The 5th annual conference focusing on Shaping Legal Markets featured a panel discussion with pharmacist members: Melani Kane and Monica Taing.
The main focus of the panel was identifying solutions to maintain and support medical programs in adult-use/recreational states. We talked about the importance of ensuring sustainable access to our vulnerable and underserved populations and the challenges we face in the industry from healthcare discrimination to research limitations.
Dr. Taing highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare professionals who have yet to learn the clinical considerations of cannabis and its direct impact on patient care. Dr. Kane stressed the importance of ensuring safe and reliable access to our pediatric and geriatric populations who may not feel comfortable entering a recreational dispensary and require additional medical guidance.
As public health champions and easily accessible in the communities, pharmacists are integral to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medicine. At the end of the day, Cannabis is a medicine that is used by thousands of patients and we are here to support patients in their pursuit of relief!