Pamela L Smithburger1, Michael A Zemaitis2, Susan M Meyer3. 1. University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Salk Hall 727, 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh PA 15261, United States. Electronic address: smithburgerpl@upmc.edu. 2. University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Salk Hall 727, 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh PA 15261, United States. Electronic address: maz@pitt.edu. 3. University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Salk Hall 727, 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh PA 15261, United States. Electronic address: smeyer@pitt.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: To summarize the status of medical marijuana instruction in the PharmD curriculum and capture future plans for the incorporation of medical marijuana content. METHODS: One hundred and forty United States schools and colleges of pharmacy were contacted to complete an anonymous survey regarding inclusion of medical marijuana topics in their curriculum, future plans for inclusion, and evaluation of perceived importance of specific topics. RESULTS: Forty nine percent (68/140) of schools and colleges completed the survey and 62% (44/68) include medical marijuana content in their curriculum. Of the schools and colleges that do not include it, 23% (6/26) plan to incorporate medical marijuana topics within the next 12 months. In regards to perceived importance of specific topics related to medical marijuana, all topics received a median score of three on a scale of one to five, with one being of high importance. CONCLUSION: With more states legalizing medical marijuana, schools and colleges of pharmacy need to evaluate inclusion of medical marijuana topics in their curriculum to prepare student pharmacists to effectively care for patients using this product.
INTRODUCTION: To summarize the status of medical marijuana instruction in the PharmD curriculum and capture future plans for the incorporation of medical marijuana content. METHODS: One hundred and forty United States schools and colleges of pharmacy were contacted to complete an anonymous survey regarding inclusion of medical marijuana topics in their curriculum, future plans for inclusion, and evaluation of perceived importance of specific topics. RESULTS: Forty nine percent (68/140) of schools and colleges completed the survey and 62% (44/68) include medical marijuana content in their curriculum. Of the schools and colleges that do not include it, 23% (6/26) plan to incorporate medical marijuana topics within the next 12 months. In regards to perceived importance of specific topics related to medical marijuana, all topics received a median score of three on a scale of one to five, with one being of high importance. CONCLUSION: With more states legalizing medical marijuana, schools and colleges of pharmacy need to evaluate inclusion of medical marijuana topics in their curriculum to prepare student pharmacists to effectively care for patients using this product.