The rise of telehealth and virtual health services has made it easier than ever for Kiwis to book an online consultation with a qualified cannabis doctor to explore whether they might benefit from medicinal cannabis. But what can you expect in one of these medical cannabis consultations?
While cannabis use has long been stigmatised worldwide, including in New Zealand, a growing body of evidence suggests that medicinal cannabis may have several potential medical applications, including chronic pain treatment and management of various health conditions such as insomnia, fibromyalgia, and migraines.
Your medicinal cannabis consultation should be a judgment-free and empathetic conversation, focusing on your medical history, current symptoms, and health goals. Being open and honest with your cannabis doctor ensures they can make the best decisions for your care and develop a personalised treatment plan.
What to Prepare Before Your Consultation
To make the most of your medicinal cannabis consultation, it's a good idea to prepare a few items beforehand. This will streamline the process and help your doctor gather all the necessary information to assess your eligibility and suitability for medicinal cannabis treatment.
Questions Your Doctor Will Likely Ask
The Ministry of Health oversees the regulation of medicinal cannabis in New Zealand, and doctors will need to address the following key questions in line with New Zealand legislation:
- Do you have a chronic medical condition that has caused symptoms for three months or longer?
- What other treatments, if any, have you tried for your condition?
- Have these treatments provided relief of symptoms?
1. Current Condition and Past Treatments
Be prepared to discuss why you are considering medicinal cannabis. For example, it might be for managing chronic pain, anxiety, or another diagnosed health condition like gastrointestinal problems or neurological conditions. Explain your symptoms in detail and how they affect your daily life.
You should also provide information about past treatments you've tried. This includes:
- The type of treatments (e.g., antidepressants, pain relievers, sleep aids).
- How long you used these treatments and when.
- The results – did they provide partial relief, no relief, or have adverse effects?
This information helps your cannabis doctor understand your treatment history and assess whether medicinal cannabis might be a suitable option for you as a natural treatment option.
2. List of Current Medications
During your consultation, you'll need to disclose any medications you're currently taking, including both prescription and over-the-counter remedies.
This is important because medicinal cannabis products, including CBD oil and THC-based medications, may interact with some medications, which could lead to side effects or reduced efficacy. Being transparent about your medication history ensures your doctor can consider potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
3. Questions to Ask
Take some time before your appointment to write down any questions you may have about medicinal cannabis. If you're not familiar with how cannabis works or its potential benefits for your condition, this is your opportunity to learn about the endocannabinoid system and how cannabinoids interact with your body.
Some questions you might ask include:
- What medicinal cannabis products are recommended for my condition?
- What are the potential side effects of CBD oil or THC-based treatments?
- How does the dosing work, and how do I monitor its effects?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make while using medicinal cannabis?
Having a list of questions ensures you get the most value from your consultation and feel confident about the treatment plan.
4. Do a Little Research
Finally, it's helpful to do some basic research on medicinal cannabis and how it may apply to your specific condition. While your cannabis doctor will guide you through the process, having an understanding of the basics can help you feel more prepared and informed. You might want to look into legal medicinal cannabinoids available in New Zealand and their potential benefits for various health conditions.
What Happens Next?
After your consultation, your doctor will determine whether you're eligible for medicinal cannabis. If approved, they will provide guidance on the next steps, including choosing the right medical cannabis products, dosage, and treatment plan. They may also discuss potential side effects and how to monitor your progress.
Our medical cannabis consultations are done via online consultations and are designed to be collaborative and supportive, ensuring you receive the best possible care. By preparing beforehand, you can make the most of your appointment and take an important step toward improving your health and quality of life through plant-based medicine and personalised treatment options.
Need to get in touch for more information? Contact us on [email protected] or call us on 0800 005 571