Reading time 5 mins Key Points Optimal Medicinal Cannabis Usage: CBD-dominant products with minimal THC can improve symptoms and quality of life, even without euphoric effects. Initial trials for a month are advised if conventional treatments fail. Safe Dosing and...
Cannabis Education - 3. For Pharmacists
Medicine Classification & Storage Requirements
Reading time 3.5 mins Key Points Prescription Pathways: The Medicinal Cannabis Scheme offers two pathways for prescribing medicinal cannabis: approved products listed on the Ministry of Health website and verified non-approved products meeting quality standards. Dried...
Pharmacokinetic & Pharmacodynamic Considerations
Reading time 4.5 mins Key Points Inhalation administration: no smoking/40% THC dose is lost; vaporising via medical devices- fast onset, 2-4 hours effects Oral administration: 30-90 mins onset, up to 24 hrs effects, lower bioavailability compared to inhalation~10-20%...
Administration Methods
Reading time 10-12 mins Key Points Medicinal Cannabis Formulation: Cannabis flowers are processed into oils, dried herbs, or synthesized CBD oil for inhalation or consumption. Quality standards are verified by the Ministry of Health in NZ before prescription....
Access in NZ – Medicinal Cannabis Scheme
Medicinal cannabis in New Zealand has undergone significant changes in recent years. Prior to 2017, cannabis was strictly illegal in the country, with no provision for its medical use. However, in response to growing public and patient advocacy, the New Zealand...
Side Effects, Contraindications & Drug Interactions
Reading time 3 mins Key Points 3D acronym for most common AEs: dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth; THC- mediated AE's are dose-dependent Interactions- CYP450/medicines affected by grapefruit juice; check NZ Formulary for management tips No death attributable to cannabis...
Dispensing
Reading time 5 mins Key Points Dosing is variable on scripts; all patients go through titration period (1-2 weeks); some patients trial a product for 1 month Check DDIs on NZ Formulary under "cannabidiol" or "cannabidiol+tetrahydrocannabinol" monographs; add...
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