CBD (or cannabidiol) is cannabis’s second most prominent compound. Unlike THC, it’s not known to cause intoxicating or euphoric symptoms. In fact, it helps counteract these effects.
New Zealand legalized the use of medical cannabis in 2018 under strict regulations. Patients with specific qualifying conditions can access medical cannabis through a doctor’s prescription and a licensed supplier.
Qualifying Conditions:
The Ministry of Health currently lists 27 qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use in New Zealand, including:
Chronic pain
Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy
Muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Palliative care
- Consult with one of our Doctors – Discuss your condition and explore if medical cannabis could be a suitable treatment option.
- Get a prescription – All prescriptions must be prescribed by a New Zealand doctor.
- Bring your prescription to your Local Pharmacy for dispensing or have your medication shipped discreetly to your home.
In New Zealand, medicinal cannabis patients can typically expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $500 per month on their products. The average patient spends $278 per month, which is around $1 to $15 per day.
Each health fund varies in cover and you’ll need to check with your insurer to confirm if they provide any subsidy for alternative therapy.
Cannalysis clinical monitoring program requires patients to be consulted by our practitioners every three months or as directed by your practitioner. This helps to ensure patients are managing their symptoms as per their personalised treatment plan, ensuring patient safety and maintaining a high quality of patient care. Please continue to see your doctor for your three month follow up to review and continue your treatment plan.
Like any medication, side effects can occur, such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and drowsiness. Discuss potential risks with your doctor.
it is not recommended to drive while taking Medicinal Cannabis, unless complying with health professionals’ instructions. It is illegal and unsafe to drive if impaired or under the influence without a current legal prescription for the medication.
We recommend waiting to try medicinal cannabis if pregnant or breastfeeding, as scientific studies have yet to conclude its safety. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
CBD, otherwise known as Cannabidiol, is one of the most well-known phytocannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD’s claim to fame is its ability to support happy mood, balance and wellness.*
THC (or delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main active ingredient in cannabis. It’s responsible for many of the pharmacological effects of cannabis – including its psychoactive effect.
Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are the two main types of cannabis. Sativa has a higher THC content, making it more energizing and delivering the characteristic “high” one expects with cannabis. Indica has a higher CBD content and induces calm, making it ideal for relieving stress, anxiety, and pain.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is considered the master regulatory system of the body. It helps us maintain homeostasis (aka balance) in our bodies by communicating with other biological systems and helping other systems in the body stay healthy.*
Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid Cannabis: Which is Right for You?
SATIVA
While sativa and indica plants are both forms of cannabis, they have different physical characteristics and effects. Sativa thrives in hot, warm climates and is believed to have originated in southeast Asia. It is also native to parts of Africa, South America, and Central America.
Sativa is known for being very stimulating and energetic. Many people find that it creates a euphoric “head high.” It is ideal for use during the day and can help increase creativity and productivity. If you struggle with lethargy or depression, sativa strains could help provide a mood boost. Some patients also use sativa for treating PTSD and other mental health conditions. Sativa can be helpful for boosting appetite and relieving nausea. In terms of cannabinoid makeup, sativa strains tend to have relatively low levels of CBD.
INDICA
Indica is a strain of cannabis that originated in the Hindu Kush mountains. It is native to Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, and India. Indica plants are characterized by short and wide leaves. They are very bushy, and each plant produces several buds. These plants thrive in dry environments and can handle harsh conditions.
Associated with sleep and relaxation Many people like to take them before bed as part of a soothing nighttime routine. Can help relieve muscle soreness or tension. Some patients also find that they help keep nausea at bay and can even improve their appetite. In terms of cannabinoid makeup, many indica strains have relatively high levels of CBD compared to other strains.
HYBRID
Hybrid strains are cross-bred with both sativa and indica. Hybrid cannabis is grown in a greenhouse by professionals and does not grow in the wild on its own. Growers meticulously choose each parent strain to develop a very specific plant.
Hybrid strains are carefully cultivated to feature diverse cannabinoid profiles. Certain hybrids are designed to contain high CBD and low THC concentrations or the opposite, catering to varied preferences and needs. The effects of hybrid strains vary widely depending on their composition. Sativa-dominant strains can be stimulating, while indica-dominant strains tend to be relaxing, but the exact experience will vary. Some strains are bred to treat specific symptoms or create a particular effect.