The recent legislative review of the Canadian Cannabis Act indicated that despite legalization of both medical and recreational use, cannabis consumers continue to experience stigmatization and report challenges accessing knowledgeable/supportive healthcare providers (2024). The current research examined factors related to cannabis consumers perceptions of stigma among medical professionals and the impact of perceived stigma on an individual’s likelihood to trust and consult a medical professional about their cannabis use. Researchers surveyed 1531 cannabis consumers and assessed length/frequency of cannabis consumption, reason for use, trust in medical professionals to provide accurate cannabis-related information, and perceived cannabis related healthcare provider stigma. Results indicated women, younger individuals, and longer and more frequent cannabis consumers perceived more cannabis-related stigma among healthcare providers. Additionally, cannabis consumers that indicated using for medical reasons only, reported significantly less perceived stigma than those that use cannabis for solely recreational or recreational and medical purposes. Further analyses revealed that cannabis consumers with increased perceptions of cannabis related healthcare provider stigma were less likely to consult with medical professionals about their cannabis use because they have less trust in healthcare professionals to provide accurate cannabis-related information. Findings highlight the need to identify strategies to decrease perceptions of stigma surrounding cannabis use in healthcare settings. Moreover, identifying strategies to increase cannabis consumers trust in the accuracy of cannabis knowledge among medical professionals may help to counteract the negative impact of perceived stigma on likelihood to consult healthcare providers about cannabis use, potentially contributing to more mindful and beneficial cannabis consumption practices.

Introduction: The legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada has increased accessibility and acceptability leading to increased consumption. Pharmacists are trained as medication experts and can play a key role in supporting customers through harm reduction and safe medical cannabis use decisions. However, the Cannabis Act, nor professional standards of practice, outline any role for pharmacists in dispensing or helping their patients navigate cannabis related decisions, outside of assessment for use. The purpose of this study was to identify pharmacists' perceived roles in providing cannabis related care.   
Methods: This mixed methods study combines a survey (n=345) with qualitative semi-structured interviews (n=18) conducted with Canadian pharmacists. Participants were recruited through the Canadian Pharmacists Association and online pharmacy forums. Descriptive statistics were used for survey data, while thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts. Data was integrated to understand pharmacist’s roles and how they could be implemented in practice. 
Results: Pharmacists surveyed believed that they should have a role in dispensing (78.4%) and counselling (79.9%) medical cannabis. Almost half (47%) believed they had a role counselling for recreational use. Qualitative findings helped to contextualize these roles and how to operationalize them further. The following themes were identified: regulations; education and clinical guidance; operational challenges; and harm reduction.  
Conclusion: Pharmacists are an accessible healthcare provider with medication expertise and can support patients with cannabis related care. However, there are barriers to providing care that need to be overcome before pharmacists can fully embrace these roles.