Medical Cannabis 101

What is Medicinal Cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis is medical grade cannabis that is used for medical purposes and taken via specifically approved routes of administration.

CBD & THC Oils

CBD and THC oils are the most commonly prescribed forms of medicinal cannabis currently in NZ.

Capsules and Soft Gels

CBD and THC also come in capsules and soft gels but these aren’t available in NZ yet.

Cannabis Flower

Vaping cannabis flower is preferred over smoking due to the lung toxicity that is associated with smoking cannabis. This should be available later in 2020 for Green Doctors to prescribe.

What is medicinal cannabis being used for?

Opioid sparing
Social anxiety
Vomiting from chemo
Epilepsy
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Trigeminal
Neuralgia
Multiple Sclerosis
Appetite Stimulation

Arthritis
Autism
Inflammatory bowel disease
Post excercise muscle recovery
Insomnia
Raynauds
Migraines
PTSD
HIV
Chronic back pain
Essential tremor

One of the most common things we hear in the clinic is "Doctor I don't want to get high!"

Starting low and going slow reduces the high associated with THC. Adding CBD into the mix, reduces the high even more.

Can I drive while on THC?

Yes, but you can’t be impaired while driving.

If you’re caught driving while impaired AND have THC in your system, you will receive the same penalty as a drink driving offence.

The police assess impairment by looking at:

1. Your pupil reaction

2. A one leg stand assessment

3. A walk and turn assessment

For more information go to:

transport.govt.nz