them.”
According to a recent survey conducted by Forum Research and published in the Toronto Star, very few Ontarians want marijuana sold at the LCBO. Out of 1,173 people polled, 35 per cent said a pharmacy is the most appropriate place to sell legal marijuana.
While the results are a vote of confidence for the pharmacy industry, the chair of the Ontario Pharmacists Association says their mandate is solely focused on medicinal marijuana.
“We’ve surveyed our members, and I think our members overwhelmingly recognize and support a role in the distribution of medical marijuana,” said Sean Simpson, owner of two pharmacies in the Toronto area. “But certainly they were a little less enthusiastic, I would say, about the recreational use.”
MacLeod says the fact Premier Kathleen Wynne is seriously considering the LCBO as the primary point of sales for legalized marijuana — which can happen as early as next year — is disconcerting.
“Canada is one of the highest per-capita users of morphine in the world,” said MacLeod. “This is ridiculous and it kills thousands of people, and meanwhile we’re trying to encourage recreational THC use in the LCBO. We’ve got to get a handle on this.”