CBD and Cannabis FAQs

CBD, short for the term ‘cannabidiol’, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant that has therapeutic potential when it interacts with the body. CBD oil doesn’t cause you to feel impaired or high but rather works alongside a natural hormonal system inside your body called the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in many of the body’s biological responses, including balancing our body’s immune system, communication between cells, appetite, metabolism, memory, sleep and more.

You can read more about CBD oil here.

Absolutely. Medical cannabis has been a legal prescription medication since 2018. We are one of the leading specialist clinics helping to improve access and prescribe this much needed medication. 

You should only use cannabis under the guidance of your doctor or medical practitioner, especially if you’re suffering from severe health conditions. Start your journey by booking an initial consultation with one of our medicinal cannabis doctors at the Cannabis Clinic.

You can read more about the legality of CBD oil and medicinal cannabis in New Zealand here.

Medical cannabis can be used to treat a variety of conditions where other medications and treatments have failed, or if you are experiencing side-effects of treatment. Patients suffering from chronic pain, neuropathy and psychiatric conditions have found benefits. It may also be a good option if you prefer to use plant-based medicines over pharmaceutical medications.  

Medicinal cannabis does not suit everyone, and people react differently. We encourage you to make a booking with one of our experienced doctors to determine if medicinal cannabis is a good treatment option for you.

CBD oil and medical marijuana are currently being used under prescription by patients throughout New Zealand to support a wide range of conditions including pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, sleep, gastrointestinal problems and insomnia. 

CBD oil supplements the body’s own cannabis hormonal system, called the endocannabinoid system. CBD oil may help promote a sense of calmness, relieve anxiety and reduce pain through its anti-inflammatory effects. THC oil may be helpful for sleeping / insomnia and for more severe pain symptoms.

The scientific evidence for medicinal cannabis is limited for some conditions and it is prescribed on a case-by-case basis. If you are not sure if you would benefit from medicinal cannabis, get booked in with one of our doctors today so they can assess your condition and suitability for treatment.

Unfortunately, the cost of medicinal cannabis products is not currently subsidised by Pharmac. This means patients will need to fund the cost of treatment themselves. The amount paid will vary depending on the type of product prescribed and the dose recommended by the doctor.

You can learn more about medicinal cannabis pricing here. Our doctors will create a tailored treatment plan to work best for your health symptom(s) in the most cost-effective way. 

There are a range of medicinal cannabis products available under prescription in New Zealand including CBD oils, capsules, and flower. Choosing the right product to suit your requirements is important. Our medical professionals can help you determine which product type is most suitable for your personal health needs.

Yes we can. If your doctor has prescribed you a medicinal cannabis product, we can help. You will be eligible for a discounted initial consultation with one of our experienced doctors to answer any questions and to help start you on your medicinal cannabis journey. After this appointment, you can contact our clinical team at any time with questions or updates about how you are getting on. 

Absolutely. We consult with patients throughout New Zealand. As long as you have a phone OR can attend a Zoom appointment, we can consult with you about medicinal cannabis and CBD oil in NZ online. Book your consultation today and get started on your journey to a better life.

As long as you do not feel impaired, you can drive whilst taking medicinal cannabis in New Zealand. CBD oil will not cause you to become impaired or affect how you think. However, we recommend you do not drive for at least 8 hours after ingestion of THC products. It is the individual’s responsibility to remain safe when driving. It is important for you to regularly reassess your ability to drive. If poor coordination, or concentration affects your ability to do household and other tasks, you must not drive. Please discuss this during your consultation with your prescribing doctor. 

Yes, medicinal cannabis may show up positive on a drug test. This is dependent on the type of product you use – CBD products will not give a positive result, however, THC products will be detected. Please discuss this during your consultation with your prescribing doctor. 

Keep in mind you are entitled to use a legal prescription medication and we can support you with your employer by providing letters of support and advocacy if required. We are here to help you on your journey and support you in any way. 

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding we recommend you wait before trialing medicinal cannabis. At the moment, scientific studies on safety whilst pregnant or breastfeeding are inconclusive.

The Cannabis Clinic may be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis for overseas travellers, especially if you have found cannabis beneficial in the past and are able to provide clear identification and background information on your health.

If you do not yet have a New Zealand NHI number, you can send us your medical records (including medications, diagnoses and anything related to the reason for your appointment) plus a copy of your photo ID at least 48 hours before your appointment.

You will be required to book a 30 minute, video or face-to-face initial consultation with one of the doctors in order to receive a script.