While cannabis as medicine is not new, the healthcare provider’s venture into the cannabis industry may be a new journey for many. In state medical marijuana programs doctors are the people who “recommend” cannabis (presently there is no actual prescription for cannabis).
The roles available to other healthcare providers differ drastically by state. Pharmacists can be involved in the industry in a variety of ways, including working as a cannabis dispensary pharmacist. Not all states require pharmacists to be present at a medical marijuana dispensary, but they are required in states such as Pennsylvania and Arkansas. This article will give you some insight into taking on the challenge of becoming a cannabis pharmacist.
Back to Basics
As a pharmacist, you should be well aware of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of FDA approved medications. However, you probably weren’t taught about cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in school. Most pharmacy schools have not incorporated this important material yet. So, start with the basics. Learn what the plant looks like, the difference between cannabinoids and terpenes, the different ways to consume cannabis, and how the endocannabinoid system is affected by different molecules.
Read the Science and Know About the Culture
Cannabis research is changing daily. Make sure that you’re keeping up to date with the newest published studies. It is critical that you learn to evaluate scientific studies critically and discern whether the methodology supports the conclusion and whether the study was done in, and therefore potentially applicable to, humans. Many claims being made about cannabis are fantastical and even those backed by scientific study are often cell-culture or animal-model and not ready for use in human beings.
Your review of the literature should not just focus on studies about the plant and medical conditions. It should also include studies about improving extraction techniques, decreasing metal concentration in flowers and vapes, and new medicine delivery systems.
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research is one such journal that publishes new carefully curated studies on an ongoing basis. Members of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists have access to this journal for free, a $400 value. Learn more about other benefits of joining here.
Additionally, read about the history and culture of cannabis, and how its use and the science behind it has evolved. The books published by doctors and scientists of the 1970s are vastly different from the books published starting in the early 2000s. Understanding the scientific and cultural background will help you understand medicine and connect with the patients. Some book recommendations include:
Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years by Ernest L. Abel (1980)
Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana - Medical, Recreational, and Scientific by Martin A Lee (2012)
Get connected via networking
It’s time to start making new connections. The Association of Cannabinoid Specialists offers many networking events online, such as live symposiums (recordings shared here), monthly member networking meetings, and a member only forum. The more interactions you have, the deeper you’ll find yourself within the industry. Making connections compounds quickly.
Further your education
As this industry grows, some schools are stepping up to create cannabis education programs for healthcare professionals. The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy offers both a master’s degree and graduate certificate program in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics. There are many other programs across other universities as well. These programs are online and provide a very manageable school-life balance.
Apply, apply, apply
Once you have the knowledge, start applying! Opportunities may be found on a company’s career section of their webpage. Quite often, cannabis companies post their job listings on LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. As the industry grows, more recruiting agencies are popping up, such as FlowerHire. These are some of the top websites to check for job postings, but networking can lead to a job as well! The cannabis industry is looking for passionate pharmacists!
Job opportunities
There are several states actively hiring dispensary pharmacists. These states include Arkansas, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. These jobs are dispensary-based.
There are other opportunities for pharmacists as well. Many medical marijuana programs are run by a state Board of Pharmacy. There are also teaching opportunities at various universities, such as the University of Maryland. Research opportunities are growing, and more pharmaceutical companies will become involved in cannabis research if cannabis is rescheduled on the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
This industry is still evolving and is full of opportunity. Education, networking, and dedication will help you grow as a cannabis pharmacist.
The Association of Cannabinoid Specialists is here to support you in your journey. Become a member of ACS today. If you have questions, please email [email protected].
The author of this article, Dr. Megan Petersen, lives in Pittsburgh with her wonderful husband, dog, and cats. She enjoys hiking in her free time and always welcomes a good scientific discussion.