Medicinal cannabis products are available in several forms, and the right product can vary depending on the patient, condition and treatment plan. In New Zealand, medicinal cannabis is prescribed by healthcare practitioners and supplied through pharmacies.
What Types of Medicinal Cannabis Products Are Available?
Medicinal cannabis products may contain CBD, THC, or a combination of both.
Common forms include:
- CBD products – primarily contain cannabidiol (CBD)
- THC products – contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- CBD/THC combinations – contain both cannabinoids
- Cannabis flower – dried cannabis intended for prescribed medicinal use
The exact cannabinoid content and strength varies between products.
Oils and Oral Products
Cannabis oils and other oral preparations allow measured doses of CBD, THC or both.
Patients should follow the dosage instructions provided by their prescriber and pharmacist rather than adjusting their dose independently.
Medicinal Cannabis Flower
Dried cannabis flower is another type of medicinal cannabis product available by prescription.
Different products can contain different levels of THC and CBD. Patients should use medicinal cannabis flower only according to the instructions provided by their healthcare professional.
CBD vs THC Products
The main difference is their effect.
CBD is generally non-intoxicating, although it can still cause side effects and interact with medicines.
THC can produce intoxicating effects and may affect concentration, coordination and driving ability.
Some prescribed products combine both CBD and THC.
Are Medicinal Cannabis Products Quality Controlled?
New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme includes minimum quality standards for medicinal cannabis ingredients and products.
These standards are designed to provide consistency and quality for products supplied for medicinal use.
Which Product Is Right for You?
There isn’t one medicinal cannabis product that is appropriate for everyone.
A healthcare professional may consider factors such as:
- The condition being treated
- Previous treatments
- CBD and THC content
- Possible side effects
- Other medicines being taken
- Individual response to treatment
Patients should discuss these considerations with their prescriber or pharmacist.
Official Information
For current information about medicinal cannabis products and New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, visit the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
Important: This article provides general educational information and is not medical advice. Medicinal cannabis products should be used according to the instructions of a qualified healthcare professional.
