Our Position
The International Society of Cannabis Pharmacists (ISCPh) believes that pharmacists are essential members of the medical cannabis healthcare team. As medication experts, pharmacists possess specialized knowledge in pharmacotherapy, medication safety, drug interactions, patient counseling, and comprehensive medication management that directly supports the safe and effective use of cannabinoid-based therapies.
As medical cannabis becomes an increasingly common therapeutic option, patients deserve access to healthcare professionals who can help them make informed decisions, minimize medication-related risks, and optimize treatment outcomes. ISCPh supports greater integration of pharmacists into medical cannabis care to improve patient safety, enhance therapeutic outcomes, and promote evidence-based practice. A detailed scholarly version of this position statement has been prepared for peer-reviewed publication.
Why Pharmacists Matter
Medical cannabis is a pharmacologically active therapy that may interact with prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and underlying medical conditions. Patients often require individualized guidance regarding product selection, dosing, administration, monitoring, and adverse effects.
Pharmacists are uniquely qualified to:
- Evaluate potential medication interactions.
- Support individualized cannabinoid dosing and titration.
- Educate patients on safe and appropriate product use.
- Monitor for adverse effects and therapeutic response.
- Assist with comprehensive medication management.
- Collaborate with prescribers and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
Our Advocacy Priorities
ISCPh advocates for:
- Recognition of pharmacists as essential members of interdisciplinary medical cannabis care teams.
- Expansion of evidence-based cannabis education within pharmacy curricula and continuing professional education.
- Increased support for pharmacist-led cannabis research.
- Policies that allow pharmacists to practice to the full extent of their education and training within medical cannabis programs.
- Collaboration among pharmacists, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dispensary professionals, researchers, and policymakers to improve patient care.
Our Commitment
ISCPh is committed to advancing pharmacist education, promoting scientific research, supporting evidence-based policy, and improving patient access to safe, high-quality medical cannabis care.
We will continue working with healthcare professionals, educators, regulators, legislators, researchers, and patients to ensure that cannabinoid therapy is integrated into healthcare with the same standards of safety, professionalism, and clinical accountability expected of all therapeutic agents.
About ISCPh
The International Society of Cannabis Pharmacists (ISCPh) was founded to advance the pharmacy profession through education, research, professional development, and advocacy related to medical cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. ISCPh brings together pharmacists, student pharmacists, researchers, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient care through evidence-based cannabinoid medicine.