The evolution of medical cannabis in Australia
What is a medical pharmacist?
A medical pharmacist is a qualified healthcare professional who specialises in understanding the science behind how medicines/drugs work in the body and how to safely dispense medications based on a wide range of factors specific to individuals. This includes contraindications (which is a reason why someone shouldn’t receive a particular treatment) like a pre-existing medical condition, allergy, or other medication that makes another medication unsafe or ineffective. They also consider factors like whether a woman may be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pharmacists complete a university degree in pharmacy, followed by supervised training and registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
In a medical cannabis context, pharmacists play a vital role in:
- Reviewing prescriptions. Pharmacists ensure the prescribed product, dose, and delivery method are clinically appropriate and comply with regulations.
- Providing clinical advice. Pharmacists advise on potential interactions with other medications or underlying conditions.
- Tailoring treatment. Pharmacists help to optimise cannabis medication for both effectiveness (efficacy) and safety based on a patient’s response over time.
- Holistic patient support. Pharmacists guide patients on topics like titration (how to increase gradually), product selection, and device use e.g. dry herb vaporisers.
At Essence Dispensary, our pharmacists are at the heart of your medical cannabis care team. We work closely with doctors and registered nurses to ensure every patient receives the best support. Essence Dispensary’s lead pharmacist and owner Dharni Khatri has roots in a Hindu household, which deeply influenced her holistic approach to wellbeing. She grew up seeing the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicine and learning about the power of the mind-body connection through hypnotherapy. Dharni often combines natural and pharmaceutical products to offer comprehensive patient care.
What is a pharmacy dispenser?
A pharmacy dispenser, also known as a dispensary technician, is the professional who helps prepare, package, and label your prescribed medicine. While they don’t provide clinical advice, dispensers play an essential operational role in ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Their key responsibilities include:
- Preparing and labelling medical cannabis products according to prescription and regulation.
- Managing stock and maintaining correct storage conditions for temperature-sensitive products.
- Processing orders, refills, and delivery logistics.
- Supporting pharmacists by ensuring prescriptions are ready for review and approval.
Dispensers work under a pharmacist’s supervision to ensure all products meet professional and legal standards before leaving the pharmacy or dispensary.
Dispenser vs pharmacist: key differences in medical cannabis care
Why it matters: navigating your medical dispensary experience
When it comes to medical cannabis, understanding who to speak to can make your experience smoother and more empowering.
- Speak to your pharmacist if you have questions about dosage, product types, potential side effects, or how cannabis may interact with your current medications.
- Speak to your dispenser for practical queries like your prescription status, collection times, or product availability.
At Essence Dispensary, we encourage patients to ask questions at every step. Whether you’re starting a new treatment or adjusting your dosage, open communication ensures your care remains safe, effective, and supportive of your overall wellness goals.
Remember: the pharmacist oversees your treatment’s clinical aspects, while the dispenser ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Essence Dispensary’s collaborative approach to care
At Essence Dispensary, collaboration is at the core of what we do. We bring together pharmacists, dispensers, doctors, and registered nurses to create a seamless patient experience grounded in education, empathy, and evidence-based care.
Our pharmacists work directly with prescribers to ensure each patient’s treatment plan is tailored in view of side effects, lifestyle considerations, and goals. For prescriptions, if there are stock issues with a particular brand/product, the Essence Dispensary pharmacists can contact your doctor or registered nurses on your behalf to request the medication prescribed to be changed to the next most suitable medicine (subject to your healthcare practitioner’s final decision).
We also understand the importance of using the right tools for efficient medication use. When the wrong tools are used—or the tools are used incorrectly—we know it can be a costly mistake in terms of the time, money, and hope that goes into a medical cannabis treatment plan. We spend the necessary time with patients to give them the knowledge they need on safe administration methods, including correct use of dry herb vaporisers and titration techniques so patients can get the most out of their treatment plan.
We’re here to work together with patients to establish and follow their prescription’s protocol and finding the best way to modify it in view of individual experiences with any side effects or concerns. Every body is different, and so is the experience.