Medicinal cannabis (marijuana) Tarutaru rongoā
Medicinal cannabis is used to relieve symptoms of a medical condition. It is available in many forms including tablets, mouth spray, drops, gel or dried flower that can be made into a tea or inhaled using a special device (vaporiser).
Prescribing medicinal cannabis
To get medicinal cannabis you will need a prescription from a doctor.
These products are not subsidised so there is a high cost. Most pharmacies do not stock them and have to order them, so there may be a delay in getting it.
Uses for medicinal cannabis
Currently there is not much scientific evidence for medicinal cannabis products being safe and effective medicine. Medicinal cannabis is not considered as a first option for any medical condition.
Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed if:
- other treatments are not working
- you cannot tolerate other treatment options for your condition.
Some people may find medicinal cannabis products useful for symptoms such as:
- stiff and contracted muscles (spasticity) due to multiple sclerosis
- persistent (chronic) pain, including nerve-related pain, inflammatory pain, cancer-related pain and pain from other causes in a palliative care setting
- feeling sick (nausea) and throwing up (vomiting) during chemotherapy
- seizures due to epilepsy
- anxiety.
Your healthcare provider will be able to discuss the options with you. They may also need to talk to your specialist doctor about it.
Types of medicinal cannabis product
Your healthcare provider will help you work out which form of medicinal cannabis to try. Products are available in many forms, including:
- tablets
- mouth spray
- drops
- a gel to put on your skin
- dried flower.
The dried flower products can be made into a tea or inhaled using a special device called a medical vaporiser. If you are prescribed medicinal cannabis for inhaling you will need to use a vaporiser. Vaporisers can be expensive but they create less toxins and reduce the amount of cannabis you may need to treat your symptoms.
Side effects of medicinal cannabis
Cannabis-based products can cause side effects, including:
- feeling sick
- stomach pain and upset
- dizziness
- confusion
- tiredness
- dry mouth.
Using cannabis (marijuana)
Medicinal cannabis is different from recreational cannabis bought on the 'black market', which is used to give a 'high'. Many medicinal cannabis products do not contain the ingredient that gives the 'high'.
Cannabis intended for smoking or as a food does not qualify as medicinal cannabis.
Healthcare providers recommend that you do not self-medicate using recreational cannabis, for several reasons.
- You do not know how much of the active ingredients you are getting.
- You do not know what other chemicals may be mixed with the cannabis.
- It has a higher risk of unpleasant side effects.
- Smoking cannabis creates toxic byproducts that can harm your health in the future.
- It is illegal.