Cannabis

In September 2017, the College’s Board of Directors (Council) agreed to establish a Cannabis Task Force to develop a cannabis strategy given the changing landscape of cannabis in Ontario. The resulting “Cannabis Strategy for Pharmacy,” endorsed at the June 2018 meeting, prepares the College and pharmacy professionals to address evolving cannabis-related issues, while considering how to best serve and protect patients and Ontarians in line with the College’s mandate.

The Board also approved an expanded position on the distribution of cannabis that builds on its previous endorsement of the position of the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) concerning the distribution of recreational cannabis in pharmacies.

The College’s Cannabis Strategy for Pharmacy: Enhancing Knowledge, Protecting Patients

As medication therapy experts, pharmacists are in a unique position to provide quality and effective patient care for those who consume cannabis. This may take place through educating patients about the consumption of cannabis as it relates to their overall care and health goals and through collaboration with other health care professionals to enhance patient safety. All pharmacists in Part A of the register are required to complete cannabis education that addresses the competencies approved by the College.