CBD Oil, Medicinal Cannabis in NZ, Prescriptions
Your Guide to Obtaining a CBD Oil Prescription
Wondering if CBD oil could be the right choice for you?
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Getting a CBD oil prescription in New Zealand can feel like a complex process. In this article, we’ll address some of the most important questions you might have, making it easier for you to understand the steps involved and feel confident about your options.
Do I Need a CBD Oil Prescription in New Zealand?
Yes, CBD oil is classified as a prescription-only medicine in New Zealand. This means the only legal way to obtain it is through a prescription from a doctor. While CBD oil is available over the counter in some countries, this is not yet the case in New Zealand. Having it prescribed by a doctor ensures you receive high-quality products along with accurate and professional medical advice tailored to your needs.
How to Get a Prescription for CBD in NZ?
How Do I Get a CBD Prescription?
1. Consult with your own GP
One of the safest and legal ways to access CBD oil is to speak with your GP or doctor about it. Can doctors prescribe CBD oil? Yes, but their response may vary. Some doctors are open-minded and willing to listen, while others may be hesitant or unwilling to prescribe it. If your GP is supportive, that’s a great start—keep the conversation going. Once you have a prescription, you can have it filled at your local pharmacy.
The biggest hurdle for many patients is obtaining that prescription from their GP. Some doctors may be reluctant to write a script for CBD oil, while others may lack knowledge about its use. This isn’t entirely surprising, as formal training in medicinal cannabis is still limited in New Zealand. To prepare for your appointment, it’s helpful to research how to approach the conversation and make your case for CBD oil effectively.
2. Consult with the Cannabis Clinic and see an experienced cannabis doctor
Our mission is to support patients with any health condition who have not found relief through traditional treatments. At our clinic, you’re welcome to consult with one of our experienced and open-minded doctors for advice on medicinal cannabis and to determine if it may be a suitable option for you.
Our team is here to guide you in making informed decisions, including navigating the available products on the market. With our expertise, we aim to help you choose the most appropriate options while also finding ways to reduce costs and make treatment more affordable.
How Much Does a CBD Oil Prescription Cost?
The cost of obtaining a CBD oil prescription includes the price of your doctor’s appointment. At the Cannabis Clinic, consultations start at $99. However, it’s important to note that the initial consultation is just one part of the overall expense.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of the CBD oil itself. Prices for CBD oil typically range from $90 to $400, depending on the product’s strength, with most people spending around $2–$5 per day for a moderate daily dose. Additionally, each time you require a new prescription, there may be a fee for your GP or another appointment, which can add up to several hundred dollars annually.
We understand that cost is a significant consideration for many patients. That’s why we’ve created a helpful guide to show you how to choose the best products and save hundreds of dollars in the long run.
Does Hemp Oil Need a Prescription in New Zealand?
No, hemp oil—also known as hemp seed oil—does not require a prescription in New Zealand. Unlike CBD oil, hemp oil is not medicinal and is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. It’s commonly used as a dietary supplement for its healthy fats or as a salad dressing and can be purchased from your local supermarket.
How About a THC Prescription?
Can I Get a THC Prescription in New Zealand?
Yes, THC can legally be prescribed by a GP in New Zealand. It’s an important component of medicinal cannabis treatments and is available in various forms, including THC oil and dried cannabis flower. For more information on THC prescriptions and products, click here.
When considering medicinal cannabis, it’s essential to take a holistic view. While CBD oil often takes centre stage in discussions due to its non-psychoactive nature and broad applications, a well-rounded treatment plan may involve a combination of CBD and THC. THC plays a key role in managing certain symptoms, particularly where CBD alone may not be sufficient. Together, these compounds can provide complementary effects, enhancing the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis.
Your specific treatment plan, including the combination of products prescribed, will depend on your individual needs. Factors like your health condition(s), symptom severity, and treatment goals all influence the recommendation of CBD, THC, or both.
Our experienced doctors are here to assess your unique situation and develop a tailored treatment plan that considers your overall health and well-being. By taking a personalised and evidence-based approach, we aim to help you achieve the best possible outcomes with medicinal cannabis.
Conclusion
CBD oil is classified as a prescription-only medicine in New Zealand, and any registered doctor, including your GP, has the authority to prescribe it.
If you’re interested in speaking with an experienced doctor who specialises in medicinal cannabis, we’re here to help. Our team understands the complexities of medicinal cannabis treatment and can provide expert advice tailored to your unique needs. Booking a consultation with us is an excellent way to explore your options and gain clarity about whether CBD oil or other cannabis-based treatments may be right for you.
We hope this article has been helpful in explaining the process of obtaining a CBD oil prescription in New Zealand. If you have any additional questions, want to share your story, or have recommendations for others, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback and experiences not only inspire us but also help us improve the care and resources we provide.
Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Dr. Waseem Alzaher
MBChB (Otago), BSc (Auckland) - As our tele-medicine doctor and author, Dr. Waseem keeps busy educating both patients and doctors about medicinal cannabis. He also consults with people from all over New Zealand, offering a listening ear and giving the most relevant advice.
Hi I’ve recently finally got my 1st bottle of medical marijuana to try but I’m unsure if hemp or other as I was told it had THC. I’m taking 0.25ml 4xtimes a day and the brand is Tilray 25, which the chemist said is 1000mg 40ml bottle with 1ml THC – is that correct? Just about been on it for a month and found some days it works but definitely doesn’t stay in system for 8hrs as it says on Tilray site. I’m putting under my tongue etc. I feel takes up to to 60-90mins to work.
I’ve had 8 back operations with extensive rods, bolts ended up chronic pain syndrome, and while I was at work in 2018, slipped on a ramp fell landed on my bottom and have damage organs,nerve damage and chronic pain in bottom area as more move etc or try sit pressure I fly off the radar, they did excessive test found now not broken coccyx but damaged and hurt the joint in-between. Started physio but as I said pain in coccyx area over above chronic pain that it stops me sleeping, eating etc.
Now I’m ready to ask for another prescription but I want to know if there is a higher strength that actually works better than this as I find low dose isn’t enough. Obviously not cheap but willing try anything as I’m on high a class drugs with medication and I’m trying too cut those out and replace it possibly with medicated marijuana as not helping my organs high anti flams but no effects damages has organs to why I’m asking as I’m desperate.
Just having 2 opinions before I ask my Dr as all this is new to him as he has only prescribed 3 people since legalization. Hope u might be able help please with options and possibly other brands possibly cheaper and easier to get through chemist as I got this prescription in March – finally chemist was only able access month ago.
Hi i have my hemp oil with me and applied it directly on my skin. I am afraid of taking it internally because it might appear positive in urine drugtest. I am using 0.3% thc hemp oil. Please i need advise if it is safe to take it internally sincenit has very less of thc? Thanks
Hi Jenjen, thanks for the question. Hemp seed oil does not contain any CBD or THC. Make sure you are using an actual medicinal cannabis product. If the product is Hemp CBD oil with a low THC %, it is unlikely that the traces of THC will show up on a drug test. The best solution to avoid any concerns or worries is to purchase a CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD, these contain 0% THC and there is no chance of a positive result. Prices start at $99. Hope this helps!
Hi
If I already know that my Doctor, (who is an Indian woman in her 70’s) is adverse to prescribing ANY cannabis products (mainly due to lack of research on her part), am I able to get a prescription from your clinic, obviously providing I meet the criteria??
For me it’s about a number of things.. My anxiety, pain management, arthritic knees, and bodybuilding (which I have researched and concluded that CDB is basically custom made for..)
Any suggestions? I also have concerns about (unfair) drug testing in the workplace as I mainly work in construction.
Cheers.
Hi Jared, thanks for the question. I understand that your GP is reluctant. But the good news is that we can help. We have many people using it for the reasons you have mentioned, each in their unique way. There are no specific criteria you need to meet, we are all open minded professionals looking to help people like you. With CBD oil, there are no concerns about drug testing as it does not get picked up. Even if you needed more than CBD oil, we always write letters of support for employers and can advocate on your behalf. Hope this helps!
Hi Waseem Im adverse to prescrit pain releaf, I have a bone on bone painful, pending opp presently nil
priority due to Chemo therapy. I had an opp to try a dropper of full spectrum Hemp extract, to my surprise it diminished my pain for approx 7 hours. The product was purchased off shore, I wud like to have access in NZ…i will try thru my GP initially but its heartening to know u are there.
Hi Roena, thanks for the comment. Sorry to hear what you are going through. Medicinal cannabis can be great to help with pain and I am glad you found it to be helpful. Sometimes for pain we need to combine both CBD oil and THC to get the best effect. We would be happy to consult with you ourself or help you with your GP prescription. Let me know how you get on.
So if my son who lives with chronic pain caused by Tortion Dystonia goes to his own GP he can get a prescription for medicinal cannabis and script can be filled over pharmacy counter . I’m certain his own GP would come on board with this as she is very open minded and comes from either Germany or Holland . What is the cost of medicinal cannabis when script given by GP
Hi there,
My husband is needing a knee replacement but they won’t do it as he is 38. He takes antiflam’s each day and anti-nausea pills has he has a sensitive stomach. We are looking at an alternative to this. If he was prescribed CBD oil will this affect him as a builder? Also will it come up in drug tests etc?
thanks
Hi Janina, thanks for the question. It is tricky when your husband is young but already having knee issues that make him need a knee replacement! I think giving CBD oil and even CBD cream to rub on is a great idea. It does help ease pain and can also reduce inflammation. A drug test will not pick up on the use of CBD. For some people with pain, we do need to add in a tiny amount of THC but the latter does show positive. I suggest starting with CBD oil and seeing how he does on that for 4-8 weeks prior to making any changes or decisions. I hope this helps!
Hi Waseem my name is Owen and for many years i have suffered from chronic pain. Recently after a visit to my local Medical centre i asked the Dr about prescibing me CBD oil he was not forthcoming and said its too expensive. He prescribed me Gabapentin which made me feel depressed and anxious and did nothing for the pain.I would really like to try CBD oil Can you help me
Hi Owen, that sounds like a really tough situation to be dealing with daily! Unfortunately, many doctors are less educated about the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis for an extensive range of medical conditions or aren’t yet confident enough to prescribe it. Medicinal cannabis does have a higher price point as it’s not subsidised by the government, and treatment plans with us start at $3 per day. We also support our patients fully if they choose to pursue some extra financial support. You can read about it here – https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/acc-winz-insurance/
We’d be more than happy to help you with the management of your chronic pain Owen. We’ve seen medicinal cannabis help many Kiwis with chronic pain and look forward to hearing from you. You can book your first consultation here – https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/consultation-booking/
Hi, I would love to try cbd oil as I have pain every day I’ve had a spinal fusion 7 years ago plus ruptured my archilles 3 years ago and my leg and foot constantly ache and my foot always feels hot but it’s not to touch, i have osteoarthritis and have pain in my hand and have tennis elbow which is takes forever to heal, I haven’t asked my doctor yet but intend to when I go next. Do you think I’d be eligible for the cbd oil
Hi Raewyn, it definitely would be worth giving CBD oil a try to manage your medical conditions. We prescribe medicinal cannabis for people who experience mild to severe symptoms, as is legal by the NZ government. Best of luck with your doctor! If you find that they’re unwilling to prescribe CBD oil, book a consultation with us as sometimes GPs are less comfortable with prescribing medicinal cannabis. Our team of specialist doctors can get you the help you’re looking for.
Hi there, I’ve heard CBD oil can help with reducing Alcohol Use Disorder. Does the evidence you are aware of suggest this claim is accurate, and if so would this be a likely situation where medical CBD and or THC can be prescribed?
Hi Dan, thank you for your question. We’d recommend reaching out to our team on 0800 223 645 about what would be the right fit for you.