How Often Do I Need a Follow-Up?
This depends on if you are new to us or have been using our products over the long term. Generally speaking, we require follow-up appointments in the following frequency:
Flower & THC
All ongoing follow ups are generally scheduled 3-monthly, but depending on your situation, may be extended if recommended by your doctor
CBD
All ongoing follow ups are generally scheduled 3-monthly, but depending on your situation, may be extended if recommended by your doctor
Specific Situations
Your doctor may require shorter or longer follow-up periods for you depending on your individual history and health concerns. Please discuss this with your doctor if you have any questions.
Why is a Follow-Up Consultation Required?
Follow-up consultations are required to ensure your treatment plan is the most affordable option possible and to check you are getting the most benefit from your product.
In line with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines surrounding prescriptions and controlled drugs, follow-up consultations are generally scheduled every 3 months after your initial consultation. However, depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend an earlier or later review.
Please book follow-ups with your prescribing doctor whenever possible for continuity of care and to establish an ongoing therapeutic relationship.
Patient Care
Ensuring that your treatment plan is as affordable as possible and you are getting the most benefit from your product is important to us.
Moving to THC
If you are considering using a THC containing product, we will ask you for a follow-up consultation. This is because THC is a different medicine to CBD and requires our doctor to prescribe it and ensure you understand how to use it correctly.
Requesting more products
When you are requesting further products and we have not consulted with you recently, we may ask you to book in a follow-up. The New Zealand Medical Council requires our doctors to be up-to-date with your treatment progress before approving more products.
Treatment Plan
If you feel that your symptom(s) are being managed very well, your doctor may approve you for a longer period of time without consulting. This can be up to six months for CBD products and three months for THC products. If you feel our request for a follow up is not required, please let us know.
Notes
- If your product is not providing you the outcomes you were hoping for then a follow-up appointment is recommended to enable us to adjust your treatment plan.
- To make sure your treatment remains safe and effective, follow-ups are required approximately every 3 months. Once your treatment is stable and your doctor has no other concerns they may extend these to up to 6 months for THC products and 12 months for CBD. Regular follow-ups help us adjust your treatment, so you get the best results while staying safe.
- If you’re new to medicinal cannabis, you’ll need at least two appointments before we can extend your prescription interval.
- If you take higher doses or have medical complexities, your follow-ups may be more frequent.
Medicinal Cannabis Treatment Plan.
NZ-Registered Doctors and Nurses
Meet our clinicians
Our team of experienced New Zealand doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses specialise in medicinal cannabis. They are here to listen, guide, and find the right approach for you.
Dr. Stella Goultart
General Practitioner
Dr. Michael Billingsley
Clinician & Senior Psychiatry Registrar
Dr. Mike Foster
Clinician
