Getting A Medical Cannabis Prescription
Accessing Medical Cannabis in New Zealand
Medical cannabis is legally available in New Zealand, offering patients an alternative pathway for managing specific health conditions. Below, we’ll outline the necessary steps to acquire a prescription, and provide some options to help you get started on your medical cannabis journey.
Book an Appointment with a Doctor
Your first step is consulting with a healthcare professional who can assess your condition and determine whether medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment option.
Pathways to Prescription
There are several ways to access medical cannabis in New Zealand. Each path has its own advantages, depending on your healthcare provider's knowledge and experience with cannabis-based treatments.
General Practitioners (GPs)
- Any GP in New Zealand is legally allowed to prescribe medical cannabis.
- However, not all GPs have the expertise or capacity to do so. If your GP is unfamiliar with medical cannabis, they may recommend consulting a specialist clinic.
- Some specialist clinics, such as *Cannabis Clinic*, also offer educational resources for GPs, enabling them to expand their knowledge and offer tailored treatment plans to more patients.
Specialist Clinics
- Clinics that focus on medical cannabis are highly experienced in prescribing and managing cannabis-based treatments.
- These specialists are familiar with patient needs and can provide in-depth guidance on:
- Prior cannabis use
- Treatment goals and tailored plans
- Daily dosing schedules
- Interactions with other medications
- Administration methods (e.g., inhalation, oral, sublingual, edible preparations)
- Sensitization protocols and tolerance breaks
- A consultation with a specialist often results in a more streamlined process, as they have extensive experience and resources.
Oncologists and Other Specialists
- If you are already seeing an oncologist or another specialist, they may be able to prescribe medical cannabis.
- Specialists with insight into your health journey might be the best option for patients with complex conditions.
- However, like GPs, not all specialists are equipped to prescribe medical cannabis.
The Prescribing Process
Initial Consultation
- Your journey begins with a consultation to assess your suitability for medical cannabis treatment.
First Follow-Up
- Occurs approximately one month after your initial prescription is dispensed.
Ongoing Follow-Ups
- Every 3 months for THC prescriptions.
- Every 6 months for CBD-only prescriptions.
When discussing your treatment with your doctor or nurse, be sure to specify your preferred pharmacy to avoid any delays in dispensing.
Dispensing Medical Cannabis
Selecting the right pharmacy is a crucial step in the process:
- Some GP clinics may have attached pharmacies, but not all are equipped to handle medical cannabis products effectively.
- Specialist pharmacies with experience in medical cannabis, such as those partnered with *Nga Hua*, are recommended for better care and pricing.
- Many clinics only provide repeat prescriptions to your nominated pharmacy after your first follow-up.
- Some clinics may charge fees for sending prescriptions to external pharmacies or for making changes to treatment plans between consultations.
Why Choose a Medical Cannabis Specialist?
Specialist clinics offer unparalleled expertise in medical cannabis treatments. These professionals:
- Have extensive experience with a wide range of cannabis products and patient journeys.
- Can answer all your questions about cannabis on the spot.
- Provide tailored advice on:
- Dosing methods (e.g., inhalation, sublingual, oral)
- Interactions with other medications
- Sensitization protocols and tolerance breaks
- Devices and preparation types
A specialist is your best resource for navigating medical cannabis treatment with confidence and clarity.
Some NZ medicinal cannabis specialists are;
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re considering medical cannabis, booking a consultation with a knowledgeable doctor or specialist clinic is your first step. For additional guidance or to learn more about experienced pharmacies and clinics, please feel free to get in-touch with our support team.