CBD Oil NZ – Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oil NZ
We get asked many, many questions about CBD oil. So, if you’re curious too, then this is article is for you!
Let’s go through everything you need to know about CBD oil in NZ: What is it? Is it legal? How do you access it? How much does it cost? How to get a prescription for it? Is it safe? What are the side effects? And more.
CBD oil can sometimes contain trace amounts of THC but in such small quantities that I would not consider it to be in any way significant.
The exact answer does depend on what type of product you are using. For example, if you use a CBD isolate, this product will contain only CBD in a carrier oil such as MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil.
However, if you are using a full-spectrum CBD oil, this product will contain traces of a range of other beneficial cannabis compounds, including THC.
In NZ, a CBD product must not contain more than 2% THC and other cannabinoids. So, in practical terms, a medium-sized bottle of full-spectrum CBD oil may only contain 1mg of THC in total in New Zealand. Therefore, each dose from your product will have such minute doses of THC.
Does CBD get you high?
No, CBD does not get you high at all, no matter how much you take. This is also true if you use a full spectrum CBD product (one where there are traces of THC).
The only products that can get you high are THC vape juice or oral THC oil at high enough doses. See below.
Does THC oil get you high?
No, not when taken medicinally at the prescribed doses. Smoking cannabis and using an oral THC oil are two very different things. Smoking cannabis involves using very high amounts of THC. We start our prescriptions at 1/50th of that dose.
The goal with medicinal cannabis is to improve your quality of life using cannabis oil without getting you high. We prescribe and use THC for therapeutic reasons and do not make our patients high. Our patients use THC oil with as few side effects as possible. We do this by helping you adjust your dose carefully.
THC is a very therapeutic and beneficial compound. Using THC and CBD together can, in many cases, enhance the potential health benefits we see for our patients.
Is CBD Oil Legal in NZ?
Yes, it certainly is. It is a prescription-only medication which means that any doctor in NZ can prescribe it for you, including your GP. Remember, if a doctor prescribes you CBD oil, you’re limited to the specific product they have specified from the pharmacy (unless they include the wording “generic substitution allowed”).
Can I purchase CBD oil over the counter?
No you cannot, and buying it online means you are likely buying hemp oil bottled in smaller containers. CBD (and THC) is a prescription-only medication.
Is THC oil legal in NZ? Can I be prescribed THC in NZ?
Yes, THC is legal, and you can get THC oil on a prescription from any registered doctor. Currently, however, THC product options available in NZ are limited.
We have helped thousands of people in NZ improve their quality of life using both CBD and THC prescriptions. We tailor treatment plans for each person to ensure it’s the most affordable and most appropriate.
Obtaining THC without a prescription is illegal in NZ.
What Are The Benefits of CBD Oil?
CBD may have many possible benefits: it may help reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety and promote general wellbeing. It may also be healing when applied to the skin. CBD is a natural, plant-based medicine, so you don’t have to pump your body with artificially engineered pharmaceutical medications. My personal belief is that if you have a suitable natural option, opting for the more natural medicines is always the best course of action.
CBD is also very safe and well-tolerated. Many medications have a long list of side effects and are not suitable for children or older people. A great benefit of using CBD oil is that it is safe to use long term, and it does not matter how old you are – you can still use it daily.
CBD can benefit people of all ages who suffer from various health conditions.
What conditions can CBD oil possibly help support?
CBD may be used to help support a wide range of symptoms. Although cannabis medicines are unapproved medicines, we have consulted with the following list of symptoms:
You might deal with short term pain due to an injury or long term pain, whether the cause is known or not. Nerve type pain is also very commonly treated using CBD and cannabis oil.
CBD can help with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism & ADHD. Sometimes people use CBD oil for mental health, wellbeing and to feel generally more at peace and settled.
CBD oil and cannabis oil may possibly help with managing the pain or side effects of cancer treatments, such as possibly helping to reduce nausea and improve appetite.
Although these are the most common issues we see, there are many other rarer conditions and symptoms that we have tried to use CBD oil to support. As time goes on, more and more scientific research is published to back up what our patients experience daily.
Are There Any Side Effects Or Risks With Using CBD Oil?
CBD is well-tolerated, meaning the side effects are very few and usually mild. These are stomach upsets, tiredness from taking CBD oil and very rarely, allergy to CBD or the carrier oil. Sometimes CBD oil can upset the stomach and cause diarrhoea; this will usually settle within 1-2 weeks of use. Some people find CBD oil makes them tired, making for a great-night time dose! If you find yourself allergic to any ingredient, I suggest you stop using it immediately.
The other area people run into problems when using CBD oil is liver impairment. If you have any liver problems or your doctor has told you that your liver tests (LFTs) are abnormal, you must check this often while taking CBD. At higher doses, CBD oil may make those liver enzymes worse. So it pays to be cautious.
We use low doses and follow up often for patients with significant liver issues.
Is CBD oil safe for children?
Yes, it is an FDA-approved drug to treat specific forms of epilepsy.
Our patients include children from a young age for various conditions, not just epilepsy. For example, we have children with ADHD using CBD oil daily.
Are there any medications that interact with CBD oil?
Using CBD safely is very important. There are some medications that CBD oil may interact with.
This includes:
Clobazam
Sodium valproate
Carbamazepine
Warfarin
Phenytoin
Warfarin
If you take any of the medications above, consulting with a doctor beforehand is recommended. There are also other medications that CBD may interact with, especially those broken down by your liver.
If you need assistance with the safe use of medicinal cannabis, consider speaking to your GP or consulting with us.
Using CBD oil for children is safe but must be under the supervision of a trained professional. Therefore, choosing the right product is very important.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil vs Cannabis Oil – What’s the Difference?
Hemp oil is not medicinal and is extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds. However, it is suitable as a dietary supplement for healthy fats or a salad dressing.
CBD oil is extracted from the flower of the cannabis plant and has medicinal properties.
Cannabis oil is a generic term for any oil extracted from cannabis. Therefore, it can refer to either of the two products above but more commonly refer to CBD oil.
Understanding the difference between the terms is essential when purchasing CBD oil in NZ to ensure you buy the right product for you.
What is full-spectrum CBD oil?
CBD oil that is “full-spectrum” means that it contains CBD and other medicinal cannabinoid chemicals, such as CBN, CBG, CBD, alongside traces of THC. These are all present in small amounts.
The consensus is that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is better than an isolate or pure CBD oil. This is because the compounds work better in combination than the individual molecules, called the entourage effect.
We always recommend full-spectrum products when possible.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains many beneficial compounds such as CBN, CBG, CBD, alongside traces of THC. An isolate is purified CBD oil.
What is full-spectrum hemp oil?
Full-spectrum hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds and is an excellent addition to a healthy diet as it is rich in healthy fats for the body. However, this is not the same as CBD oil or medicinal cannabis, even though it may appear to be.
When used with hemp oil, the words “full-spectrum” are more of a marketing term, and it is no different from ordinary hemp seed oil. Selling full-spectrum hemp oil is sneakily trying to allude to full-spectrum CBD oil and encourage you to buy it.
But remember – full-spectrum hemp oil is not medicinal and contains no or very little CBD!
What is cannabis oil?
Cannabis oil refers to any oil extracted from the cannabis plant. It refers to CBD oil, THC oil, Or an oil containing both called “balanced products”.
CBD Oil Dosage – How Much Should I Take?
People usually start taking CBD oil at 25mg per day and some increase it to 100mg per day over 2-3 weeks, while others find that a low dose of 25mg is enough.
The good news is that because CBD oil is so well-tolerated, larger doses do not cause any issues. Doctors can prescribe a maximum of 100mg for patients in NZ.
A higher dose is helpful for some conditions, but costs can get in the way. The right dose for you must be balanced with the product’s price. We do not want to overprescribe, making treatment much more expensive for you long term.
What is the Cost of CBD Oil in NZ?
CBD oil varies in price depending on concentration and brand. Most CBD products cost between $3-5 per day on average to use. An average bottle of CBD is $200.
The best way to save on cost when using CBD oil is to work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that works and then use the most cost-effective prescription to maintain it long term.
Our doctors know the available products and help you achieve the most cost-effective treatment plan. To help with the upfront cost of CBD oil, THC and our consultations, we also offer interest-free payments using Humm.
Some products are imported from overseas (sold by NZ based companies), while others are made in New Zealand such as Helius Therapeutics and Rua Bioscience.
CBD products come in different forms worldwide, such as oil tinctures, gummies, and creams.
Choosing the right CBD oil prescription depends on what your requirements are.
For a child, you may want your doctor to prescribe CBD isolate product over a full-spectrum one. You may purchase a more concentrated bottle over a smaller one to save costs.
CBD oil will not be detected on a drug test as it does not contain THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
Using THC will show up positive on a drug test. This is not a reason to not use THC as it is a safe and effective natural medicine. We support our patients with letters stating the medicinal use of THC if this is required.
Yes, we absolutely can and free of charge, just ask! We are here to help you use CBD in NZ safely and legally.
We always encourage you to openly communicate and share your use of medicinal cannabis with your employer. However, this is optional, and you are entitled to keep it private.
Can I travel with CBD Oil or THC?
Yes, you can travel while using CBD oil and THC. We can provide a letter of support to help you.
However, please be cautious with overseas travelling as different destinations and transit countries have different laws about carrying medicinal cannabis with you, especially THC.
Can I use CBD oil when driving?
Yes, you can drive while using CBD Oil and THC as long as you feel well and not impaired.
We generally advise that THC is used at night time and by morning, you are able to drive or operate machinery normally.
In NZ, you can drive and be using THC as long as you are not impaired. This is determined by your pupil reaction, your ability to perform a one leg stand and a walk and turn assessment. Driving while impaired is an offence.
Should there be any legal concerns, we can supply letters of support for you.
You can drive using medicinal cannabis oil or CBD oil as long as you do not feel impaired.
CBD oil is commonly used for animals overseas, and results have been promising. Currently, medicinal cannabis products are not available for pets as they must be registered as veterinary medicines, and no product has been approved yet.
If your loved pet is struggling, CBD oil may be a great option to try. Unfortunately, until products are available, your pet will need to wait.
Conclusion
I hope you have found this guide to be helpful. I have tried to answer the most common questions about CBD oil.
CBD oil is a great natural alternative when conventional medicine is not helping, or the side effects are not tolerable, and it may help with some symptoms. With a thorough understanding of CBD oil, what it is, how much to take, the side effects and choices, you are now empowered to take control of your health.
What has been your experience of using CBD oil? We’d love to hear it!
Disclaimer – medicinal cannabis and CBD oil are unapproved medicines in NZ which means that there is no conclusive evidence for their effect, apart from Sativex. Many doctors do not routinely prescribe cannabis medicines. The above article was written for general educational purposes and does not intend to suggest that medicinal cannabis can be used to treat any health condition. Please consult with your healthcare provider.
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.
37 thoughts on “CBD Oil NZ – Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oil NZ”
Ian says:
Hi, can i use my GP prescription to purchase your cbd products? Am struggling to find many pharmacys that stock cbd, or if they do are low strength formulas.
Hi Dr Alzaher
My younger sister has had a heart attack and has dementia (early stages). She also suffers from chronic hip and gluteal muscles pain. Not taking medication for this problem however she is taking Clopidogrel, Atorvastatin, Aspirin and Pantoprazole for cholesterol.
Question : Can she take CBD oil for the muscle pain in the hip and gluteal?
Hi Bibi, thanks for your question. Yes she can take CBD oil. However, for pain, sometimes the addition of THC helps and the suitability of this depends on when the heart issues occurred. So sure, start off with CBD and see if that helps. If it does, great. If not, consult with a doctor about the addition of THC. Hope this helps.
Hi. I have just had surgery for fusion of both large toe joints. I have previously had a DVT and PE so am on rivaroxaban for two weeks. Are there any contraindications to use CBD oil with this?
Hi Jennifer, I hope you are recovering well after your surgery. Not at all, you can be on Rivaroaxaban and CBD oil at the same time with no interactions. Take care.
I have an 11 year old who suffers chronic pain, high anxiety and has asthma I’ve been told about This product. Could it help. What would my next move be?
Hi Thelma , we are open to consulting with children and their parents. I think CBD oil could potentially be a good option here. Next step would be to book you in for a consultation. Please use our book now button so we can supply you all the information you need to get started. Speak soon.
Hi Chris. You are welcome, glad to know it is helpful. For sleeping, our experience is that CBD helps promote deeper sleep. Some of our patients came for other reasons and only realized how much their sleep benefited after trying it. It doesn’t quite work as well for people who have trouble getting to sleep. This is where a small THC dose comes in quite handy. Both together promote getting to sleep and sustaining a deep sleep. Hope this helps!
Above you have mentioned that CDB oil can be helpful for people with MS. Which symptoms in particular can it help and is there reliable evidence to support this please?
Hi Jane, thank you for the question. Yes that is correct. The only approved use of medicinal cannabis is in treating spasticity for which Sativex is approved (this is an oral spray of both CBD and THC). Apart from that, we are using medicinal cannabis off label for pain, anxiety and sleep, with good results. I have pulled the relevant information from the New Zealand Formulary (drug database) for you stating this: “cannabidiol + tetrahydrocannabinol
Indications adjunct in moderate to severe spasticity in multiple sclerosis”. Hope this helps.
Two questions – ONE, my doctor says he will gladly prescribe CBD due to my slight hypertension which I think is brought on by my shaky central nervous system, brought about by toxic poisoning from a work accident (long story), but the pharmacy part will cost me $400 a month. Is this right or can it be obtained elsewhere cheaper?
TWO – I’m a bit concerned about my job – anything to do with drugs is frowned upon there.
Hi Daryl, thanks for sharing. What are you using it for? There are several products available on the market and chances are your GP has prescribed an isolate product. Yes there are other options but your one is high quality and reliable. Rest assured the CBD will not be picked up on drug testing. THC will if you use a THC product. We write employer letters and supporting letters for people who use these products to help. Take care
Hi there, I have psoriatic arthritis and for many years have managed it without medication. I’m due to see a rheumatologist but reluctant to go on conventional medication due to side effects. Have you had others in your clinic have success with cbd oil and my condition? Thanks
Hi Kellie , thanks for asking. Yes indeed we do. Some have had good results on CBD alone while others on a mixture of CBD and THC. It is definitely worth a try to help manage symptoms.
Hi, I suffer with severe depression and anxiety, and serious back pain from a sport injury. How does CBD benefit these? What is the other available alternatives to CBD oil? Do increase my strength or does? And to confirm? Does THC make you feel high and CBD doesn’t????
Hi Tania, thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about how you are feeling! Yes CBD oil would be a treatment worth trying out. It does not make you high and is not addictive. It may also help with the back pain. We also however use THC quite a bit as both CBD and THC have important roles to play and we do not get anyone high in the clinic here. Taking controlled low doses of these medications is usually well tolerated and nothing like smoking it to get high. Most of our patients tolerate it quite well. Hope this helps.
I am 83 years old have had chronic pain and ibs since 15 years old don’t like drugs as have adverse reactions don’t work. Take 23 mags candestearar for bp otherwise healthy. Can I take half a gummy no the as needed? Many thanks
Hi Marion, thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about the pain and IBS. I think we should give it a go with one of our treatment plans. Gummies are good but sometimes CBD alone is not sufficient and we need to add on THC to make it more effective. We would be happy to give it a trial and adjust as we go on to find what works for you Marion. Hope this helps!
Hi. I have CRPS and insomnia. I’m on other medications as well but nothing mentioned above. Would CBD oil be good for me? What is the cheaper option? I’m currently not working due to a accident and won’t be back to work for probably 8ish months. Thank Alice
Hi Alice, thanks for the message. I would definitely be keen to try and prescribe it for you. We can start off with CBD oil but most CRPS and insomnia issues seems to settle more with a small amount of THC on top. This is done in very low doses and does not make you high. To get a full breakdown of costs, please submit a no obligation enquiry on our website booking and it will show you everything. Hope this helps! https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/medicinal-cannabis-doctors-consultation-booking/
PLEASE email me re my 26 year old Disabled daughter who suffers from Epileptic fits. I want to know if your medication would improve her life taking Medicinal Cannabis? She has Cerebral Palsy and is in a Wheelchair.
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY IF YOU ARE NOT GENUINE.
MANY THANKS.
CHERYL
Hi Nicola, thanks for the question. Yes absolutely. Although online it does state CBD oil and ecitalopram can interact, it is not a significant or clinically important one. However, just be aware that hemp oil is not CBD oil. Hemp oil can be purchased online or through a health food shop but does not contain CBD in it. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi, I saw a comment above that cbd oil can help with spasticity? My daughter (7) has cerebral palsy and has very stiff muscles, could this benefit for her? And could a seven year old take CBD + THC oil?
Hi Kaz, thanks for the question. This is an interesting one. Indeed there is evidence that medicinal cannabis can help with spasticity. CBD oil will be a good start. However, it is likely that your daughter will need a combination of CBD and THC. Starting the latter in this age must be done with very low doses and caution of a risk vs benefit. It will be best to discuss this on a case by case basis. If your daughters quality of life is affected by the spasticity significantly and there has been no success with conventional treatment, you may find this a very rewarding avenue to pursue. Hope this helps.
Hi there, my husand Shaun has Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer which has spread to the liver). My concern is is CBD oil still OK for him with a compromised liver? Thanks from Mandy (ps – we are new to all of this)
Hi Mandy, thank you very much for asking the question. The answer depends on how severely the liver is affected. It would be great to see a copy of his tests. With that information, we can let you know the best approach to take. Do you want to email that to us and address it to me? Hope this helps.
Hello. My 80 year old mother has suffered from post herpetic (HSV) neuralgia for 29 years. She has been taking regular strong painkiller’s and opioids, but is often left with debilitating pain. I’m quite concerned about the addictive aspect, and she seems to be becoming very dependent on paracetamol, codeine, gabapentin and sometimes morphine (severadol) for relief – which isn’t always effective. I’ve spoken with her GP who seems supportive about exploring possibilities of more natural CBD based alternatives to the addictive synthetic chemical medications she’s been prescribed to manage her pain. I’d be very interested and grateful for any advice. Thanks in advance
Hi Amanda, thanks for the question. It sounds like a tricky situation. I know sometimes people are prone to becoming dependant on various medications. It also sounds like mum has significant pain. This makes CBD oil a very good option to try because it is well tolerated and non addictive. Having said that, this would be a trial to see if it works as CBD oil alone work for 25 – 30% of chronic pain. Sometimes, the addition of small amounts of THC may be needed. But we would do this with caution with mum. So yes CBD oil could be a very good option to try. I am optimistic that it is also effective. Hope this helps!
Why is cbd oil so expensive?
On a disability benefit I simply can’t afford $200 a month.
Is there any subsidies available?
Can msd help with costs?
At the moment I’m on codine and diazepam, I know cbd would be way better for me , but the cost ????
So unfair that only rich people can access cbd
Hi Selena. We know CBD can be very expensive in NZ, especially since the recent regulation changes! We try to keep it as affordable as possible for our patients through the Dispensary. We have some information here about different options to explore for help funding medicinal marijuana products – https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/acc-winz-insurance/ If you need any help with your application or understanding the process, don’t be shy to get in touch with us via email or phone (0800 CBD OIL – 0800 223 645)
Hi, My wife has ME-CFS, she suffers from Pain in the joints or muscles
Whole body fatigue, inability to exercise, malaise, confusion, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, excess sleepiness and sleep disturbances, anxiety or apprehension, depression, headache, hyperalgesia, muscle weakness, massive loss of energy, anxiety, and pain.
Could CBD Oil be of any benefit with these conditions?
If so what sort of cost would be involved to maintain a suitable dose?
Thanks for your help
Tony Hyde
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Hi Tony, we’re very sorry to hear that your wife is suffering from ME-CFS. We know it can be a very difficult challenge to navigate. In our clinical experience, we have seen patients manage and improve their symptoms of ME-CFS with the help of medicinal cannabis. We’d love to see your wife for a consultation to see whether medicinal cannabis could be the right next step for her. Book your first consultation here.
As for cost, dosage depends on each individual but our medicinal cannabis treatment plans start from $3 to $6 per day for each product that is prescribed. Your doctor will work with you to navigate this and prescribe your wife something that will suit your needs and budget. We also have experience applying for financial assistance for treatment and can coach you through this also. Find out more about financial assistance here.
Hi Kirsty, thanks for your query. Unfortunately, taking CBD while breastfeeding is not known to be safe. Once the breastfeeding phase is over, we would be happy to see you and discuss whether CBD could help you. It is likely to be safe but we cannot say so with certainty as there isn’t enough evidence, so for now we’re unable to prescribe it.
“I love being able to support our patients through their health challenges – it’s a privilege to play a small part in their health journey. After deciding town planning wasn’t for me, my passion for the last 10 or so years has been running my own small businesses in the natural health space. In my spare time I enjoy good coffee, reading books, and binge-watching TV.”
Dr. Annie Borland
MPH, MBChB, Dip Paeds
“I graduated from the University of Auckland in 2015 and am specialising in public health medicine. I have worked across a wide range of medical specialties both in New Zealand and in the UK and am interested in how social and environmental factors influence health. I believe medicinal cannabis has great potential for improving people’s quality of life, and it is an exciting field to watch the science develop. Outside of medicine you’ll find me out hiking and identifying native birds, or in the kitchen attempting to bake the perfect sourdough.”
Dr. Eileen McManus
MB, BCh, BAO, BA, MSc
Robyn Hewitt
DipN, PGCertHSc, PGDipHSc, MNurs
“I have been nursing for over 30 years with the majority of my career spent in Emergency Nursing. I have recently completed my Masters of Nursing. I am married with two grown up children and live in Nelson. I love tramping, trail running and mountain biking so Nelson is the perfect place to live. I am often training for some kind of event and have competed in adventure racing over the last 6 years.”
Jobelle Lara
BMLSc, NZDipBus
“I enjoy being able to take part in an industry which has the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of people. My goal in life is to help others and I want to be the person to fill that role to whoever needs it. I wholeheartedly believe that proper education and guidance on the safe use of cannabis will help people who need this medication lead a happier and healthier life. On a personal note, I enjoy cooking during my spare moments, enjoy drinking black coffee, playing with my three adorable cats and most importantly right now, trying to get myself physically fit and healthy”
Hemera Baumer Pires
“I have always had a passion for the natural world, plant-based living and helping others. My favourite way to show how delicious whole-foods can be, is by cooking up a storm in the kitchen. I love creating nutritious, allergy friendly vegan meals as I believe overall well-being can be influenced by what we consume. I have also seen first-hand the positive impact medicinal cannabis can have on such a variety of people, so am thrilled to have the opportunity to help, alongside like-minded people aid in patients’ health journeys. After spending most of my work life catering in hospitality, I have decided to focus on what I find most meaningful, my family and helping others quality of life. In my spare time I’m out fruit hunting at markets with my family.”
Shirley Mills
IIN Health Coach, NZC Personal Trainer, DipRCM
“I’ve always loved helping people with their health which makes working at The Cannabis Clinic a great fit for me. With a background in fitness and a passion for plant based eating, I have had the opportunity to work and learn from many amazing people. I love spending time outside, being active, creating delicious meals and raw treats, and enjoying time with my four adult kids.”
Maxine Anderson
BNurs
“I graduated from University of Auckland at the end of 2016 with a Bachelor in Nursing. I have loved nursing in the community for the past 4 years. I believe there is significant benefit in natural therapies and holistic healing for people with chronic conditions and for promoting wellbeing in general. As someone with chronic illness myself, I understand the challenges this can present in all aspects of life. I am a strong advocate for people to have access and compassionate support in using Medicinal Cannabis to alleviate their suffering. In my spare time I like to knit, connect with nature and spend time with my family and friends.”
Ben Whitson
BSc (Nursing)
“Kia ora! I graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health sciences (nursing) in 2017 & have since been working as a Registered Nurse in a major DHB. I am someone with a range of complex autoimmune conditions. I understand first-hand how difficult it can be to live with chronic health conditions, and the implications they can have on quality of life. I believe that Medicinal Cannabis can play a significant role in helping people reclaim their health and overall sense of wellness. In my spare time, I enjoy cannabinoid research, learning Rongoā Māori, meditation, gardening (especially growing my own produce) and road trips around Aotearoa.”
Dr. James Cameron
MBChB, RNZCGP, BSc
“I grew up in England and Brazil before moving to New Zealand where I completed studies in psychology and graduated medical school from the University of Auckland. In the following years, I worked across Auckland’s three main hospitals in a range of specialities as a junior doctor and currently work as a GP in central Auckland. The healing properties of medicinal marijuana fascinate me and I believe many patients across New Zealand stand to benefit from it.”
Dr. Grace Lavelli
MBBS, BA
“After graduating from medical school in London, I worked as a doctor in the UK for a few years before making the move to New Zealand in 2019. After spending some time travelling around I eventually decided to settle in Hawke’s Bay. My main interest as a doctor lies in mental health, and after working for a few years as a psychiatry registrar, I found myself becoming increasingly drawn to a more holistic treatment approach and considering more how lifestyle factors play an important role on both our physical and mental wellbeing. Outside of life as a doctor I love reading, baking and spending time with my goats, chickens and cat!”
Dr. Clare Halford
MBChB, Dip Paeds
“Since graduating from Liverpool, UK as a doctor in 1997, I have worked in Emergency Medicine for the past 17 years. Alongside my hospital practice, I’ve developed a strong interest in nutritional and plant medicine and have also qualified as a Qigong teacher and healer. In addition, as a digital artist and writer, I absolutely love translating complex medical information into fun, illustrated, bite-sized pieces.
I consider Medicinal Cannabis to be a sacred and wonderful plant that can help people to achieve balance and relief on many levels. It gives me great satisfaction and happiness to facilitate its safe and effective use in those who need it.”
Dr. Monica MacRae
MBChB (Auckland)
“I am a Psychiatry Registrar that graduated from Auckland Medical School in 2013. I currently spend half my time working around the North Island and living on Great Barrier Island with my whanau. I have a passionate interest in the art of healing that stems from both my professional life as a doctor, but also a personal journey with a complex autoimmune condition. My own healing journey has lead me away from conventional medicine towards more holistic, natural, psychological and spiritual methods of healing. I am dedicated to doing what I can to help support others move towards a thriving, healthy life”
Dr. Mike Foster
MBBS (London)
“I trained in St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School London 55 years ago, and after five years working as a GP in a fishing village in Newfoundland, Canada, I emigrated to New Zealand in 1974 and worked as a GP in Christchurch. In 2008 I moved to Auckland for family reasons and I worked at the Holistic Medical Centre where I learned and practiced an Integrative / Holistic style of medicine. I had always been looking for alternative ways to practice Medicine and felt more comfortable integrating orthodox medicine with nutrition, stress reduction, exercise, appropriate supplements etc. For the last ten years I worked at Integrated Health Options which was mainly an Intravenous Vitamin C and chelation clinic where we looked after many cancer patients as well as patients with complex medical problems which were not easily treated by orthodox practitioners. During my time working at IHO I saw many patients who had used cannabis with remarkable benefits. I love walking in the New Zealand Bush, and sport, especially soccer and cricket, but have been forced into watching and coming to love rugby since coming to New Zealand.”
Dr. Daniela Reyes
MBChB (Otago)
“Originally from Chile with roots also from Peru, my passion for natural medicine started when I began to understand more about my heritage. I am currently training in General Practice having completed my Medical degree in Auckland in 2014. I believe plants hold unbelievable healing properties that when combined with self-healing techniques such as yoga, mediation and a nutritious diet of mostly plant-based foods, we can enter into a state of full wellbeing and happiness. In my spare time I enjoy bush walks, identifying native plants, gardening, beekeeping, learning herbal medicine and practicing yoga and meditation”
Dr. Ali Coleman
BSc, MBChB (Auckland)
“I graduated from Auckland Medical School four years ago and have since become a Registrar in Psychiatry. As a doctor my main interests lie in mental health and the holistic treatment of illness and suffering. Outside of medicine I enjoy exercise, running, yoga and spending time with my 7 year old son and our wider Whānau”
Dr. Anne Craig
BhB, MBChB, Dip Paeds, FANZCA
“I graduated from Auckland Medical School in 1998 and became a fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists in 2006. I have practiced anaesthesia for over 20 years. I became interested in Medicinal Cannabis after witnessing how it has helped many people with chronic health conditions. When I’m not practicing medicine, I enjoy spending time with my two boys and practicing the ancient arts of yoga and meditation.”
Dr. Waseem Alzaher
BSc, MBChB (Otago)
“I have been practising medicine for the past 7 years and completed my training at Otago. I am a believer in using natural products, mindfulness and the power of a healthy lifestyle. Medicinal cannabis has a profound ability to change lives and I have seen this first hand. I thoroughly enjoy communicating with every patient in the clinic and supporting them in their journey. When not consulting here, I am busy with my wife and 2 young boys or enjoying a good workout”
Hi, can i use my GP prescription to purchase your cbd products? Am struggling to find many pharmacys that stock cbd, or if they do are low strength formulas.
Hi Dr Alzaher
My younger sister has had a heart attack and has dementia (early stages). She also suffers from chronic hip and gluteal muscles pain. Not taking medication for this problem however she is taking Clopidogrel, Atorvastatin, Aspirin and Pantoprazole for cholesterol.
Question : Can she take CBD oil for the muscle pain in the hip and gluteal?
Appreciate your advice.
Many thanks & regards
BH
Hi Bibi, thanks for your question. Yes she can take CBD oil. However, for pain, sometimes the addition of THC helps and the suitability of this depends on when the heart issues occurred. So sure, start off with CBD and see if that helps. If it does, great. If not, consult with a doctor about the addition of THC. Hope this helps.
Hi. I have just had surgery for fusion of both large toe joints. I have previously had a DVT and PE so am on rivaroxaban for two weeks. Are there any contraindications to use CBD oil with this?
Hi Jennifer, I hope you are recovering well after your surgery. Not at all, you can be on Rivaroaxaban and CBD oil at the same time with no interactions. Take care.
I have an 11 year old who suffers chronic pain, high anxiety and has asthma I’ve been told about This product. Could it help. What would my next move be?
Hi Thelma , we are open to consulting with children and their parents. I think CBD oil could potentially be a good option here. Next step would be to book you in for a consultation. Please use our book now button so we can supply you all the information you need to get started. Speak soon.
Hi Waseem,
Thanks for your write up here. Can you point me in the direction of more info on the benefits of CBD for sleeplessness?
Many thanks
Hi Chris. You are welcome, glad to know it is helpful. For sleeping, our experience is that CBD helps promote deeper sleep. Some of our patients came for other reasons and only realized how much their sleep benefited after trying it. It doesn’t quite work as well for people who have trouble getting to sleep. This is where a small THC dose comes in quite handy. Both together promote getting to sleep and sustaining a deep sleep. Hope this helps!
Hi Waseem,
Above you have mentioned that CDB oil can be helpful for people with MS. Which symptoms in particular can it help and is there reliable evidence to support this please?
Thank you
Hi Jane, thank you for the question. Yes that is correct. The only approved use of medicinal cannabis is in treating spasticity for which Sativex is approved (this is an oral spray of both CBD and THC). Apart from that, we are using medicinal cannabis off label for pain, anxiety and sleep, with good results. I have pulled the relevant information from the New Zealand Formulary (drug database) for you stating this: “cannabidiol + tetrahydrocannabinol
Indications adjunct in moderate to severe spasticity in multiple sclerosis”. Hope this helps.
Two questions – ONE, my doctor says he will gladly prescribe CBD due to my slight hypertension which I think is brought on by my shaky central nervous system, brought about by toxic poisoning from a work accident (long story), but the pharmacy part will cost me $400 a month. Is this right or can it be obtained elsewhere cheaper?
TWO – I’m a bit concerned about my job – anything to do with drugs is frowned upon there.
Hi Daryl, thanks for sharing. What are you using it for? There are several products available on the market and chances are your GP has prescribed an isolate product. Yes there are other options but your one is high quality and reliable. Rest assured the CBD will not be picked up on drug testing. THC will if you use a THC product. We write employer letters and supporting letters for people who use these products to help. Take care
Hi there, I have psoriatic arthritis and for many years have managed it without medication. I’m due to see a rheumatologist but reluctant to go on conventional medication due to side effects. Have you had others in your clinic have success with cbd oil and my condition? Thanks
Hi Kellie , thanks for asking. Yes indeed we do. Some have had good results on CBD alone while others on a mixture of CBD and THC. It is definitely worth a try to help manage symptoms.
Hi, I suffer with severe depression and anxiety, and serious back pain from a sport injury. How does CBD benefit these? What is the other available alternatives to CBD oil? Do increase my strength or does? And to confirm? Does THC make you feel high and CBD doesn’t????
Hi Tania, thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about how you are feeling! Yes CBD oil would be a treatment worth trying out. It does not make you high and is not addictive. It may also help with the back pain. We also however use THC quite a bit as both CBD and THC have important roles to play and we do not get anyone high in the clinic here. Taking controlled low doses of these medications is usually well tolerated and nothing like smoking it to get high. Most of our patients tolerate it quite well. Hope this helps.
I am 83 years old have had chronic pain and ibs since 15 years old don’t like drugs as have adverse reactions don’t work. Take 23 mags candestearar for bp otherwise healthy. Can I take half a gummy no the as needed? Many thanks
Hi Marion, thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about the pain and IBS. I think we should give it a go with one of our treatment plans. Gummies are good but sometimes CBD alone is not sufficient and we need to add on THC to make it more effective. We would be happy to give it a trial and adjust as we go on to find what works for you Marion. Hope this helps!
Hi. I have CRPS and insomnia. I’m on other medications as well but nothing mentioned above. Would CBD oil be good for me? What is the cheaper option? I’m currently not working due to a accident and won’t be back to work for probably 8ish months. Thank Alice
Hi Alice, thanks for the message. I would definitely be keen to try and prescribe it for you. We can start off with CBD oil but most CRPS and insomnia issues seems to settle more with a small amount of THC on top. This is done in very low doses and does not make you high. To get a full breakdown of costs, please submit a no obligation enquiry on our website booking and it will show you everything. Hope this helps! https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/medicinal-cannabis-doctors-consultation-booking/
PLEASE email me re my 26 year old Disabled daughter who suffers from Epileptic fits. I want to know if your medication would improve her life taking Medicinal Cannabis? She has Cerebral Palsy and is in a Wheelchair.
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY IF YOU ARE NOT GENUINE.
MANY THANKS.
CHERYL
Hi Cheryl, we will be in touch with you to see how we can help your daughter today. We are all registered doctors so genuine. Talk soon.
Hi
Can you use Hemp Oil while taking Escitalopram
Hi Nicola, thanks for the question. Yes absolutely. Although online it does state CBD oil and ecitalopram can interact, it is not a significant or clinically important one. However, just be aware that hemp oil is not CBD oil. Hemp oil can be purchased online or through a health food shop but does not contain CBD in it. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi, I saw a comment above that cbd oil can help with spasticity? My daughter (7) has cerebral palsy and has very stiff muscles, could this benefit for her? And could a seven year old take CBD + THC oil?
Hi Kaz, thanks for the question. This is an interesting one. Indeed there is evidence that medicinal cannabis can help with spasticity. CBD oil will be a good start. However, it is likely that your daughter will need a combination of CBD and THC. Starting the latter in this age must be done with very low doses and caution of a risk vs benefit. It will be best to discuss this on a case by case basis. If your daughters quality of life is affected by the spasticity significantly and there has been no success with conventional treatment, you may find this a very rewarding avenue to pursue. Hope this helps.
Hi there, my husand Shaun has Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer which has spread to the liver). My concern is is CBD oil still OK for him with a compromised liver? Thanks from Mandy (ps – we are new to all of this)
Hi Mandy, thank you very much for asking the question. The answer depends on how severely the liver is affected. It would be great to see a copy of his tests. With that information, we can let you know the best approach to take. Do you want to email that to us and address it to me? Hope this helps.
Hello. My 80 year old mother has suffered from post herpetic (HSV) neuralgia for 29 years. She has been taking regular strong painkiller’s and opioids, but is often left with debilitating pain. I’m quite concerned about the addictive aspect, and she seems to be becoming very dependent on paracetamol, codeine, gabapentin and sometimes morphine (severadol) for relief – which isn’t always effective. I’ve spoken with her GP who seems supportive about exploring possibilities of more natural CBD based alternatives to the addictive synthetic chemical medications she’s been prescribed to manage her pain. I’d be very interested and grateful for any advice. Thanks in advance
Hi Amanda, thanks for the question. It sounds like a tricky situation. I know sometimes people are prone to becoming dependant on various medications. It also sounds like mum has significant pain. This makes CBD oil a very good option to try because it is well tolerated and non addictive. Having said that, this would be a trial to see if it works as CBD oil alone work for 25 – 30% of chronic pain. Sometimes, the addition of small amounts of THC may be needed. But we would do this with caution with mum. So yes CBD oil could be a very good option to try. I am optimistic that it is also effective. Hope this helps!
Why is cbd oil so expensive?
On a disability benefit I simply can’t afford $200 a month.
Is there any subsidies available?
Can msd help with costs?
At the moment I’m on codine and diazepam, I know cbd would be way better for me , but the cost ????
So unfair that only rich people can access cbd
Hi Selena. We know CBD can be very expensive in NZ, especially since the recent regulation changes! We try to keep it as affordable as possible for our patients through the Dispensary. We have some information here about different options to explore for help funding medicinal marijuana products – https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/acc-winz-insurance/ If you need any help with your application or understanding the process, don’t be shy to get in touch with us via email or phone (0800 CBD OIL – 0800 223 645)
Hi, My wife has ME-CFS, she suffers from Pain in the joints or muscles
Whole body fatigue, inability to exercise, malaise, confusion, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, excess sleepiness and sleep disturbances, anxiety or apprehension, depression, headache, hyperalgesia, muscle weakness, massive loss of energy, anxiety, and pain.
Could CBD Oil be of any benefit with these conditions?
If so what sort of cost would be involved to maintain a suitable dose?
Thanks for your help
Tony Hyde
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Hi Tony, we’re very sorry to hear that your wife is suffering from ME-CFS. We know it can be a very difficult challenge to navigate. In our clinical experience, we have seen patients manage and improve their symptoms of ME-CFS with the help of medicinal cannabis. We’d love to see your wife for a consultation to see whether medicinal cannabis could be the right next step for her. Book your first consultation here.
As for cost, dosage depends on each individual but our medicinal cannabis treatment plans start from $3 to $6 per day for each product that is prescribed. Your doctor will work with you to navigate this and prescribe your wife something that will suit your needs and budget. We also have experience applying for financial assistance for treatment and can coach you through this also. Find out more about financial assistance here.
Hi there can i take CBD oil while breastfeeding? Many Thanks
Hi Kirsty, thanks for your query. Unfortunately, taking CBD while breastfeeding is not known to be safe. Once the breastfeeding phase is over, we would be happy to see you and discuss whether CBD could help you. It is likely to be safe but we cannot say so with certainty as there isn’t enough evidence, so for now we’re unable to prescribe it.