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Medicinal cannabis use in New Zealand is a topic that has been shrouded in controversy and skepticism for many years. However, recent developments and a growing body of evidence have shed light on the positive impact this alternative form of treatment can have on people’s lives. In this article, we will explore the journey of New Zealand in embracing medicinal cannabis, the medical revolution it has ignited, and the hope it brings for a brighter future.

Medicinal Cannabis Ignites Hope: Shedding Light on NZ’s Journey

New Zealand’s journey towards embracing medicinal cannabis has been a long and arduous one. For years, patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, and other debilitating conditions have been denied access to this alternative form of treatment due to outdated legislation and societal stigmas. However, a series of watershed moments in recent years have paved the way for change.

One of the most significant turning points in this journey was the successful campaign led by the late Helen Kelly, a prominent union leader, and cannabis advocate. Her battle with terminal lung cancer highlighted the desperate need for accessible and safe medicinal cannabis options in New Zealand. Kelly’s bravery and determination resonated with the public and spurred a national conversation on the benefits of medicinal cannabis.

The Medical Green Revolution: How Cannabis Is Healing Lives

The medical green revolution in New Zealand has brought about a paradigm shift in the way we perceive and use cannabis for medicinal purposes. The passing of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Act in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in the country’s history. This legislation, combined with subsequent updates, aimed to make medicinal cannabis more accessible to those who need it most.

The availability of cannabis-based products has given hope to countless individuals suffering from chronic pain, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions. For many patients, traditional treatments have proved ineffective or have come with severe side effects. Medicinal cannabis offers a glimmer of hope, providing relief and improving their overall quality of life.

Breaking the Shackles: A Beacon of Hope in Cannabis

As the shackles of stigma and misinformation surrounding cannabis gradually break, New Zealand is embracing a brighter future. The establishment of the Medicinal Cannabis Agency in 2020 further illustrates the government’s commitment to providing robust regulatory frameworks and ensuring the safety of patients who choose this alternative form of treatment.

The agency’s role in overseeing the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and quality control of medicinal cannabis products demonstrates a commitment to patient safety. This level of oversight aims to address concerns within the medical community and build trust in the efficacy of medicinal cannabis.

Medicinal Cannabis: NZ’s Path to a Brighter Future

Medicinal cannabis has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in New Zealand. It is not just a matter of offering a new treatment option; it represents a shift towards patient-centered care. By embracing medicinal cannabis, New Zealand has an opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of people who have exhausted all other options.

The journey towards embracing medicinal cannabis in New Zealand has been a challenging one, but it has been driven by the hope for a brighter future. As the medical green revolution gains momentum, it is essential to continue the conversation, educate ourselves about the benefits, and support policies that prioritize patient well-being.

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Medicinal cannabis offers hope, healing, and a brighter future for many in New Zealand. By shedding light on its potential and embracing this alternative form of treatment, we can pave the way for a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare system. As New Zealand’s journey towards medicinal cannabis continues, let us remember that within the darkness, there is always a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a better tomorrow.

In New Zealand, medical cannabis is legal as a prescription-only medication¹. The Medicinal Cannabis Agency, under the Ministry of Health, administers the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme and ensures that medicinal cannabis products meet the minimum quality standard². The scheme allows for the commercial cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use, as well as the manufacture and supply of cannabis-based ingredients, starting material, and medicinal cannabis products². To engage in activities related to the cultivation, manufacture, or supply of medicinal cannabis products, one must obtain a medicinal cannabis license issued by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency².

For more information on the Medicinal Cannabis Agency and the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in New Zealand, you can visit their official website ².

Please note that this information is based on available sources and regulations may change over time. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information regarding medical cannabis in New Zealand.

Learn more:

1. cannabisclinic.co.nz2. health.govt.nz3. cannabisclinic.co.nz4. bpac.org.nz5. cannigma.com+2 more

cannabis use in New Zealand is a complex and controversial topic. Here are some facts and figures that might interest you:

• Cannabis is the fourth-most widely used recreational drug in New Zealand, after caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, and the most widely used illicit drug¹.
• In 2001, a household survey revealed that 13.4% of New Zealanders aged 15–64 used cannabis. This ranked as the ninth-highest cannabis consumption level in the world¹.
• In 2018, New Zealand legalized medical cannabis as a prescription-only medication for terminally ill patients in the last 12 months of life²¹. As of the end of 2022, dried cannabis flower is available on prescription to anyone who might benefit from it who is suffering from issues around pain, sleep or anxiety³.
• The Medicinal Cannabis Agency, under the Ministry of Health, administers the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme and ensures that medicinal cannabis products meet the minimum quality standard². The scheme allows for the commercial cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use, as well as the manufacture and supply of cannabis-based ingredients, starting material, and medicinal cannabis products².
• To engage in activities related to the cultivation, manufacture, or supply of medicinal cannabis products, one must obtain a medicinal cannabis license issued by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency².
• In 2020, a referendum on the legality of cannabis for personal use was held as part of the general election. The referendum asked voters whether they support a new bill that would regulate sale, production and possession of cannabis in New Zealand¹. The ‘no’ vote won, receiving 50.7% of the vote¹.
• The Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 still makes unauthorised possession of any amount of cannabis a crime. Cannabis is listed as a Class B drug, which means that it’s regarded as presenting a high risk of harm¹³.
• Possession of any controlled drug can be punished by imprisonment of up to 6 months or a fine of up to $1,000, or both if a Class A drug is involved, and up to three months imprisonment and a $500 fine in the case of a Class B drug¹³.
• Cultivation of any prohibited plant can be punished by imprisonment of up to 7 years under the law¹³.
• The amount of cannabis that is considered for supply (and not simply personal use) is quantified as follows: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): 250 milligrams; Any cannabis preparation: 5 grams or 100 cigarettes containing the drug; Cannabis plant: 28 grams or 100 cigarettes containing the drug¹³.
• A person who deals, produces, or supplies Class B drugs can face imprisonment of up to 14 years or up to 10 years for conspiring to help someone else commit the offense¹³.

I hope this information helps you learn more about cannabis use in New Zealand. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask me. 😊

Learn more:

1. en.wikipedia.org2. cannigma.com3. sensiseeds.com