What’s happening?
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has expressed clear support for new guidelines released by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) on the prescribing and dispensing of 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.”
Professor Twomey added, “We also applaud the Regulator’s proactive action against practitioners who’ve demonstrated poor professional practices when prescribing medicinal cannabis.” The Guild has been monitoring the rise in prescriptions and the way cannabis-based treatments are managed in pharmacies, and these guidelines are seen as a strong step to improve standards.
Why it matters
Professor Twomey explained that while the guidelines are directed mainly at prescribers, pharmacists are also expected to follow them in their own 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.
This means pharmacists are not just handing over medicine but are part of the broader care process. They are expected to look at each prescription critically and make sure it fits within safe clinical practice before dispensing.
Local Impact
Professor Twomey said the guidelines make it clear that medicinal cannabis is not a first-choice treatment. “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 said.
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.”
Across local pharmacies, this means more time spent reviewing prescriptions, speaking with prescribers, and making sure patients know what to expect before starting a cannabis-based treatment.
By the numbers
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Many symptoms still have only low levels of evidence supporting cannabis use.
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Pharmacists are urged to review management plans and exit strategies before dispensing.
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Prescribers using telehealth must follow additional requirements under the guidelines.
Zoom In
Professor Twomey highlighted that pharmacists are well positioned to step in if something does not look right. They are expected to consult with prescribers to clarify any concern. “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.
This approach gives patients added layers of safety. It also ensures that cannabis-based treatments are monitored properly from the moment they are prescribed through to the point of dispensing in a pharmacy.
Zoom Out
Professor Twomey said safe use depends on cooperation between all parts of the health system. “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,” he said.
This reinforces the idea that treatment works best when the people who know the patient’s history are involved and when communication is clear across all professionals.
What to look for next?
Professor Twomey said the Guild will continue to support strong standards in this area. “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,” he said.
These guidelines are expected to guide prescribers and pharmacists now and into the future, with patient safety and clear communication at the centre of practice.
