Since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018, it has become an important addition to the treatment options for many New Zealanders with various medical conditions. With millions of prescriptions issued globally, this breakthrough in plant-based medicine has brought a wealth of new terms and concepts into everyday conversations about health and natural treatment options.
What exactly is medical cannabis? What are cannabinoids, and how do they differ from CBD or THC? If you're curious about medical cannabis nz and its potential marijuana benefits, this glossary is here to help clarify key terms and their meanings.
Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant that has been cultivated for centuries for medicinal, nutritional, and industrial uses. Its flowers contain hundreds of active compounds called cannabinoids, which can have therapeutic effects on the body, including reducing inflammation, anxiety, and chronic pain.
In New Zealand, medicinal marijuana products are strictly regulated and prescribed to patients with chronic conditions who do not respond well to conventional treatments. These medical cannabis products must meet a minimum quality standard to ensure patient safety.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. It is extracted and used in various forms such as oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a "high," making it a popular choice for treating conditions like anxiety, epilepsy, and pain without psychoactive side effects. CBD nz has gained popularity, with many seeking cbd oil auckland and other regions for its potential health benefits.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are compounds naturally found in cannabis plants that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body. This system helps regulate processes like mood, pain, appetite, and immune response.
There are over 100 cannabinoids, with CBD and THC being the most well-known. These compounds work either individually or together (a phenomenon known as the entourage effect) to deliver therapeutic benefits. Legal medicinal cannabinoids are now available in New Zealand through proper channels.
Cannabis Clinics
Cannabis clinics are specialised centres where patients can consult with doctors trained in prescribing medical cannabis. Many of these clinics in New Zealand offer telehealth services, making them accessible to patients across the country. Some notable examples include cannabis clinic auckland, cannabis clinic wellington, and cannabis clinic takapuna. These clinics often employ green doctors and doctors who prescribe cbd oil nz, ensuring patients receive expert care and guidance.
Cannabis care providers, such as these clinics, offer consultations to assess patient eligibility for medical cannabis treatment. During a consultation, health professionals discuss the patient's medical condition and potential benefits of cannabis-based medicines.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is a product derived from cannabis or hemp, containing minimal THC (less than 0.3%). In New Zealand, cbd oil nz is commonly prescribed for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It is typically ingested orally or applied topically.
There are three types of CBD oil:
- Full-spectrum: Contains CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids.
- Broad-spectrum: Contains multiple cannabinoids but no THC.
- Isolate: Contains only pure CBD.
Cannabis oil nz, which may include both CBD and THC, is also available with a proper cannabis prescription nz.
Hemp
Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant grown primarily for its industrial uses, such as creating textiles, paper, and food products. Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, making it non-intoxicating. CBD can also be extracted from hemp for medicinal purposes.
Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis refers to cannabis products used for therapeutic purposes, such as managing chronic pain, anxiety, and neurological disorders. Unlike recreational cannabis, medical cannabis nz is grown under strict quality standards and prescribed by healthcare professionals in New Zealand. These medical cannabis products include various forms such as cannabis oil, cannabis flower, and even products like Canna Plus.
Medical Marijuana
This is an informal term often used interchangeably with medical cannabis.
Medical Cannabis Doctor
A doctor qualified to assess and prescribe medical cannabis for eligible patients. These health professionals work closely with pharmacists to ensure proper dosage and patient care.
Special Access Scheme (SAS)
The Special Access Scheme (SAS) is a system that allows doctors to prescribe unregistered medicines, including medical cannabis, for patients with chronic conditions that have not responded to standard treatments. In New Zealand, SAS approval is required for accessing some forms of medical cannabis. This process involves collaboration between doctors, pharmacists, and regulatory bodies like Pharmac.
Trichomes
Trichomes are the tiny, crystal-like structures on the surface of cannabis flowers. They produce and store the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes, which contribute to its therapeutic properties and distinctive aroma.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants. They give cannabis its unique scent and may also enhance its therapeutic effects. Common terpenes include:
- Limonene (citrusy scent): Found in lemons and may reduce stress.
- Pinene (pine scent): Found in pine trees and may support respiratory function.
- Linalool (floral scent): Found in lavender and may promote relaxation.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the "high" associated with recreational use. Despite its intoxicating effects, THC has therapeutic properties and may help manage symptoms such as nausea, chronic pain, and muscle spasticity.
THC is available in various forms, including flowers, oils, sprays, and topicals, and must be prescribed by a doctor in New Zealand. THC oil nz is one of the controlled drugs that requires careful dosage and monitoring.
Vaporiser
A vaporiser is a device used to heat cannabis flowers or concentrates to release their active compounds as vapour, which is then inhaled. Unlike smoking, vaporising does not involve combustion, making it a healthier option for patients.
In New Zealand, only two medical vaporisers—the Volcano Medic 2 and the Mighty Medic—are legally available for medical cannabis use.
Weed
"Weed" is a slang term for cannabis, often used to refer to recreational marijuana. This term is less commonly associated with medical cannabis.
What Is Medical Cannabis and Is It Right for You?
Medical cannabis is a promising treatment option for a range of chronic conditions. If you've been living with symptoms for more than three months and traditional treatments have not been effective, you may be eligible for a prescription.
Speak with our doctors to discuss whether medical cannabis could benefit your condition. We will help you weigh the potential benefits and risks, ensuring you find the right treatment for your individual needs. During your consultation, they will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific medical condition.
Medical cannabis isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many New Zealanders, it offers a new path to relief and improved quality of life. As research continues and more health professionals become familiar with these natural treatment options, access to medical cannabis products is likely to improve, providing more patients with alternative therapies for their medical conditions.