What do Australian pharmacists know about CBD? A new survey aims to find out

CBD products will soon be available over-the-counter in Australian pharmacies – but are pharmacists ready?

Researchers in Australia are surveying pharmacists to identify attitudes towards, experiences with and education level on prescription medicinal cannabis and low-dose CBD.

With the imminent arrival of over-the-counter CBD products in the country, pharmacists will become the new gatekeepers of patient access to certain types of medicinal cannabis products.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating component of the cannabis plant, with evidence supporting its use in treating conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, pain and insomnia.

In 2020 Australia’s Therapeutics Goods Administration allowed low-dose CBD containing products, (up to a maximum of 150 mg/day) to be supplied over-the-counter by a pharmacist, without a prescription.

While the sale of CBD products has been approved, no products have yet been registered for distribution in Australia.

The survey has been launched by the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics and the led by pharmacist Ms Zeeta Bawa, with support from the Pharmacy Guild, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Sydney Pharmacy School at the University of Sydney.

Ms Bawa commented: “Pharmacists are a vital link in the access to medicinal cannabis products for the Australian community. We want to ensure their professional practice is supported in light of legislative changes affecting low-dose cannabidiol. This survey will form the basis on which tailored education and management strategies can be crafted”

Designed to be completed by pharmacists Australia-wide, the 10 minute online survey will investigate the attitudes and knowledge of pharmacists about medicinal cannabis and CBD products and assess the training needs in this area.

Professor Andrew McLachlan, head of University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, added: “This survey will help us to investigate the understanding and experience of pharmacists with cannabis-based medicines and better identify their needs to help achieve quality use of cannabidiol in the community.”