Organised by the FIP Programme Committee

Chairs

Linda Hakes (FIP, UK) and Michael Ward (FIP, Australia)

Introduction

Cannabis is a psychoactive compound with a long history of therapeutic and recreational use.  Medicinal cannabis represents the reemergence of a plant with historical significance into present day healthcare.

In recent years, medicinal cannabis, or medicinal marijuana, has garnered much national and international attention with controversies surrounding the legal, ethical, and societal implications associated with the use of cannabis. Nevertheless, the use and acceptance of medicinal cannabis continues to evolve, as shown by the growing number of countries now permitting use for specific medical indications. As the evidence base for medicinal cannabis is growing, there is a need for good quality research on the indications for use of cannabis and related products.

Legislation governing use of medicinal cannabis continues to be in the spotlight, with very recent controversies highlighting the issue, for example, the two recent UK cases where medicinal cannabis was allowed to be used under Home Office license for two very ill children.

This ‘hot topic session’ seeks to discuss the use of medicinal cannabis for medical purpose which is timely, important and impactful.  Ultimately, as the medicinal cannabis landscape continues to evolve, pharmacists need to consider the implications, address logistical concerns, and explore the feasibility of permitting patient access to this treatment necessitating that pharmacists and other clinicians keep abreast of new or changing regulations and their institutional implications.

Programme