Pharmacists in Quebec Seek Amendments to Bill C-45 to Distribute Medical Cannabis

Pharmacists in Quebec Seek Amendments to Bill C-45 to Distribute Medical Cannabis

The pharmacist college of Quebec (L’Ordre de Pharmaciens du Quebec) is seeking amendments to cannabis Bill 157. The Quebec Commission on Health and Social Services heard about their recommendations that patients being prescribed medical cannabis must also benefit from the knowledge and services that pharmacists provide.

The current system allows cannabis to be distributed through mail order channels only, directly from licensed producers. However, the OPQ is petitioning to have pharmacists become trusted channels for cannabis distribution to the more than 6300 registrants in the province. The goal is to help ensure that patients receive care from a regulated professional, along with a professional inspection mechanism, patient confidentiality, a code of ethics and resources for total analysis of drug therapy.

President of the OPQ, Bertrand Bolduc has said the organization has concluded that medical cannabis patients are not different than other medical drug users. “That is why we are asking the Quebec government to accompany us in representations for an amendment to the federal regulation.”

The OPQ has stated that its pharmacists should not involve themselves with non-medical cannabis, including a statement saying non-medical cannabis should adhere to a similar framework to that of tobacco products.

The OPQ also warns that all consumers of cannabis (medical and non-medical) be made aware of possible interactions with other medications and contraindications related to consumption. Pharmacists should also be able to access service corridors directly to patients who show signs of psychosis or addictions.

The governments intentions to maintain an illegal status on non-medicinal cannabis cultivation at home is supported by the OPQ.

Additionally, he OPQ feels that the expertise of its pharmacists is required as part of the vigilance committee that would be created under Bill 157, whose role would be advising on issues relating to cannabis. To this effect, an equal seat for a pharmacist on this committee is requested.

At this time it is unclear whether the federal government will accept the requested amendments to Bill C-45 made by the OPQ, in regards to permitting Quebec and other provinces to pass legislation allowing pharmacists to advise on and dispense medical cannabis.