As medical cannabis becomes more integrated into patient care across the United States, a student researcher at PCOM Georgia is examining how pharmacists can be better prepared to counsel patients on its use.
Airam Viennelu Aliwalas, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) candidate in the Class of 2027, presented two research projects at PCOM Georgia’s Research Day in May. Both studies address knowledge gaps in pharmacy education and understanding real-world trends in medical marijuana use.
The first project, titled “Contribution of Medical Cannabis Course in Enhancing Ability of Pharmacy Students for Counseling Patients Using Cannabis,” assessed the impact of a structured elective course on pharmacy students’ confidence in discussing medical cannabis. The study found that students who completed the course reported increased confidence in addressing topics such as product safety, efficacy, and appropriate use.
“By incorporating a medical cannabis course in the pharmacy curriculum, we are ensuring that future pharmacists are prepared and confident in counseling patients who are using or considering medical cannabis,” she said. “Currently, it is not a part of most PharmD curricula; however, this research shows the impact of this elective course on student pharmacists' confidence and knowledge in the medication profile of medical cannabis.”
Recognizing the need to educate future pharmacists in this area, PCOM School of Pharmacy introduced a medical cannabis pharmacy concentration in 2022, which addresses the clinical, pharmacological, and public health aspects of cannabis-based therapies.
The second study, “Medical Marijuana Product Utilization Patterns and Preferences in the Treatment of Anxiety in Pennsylvania,” examined product selection and cannabinoid content among medical marijuana patients with anxiety over a 12-month period. Results showed a trend toward increased THC concentrations and a sustained preference for vape products, possibly reflecting a preference for rapid symptom relief.
“Understanding real-world use of medical marijuana can help clinicians and pharmacists provide more personalized recommendations for each patient,” Aliwalas noted. “Patient preference is important to know in order to provide the best patient care.”
Aliwalas conducted both studies under the direction of Avadhesh C. Sharma, PharmD, PhD, a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She described working with Sharma as an incredibly valuable experience.
“His guidance allowed me to gain an understanding of medical cannabis and challenge my critical thinking skills in navigating through this research,” she said. “I knew that many people are using [medical cannabis], especially for anxiety relief, but I was not familiar with its mechanism of action, product use, routes of administration, possible pharmacokinetic profile, counseling points, etc.”
In addition to her research on medical cannabis, Aliwalas has contributed to studies examining medication adherence in pediatric populations with special healthcare needs, further illustrating her interest in improving access and quality of care.
“As a student pharmacist, it is important to me to bridge the gaps of my own knowledge to be a better provider,” she said. “This mindset aligns with what we commit in the Oath of a Pharmacist to ‘accept the responsibility to improve my professional knowledge, expertise, and self-awareness’.”
Aliwalas acknowledged that although medical marijuana remains a controversial topic, it is still a product patients continue to use, particularly for conditions like anxiety.
“If future pharmacists are not equipped to counsel patients, we risk contributing to misuse, misinformation, or missed opportunities to provide relief for our patients,” she said. “I hope that this research helps to bridge the gap in knowledge, so that we, as future healthcare professionals, can support our patients.”
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