A medicinal cannabis product is a prescription medicine which is either dried cannabis or a pharmaceutical dosage form containing one or more ingredients extracted from the Cannabis plant. It involves using the plant or its extracts to alleviate symptoms or manage...
Cannabis Education - 1. Medicinal Cannabis Overview
The Two Main Cannabinoids: CBD vs THC
Reading time 4.5 mins Key Points The cannabis plant has over 100 different cannabinoids, however the two most researched cannabinoids that are being used for its therapeutic properties are THC and CBD The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) contains many different...
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerol (CBG) The cannabis plant harbours various active compounds with one of them being cannabinoids; among them, Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) are considered 'non-psychoactive.' The primary distinction lies in their prevalence, with CBD being a...
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....
Understanding Terpenes
Reading time 2 mins Key Points Cannabis Aroma and Flavor: Terpenes shape cannabis' unique aroma and taste, found in both cannabis and other plants. Entourage Effect: Terpenes collaborate with cannabinoids for the entourage effect, influencing cannabis effects via the...
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...
Prescription Requirements For CBD & THC
The Medicinal Cannabis Scheme came into effect on 1 April, 2020 with the aim of improving access to medicinal cannabis products. There are now two main pathways for prescribing medicinal cannabis: Medicinal cannabis products that are not approved, but that are...
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) & Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD)
Reading time 4.5 mins Key Points Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Basics: The ECS is a vital cell-signaling system found in humans and animals, regulating various processes and maintaining balance in the body (homeostasis). ECS Components: The ECS consists of...
Driving Laws Aotearoa
Reading time 2 mins Key Points Driving and Medicinal Cannabis: Driving while impaired by medicinal cannabis is illegal. Patients should avoid driving when initiating use of a cannabis product until they understand its effects on them. THC and Impairment: THC, a...
Synthesised Cannabinoids vs Plant Derived
Reading time 4 mins Key Points Synthesised cannabinoids are bio-identical to the natural compounds and made in certified facilities; some products are approved by FDA They are not made from cannabis plant, hence don't undergo verification for quality standards...
Cannabis Constituents
Reading time 3 mins Key Points Most known cannabinoids are CBD, THC, CBDA, THCA Activation of cannabinoids is called decarboxylation Terpenes give the smell and flavour, might elicit an "entourage effect" with cannabinoids Cannabis and humans have a shared history of...
Prescribing a Medicinal Cannabis Product On Your PMS
Indici We frequently get asked by Doctors how to search for a medicinal cannabis product on their prescribing management system. To help with this, we have put together a step by step guide for the practices using the Indici PMS. Indici supports e-prescribing both as...
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