We’re committed to making your healthcare journey as straightforward as possible.

At the Cannabis Clinic, we are committed to providing patients with clear, comprehensive, and transparent information about their medicinal cannabis journey. We understand that navigating the healthcare system can be complex, which is why our prescription process is designed to be straightforward and easy.

By offering expert guidance at every step, we ensure that our patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their treatment decisions.

Learn more

Is Medicinal Cannabis Legal in New Zealand?

Yes. Medicinal cannabis can be legally prescribed in New Zealand when it is clinically appropriate.

New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme came into effect in 2020. The scheme was created to improve access to quality medicinal cannabis products and set minimum quality standards for products supplied in New Zealand.

Most medicinal cannabis products in New Zealand are classed as unapproved medicines. This means they have not gone through Medsafe’s full approval process for a specific condition. It does not mean they are illegal, but it does mean your doctor needs to assess whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Your doctor will consider your medical history, current medications, previous treatments, and any potential risks before deciding whether a prescription is suitable.

Do You Need a Medical Cannabis Card in New Zealand?

No. New Zealand does not have an official medical cannabis card system like some overseas countries.

In New Zealand, you need a valid prescription from a registered doctor or other authorised prescriber. Your prescription is what allows you to legally access medicinal cannabis through a pharmacy.

Cannabis Clinic does offer an optional Patient Verification Card, also known as a CannaCard, for active patients. This can help show that you are under the care of Cannabis Clinic, but it is not a legal document and does not replace your prescription.

Who Can Be Considered for a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription?

Medicinal cannabis is not suitable for everyone. Whether it is appropriate depends on your personal health history, current medications, previous treatments, and what your doctor believes is clinically suitable.

During your consultation, your doctor will take the time to understand your situation and talk through the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives. The goal is to make sure any treatment plan is safe, appropriate, and properly monitored.

If you are unsure whether it is worth booking a doctor consultation, you can start with a free nurse eligibility call. This gives you a chance to ask questions, understand the process, and decide whether a full consultation is the right next step.

You can also complete our Eligibility Quiz if you would like a quick indication before booking.

Who Can Prescribe Medicinal Cannabis in New Zealand?

Medicinal cannabis can be prescribed by authorised health practitioners in New Zealand, including registered doctors.

Your own GP may be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis. However, some GPs may have limited experience with cannabis based medicines and may feel unsure about prescribing, product selection, dosing, or ongoing monitoring.

That is where a dedicated clinic like Cannabis Clinic can help. Our doctors and nurses work with medicinal cannabis every day, so they can guide you through the process with clear, practical support.

If you would prefer to speak with your GP first, we also have resources available for healthcare professionals.

Cannabis Clinic Prescription Process: Step by Step

Here is how the process usually works.

1. Start With a Free Nurse Eligibility Call

If you are not sure whether medicinal cannabis is right for you, a free nurse eligibility call is a helpful place to start.

One of our registered nurses can talk you through the process, answer general questions, and help you understand whether a doctor consultation may be suitable. There is no pressure and no obligation to book.

Book your free nurse eligibility call here.

2. Book a Doctor Consultation

If you decide to continue, the next step is a consultation with a Cannabis Clinic doctor.

Consultations are available by secure telehealth across New Zealand. In-person appointments are also available at our Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and Nelson clinics.

During your appointment, your doctor may:

  • Review your health history
  • Discuss your current medications
  • Ask about previous treatments
  • Talk through your treatment goals
  • Explain the possible risks and considerations
  • Decide whether medicinal cannabis is clinically appropriate

Some patients may be asked to provide a health summary from their GP. This helps the doctor make safe and informed prescribing decisions. If you do not have this ready before your first appointment, the consultation can still usually go ahead, but your doctor may need to review it before finalising a prescription.

 

3. Your Doctor Decides Whether a Prescription Is Appropriate

A prescription is not guaranteed. Your doctor will only prescribe medicinal cannabis if they believe it is clinically suitable for you.

If a prescription is appropriate, your doctor will explain the treatment plan, dosage instructions, and any important safety considerations. Your prescription will include the specific medicine, strength, and instructions for use.

4. Filling Your Prescription

You can choose where to fill your prescription.

Cannabis Clinic works closely with Lake Road Pharmacy, which can dispense and ship medication directly to patients. You may also choose another community pharmacy that is able to dispense medicinal cannabis products.

Your prescription will be sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy.

5. Follow Up and Ongoing Care

Medicinal cannabis treatment is not a set and forget prescription. Follow up appointments are important because they allow your doctor to review how treatment is going, answer questions, and adjust your plan if needed.

Follow ups are generally scheduled around every three months. Once treatment is stable and your doctor has no concerns, follow up intervals may be extended if agreed and documented by your doctor.

CBD products may be extended up to 12 months, and THC products may be extended up to 6 months, if agreed and documented by your doctor. New patients usually need at least two appointments before prescription intervals can be extended.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Prescription?

The timeframe can vary from person to person.

If your doctor decides medicinal cannabis is appropriate, your prescription may be issued after your consultation. In some cases, your doctor may need more information first, such as your health summary, medication history, or supporting notes from another health professional.

Once your prescription is sent to your chosen pharmacy, dispensing and delivery timeframes will depend on the pharmacy and courier process.

If you have a time sensitive concern, please let the team know when booking so we can guide you as clearly as possible.

How Much Does a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription Cost?

The cost of medicinal cannabis treatment varies depending on your consultation type, the medicine prescribed, your dosage, and the pharmacy you use.

For the most up to date consultation fees and finance options, please see our Pricing page.

If cost is a concern, we recommend booking a free nurse eligibility call before committing to a doctor consultation. Our nurses can talk you through the process and help you understand what costs may be involved.

Some patients may also be eligible for support through the Cannabis Clinic Supported Access Programme. This programme is available to eligible Cannabis Clinic patients who hold a valid Community Services Card and are prescribed eligible products by their doctor.

You can also learn more about ACC and private health insurance support on our ACC & Insurance page.

Already Have a Prescription From Your GP?

If your GP has already prescribed medicinal cannabis, Cannabis Clinic may still be able to help.

Patients with an existing valid prescription may be eligible for a discounted consultation with one of our medicinal cannabis doctors. This appointment gives you the opportunity to ask questions, review your treatment plan, and join Cannabis Clinic as a patient if appropriate.

You can get in touch with our team or complete the transfer form to find out what information we need.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. New Zealand does not have an official medical cannabis card system. You need a valid prescription from a registered doctor or other authorised prescriber.

Cannabis Clinic offers an optional CannaCard for active patients, but this is not a legal document and does not replace your prescription.

Yes. Your GP may be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis if they believe it is clinically appropriate.

Some GPs may have limited experience with medicinal cannabis prescribing. If your GP is unsure, you can either book with a dedicated clinic like Cannabis Clinic or share our healthcare professional resources with them.

This depends on your treatment plan and your doctor’s instructions.

Follow up appointments are generally scheduled around every three months. Once treatment is stable, your doctor may extend the follow up interval if they believe it is appropriate and document this in your care plan.

In most cases, yes. CBD products supplied through Cannabis Clinic require a prescription.

Medsafe has reclassified approved low dose CBD products as pharmacist only medicines, but there are currently no approved low dose CBD products available through that pathway in New Zealand.

Yes. Cannabis Clinic offers telehealth consultations across New Zealand, so you can speak with a doctor from home.

In person consultations are also available at our Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and Nelson clinics.

CBD and THC are different compounds found in the cannabis plant.

CBD has little to no psychoactive effect. THC can cause impairment and may be detected in some drug tests, including roadside saliva testing.

Your doctor will explain which option, if any, is clinically appropriate for you.

If you are prescribed a medicine that contains THC, it may show up on a drug test.

This can include workplace testing and roadside saliva testing. A valid prescription does not automatically prevent a positive test or change the roadside testing process.

If you are prescribed THC, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, avoid driving if impaired, and read Cannabis Clinic’s Driving Resource Hub for detailed guidance.

You must not drive if you feel impaired.

If your medicine contains THC, it may still be detectable for a period of time after use. Roadside saliva testing for THC began in Wellington in December 2025 and is expected to roll out nationwide in 2026.

If you use THC products, speak with your doctor about driving, timing, and how to reduce risk. You can also visit our Driving Resource Hub for more information.

Some patients may be able to seek support through ACC or private health insurance, but coverage is not guaranteed.

Cannabis Clinic can help with supporting paperwork where appropriate. You can learn more on our ACC & Insurance page.

Yes. You can choose where your prescription is sent.

Lake Road Pharmacy is Cannabis Clinic’s partner pharmacy and can dispense and ship medication directly to patients. Other community pharmacies may also be able to dispense medicinal cannabis products.

Ready to Start? Book Your Free Nurse Eligibility Call

If you are considering medicinal cannabis and want to understand your options, a free nurse eligibility call is a simple place to begin.


You can ask questions, learn how the process works, and decide whether a doctor consultation feels like the right next step.


Book your free nurse eligibility call today.

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