From the University of Sydney
1. What is this study about?
We are conducting a research study about medicinal cannabis and driving. The aim of the
study is to explore Australian pharmacists’ knowledge, behaviours and beliefs about this
topic. We want to understand how pharmacists interpret current drug-driving laws, how they advise patients prescribed medicinal cannabis about driving, and what they believe about the effects of medicinal cannabis and other medicines on driving. The information gained may help inform future education and training initiatives as well as policy discussions.Participation is voluntary. Your choice whether to participate or not will have no impact on your relationship with the University of Sydney or any professional networks.
The study is being carried out by Dr Danielle McCartney (Associate Lecturer, Sydney
Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney), Dr Zeeta Bawa (Associate Lecturer, Sydney
Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney), Dr Stephen Hughes (Lecturer, Sydney
Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney), Dr Jacques Raubenheimer (Senior Research
Fellow, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney) and Ms Aminah Baig (Honours
Student), who is doing this for their degree at The University of Sydney.
The study is being funded by the University of Sydney’s Pharmacy Honours program (Unit
Code: PHAR4913).
2. Who can take part in the study?
We are looking for registered pharmacists working in Australian community pharmacies.
You do not need to have experience dispensing medicinal cannabis to participate.
3. What will the study involve for me?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete an anonymous online
survey. The estimated time commitment is ~10 minutes.
The survey will ask you about your:
• Understanding of drug-driving legislation;
• Counselling practices regarding medicinal cannabis and driving;
• Beliefs about how medicinal cannabis and other medicines affect driving;
• Views on driving-related issues unique to medicinal cannabis; and
• Views on how medicinal cannabis and driving should be regulated.
4. Can I withdraw once I have started?
By starting the survey, you are consenting to take part in the study. You can withdraw at any time by exiting the survey. Because the survey is anonymous, we won’t be able to tell which responses are yours. This means that any information provided before you withdraw will be retained.
5. Are there any risks or costs?
Aside from giving up your time, we do not expect that there will be any risks or costs
associated with taking part in this study.
6. Are there any benefits?
You will not receive any direct benefits from being in the study.
However, the information gained may help inform future education and training initiatives as well as policy discussions.
7. What will happen to information that is collected?
Your information will be securely stored, and results may be published. You will not be
identifiable in these publications.
Sharing research data is important for advancing knowledge and innovation. The nonidentifiable
data collected in this study may be made available for use in future research.
8. Will I be told the results of the study?
Because the survey is anonymous, we won’t be able to contact you after you complete it.
This means you won’t receive a copy of the results. However, if you would like to see a
plain-language summary of the study’s major findings once the project is complete, you can request one by contacting the research team using the details provided below.
You will also be able to view your contributions by downloading a PDF of your own
responses at the end of the survey.
9. What if I would like more information?For any questions or further discussions, please contact:
o Dr Danielle McCartney at [email protected]
o Dr Zeeta Bawa at [email protected]
10. What if I have a complaint or any concerns?
The ethical aspects of this study have been approved by the Human Research Ethics
Committee (HREC) of The University of Sydney [ethics identifier: 2025/HE001388] according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
If you have any concerns about the study procedures or would like to make a complaint to
someone not involved in the study, please contact the University’s Human Ethics Manager
([email protected] or +61 2 8627 8176).
