Step inside the heritage villa-turned-medicinal cannabis clinic nestled among high-fashion boutiques and gourmet dining in Ponsonby, Auckland, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were walking into a tranquil urban retreat. From the invitingly calm atmosphere to the minimalist decor and furniture, CannaPlus+ is unlike any other doctor’s office you’ve stepped into.
We visited CannaPlus+ to speak to founder Eva Neshat about her views on making medicinal cannabis accessible for all. She emphasises that a holistic view of the medicinal cannabis industry is needed to provide patients with legal and affordable access to quality treatment.
One of the first clinics in New Zealand to offer medicinal cannabis treatment options, Neshat tells us that patients visiting CannaPlus+ seek to alleviate the symptoms of common ailments to improve their wellbeing, whether they suffer from gastrointestinal issues, arthritis, or anxiety.
“Opinions about cannabis are often shaped by one’s family, cultural, religious, and political leanings and rarely rely on data or scientific analysis. The chemistry of cannabis is anything but straightforward, and its complexity has only served to fuel more misinformation”, explains Neshat.
Read on for our q&a with Eva, where she delves into the intricacies of medicinal cannabis, public opinion, & more.
Is there a stigma around using medicinal cannabis in New Zealand?
Yes, unfortunately so. This comes from a lack of understanding of the benefits and uses of medicinal cannabis as a whole. Much of the literature that condemns cannabis as a public menace ignores research about its benefits or focuses on the detrimental effects of excessive recreational use.
We aim to legitimise the perception of medicinal cannabis in New Zealand. The CannaPlus+ clinic has a warm and welcoming feel; we know this is a new area of medical access for many, so we want to ensure the clinic is as approachable as possible while maintaining professionalism.
How do you think mindsets around medicinal cannabis will shift?
Although cannabis research is becoming more robust, historically, it hasn’t been well-studied in the medical field. Educating patients and GPs is critical to our work to continue the growing acceptance of medicinal cannabis in New Zealand. One of our aims is to study and analyse data to facilitate clinical trials and retrospective observational studies.
How has the surrounding community responded to the clinic?
Since the clinic opened, we have received overwhelmingly positive responses from the wider community. A strong board of medical experts backs us, and our opening has had a great interest due to our affiliation with the international clinic network CannaWay.
Most patients who walk into our clinic have an open mind or are curious. They seek adjunctive therapies to alleviate their symptoms, and they have a sense of relief when they enter our welcoming and beautiful clinic.
How is medicinal cannabis consumed?
Currently, the most prescribed mode is through oral oils and sprays. While other forms like teas and inhalation via vaporisers are making their way into the market, robust research and education are required before they can be prescribed.
What are the active ingredients in medicinal cannabis?
The medicinal cannabis plant contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the two main active cannabinoids within the plant, exhibiting their effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. These processes include neural development, immune function, inflammation, sleep cycles, and bone development.
THC can cause psychoactive and euphoric effects. Its various clinical applications include relieving neuropathic pain, muscle spasms and controlling nausea. Because of THC’s effects, some individuals prefer the non-psychoactive CBD, commonly used to help with inflammation, nausea, migraines, depression and anxiety. Either way, the key is to ensure that you’re prescribed an amount of THC or CBD that is right for you.
Medicinal cannabis is a new concept for many New Zealanders. What should they know if they are nervous or unsure of making an appointment?
Medical cannabis is legal when prescribed by a doctor with sufficient medicinal cannabis knowledge. Speaking with a trained physician before incorporating medicinal cannabis into a treatment plan is important, particularly if you’re taking other medications.
My advice for someone unsure about making an appointment is to look for a reputable, registered clinic. Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable before a consultation.
Anxiety, stress, and depression are more prevalent in modern society. Can medicinal cannabis help?
CBD (and THC in certain instances) assist with improving symptoms surrounding certain conditions with minimal side effects. Patient experience and research-based evidence show significant, positive outcomes in individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Is there anything else we should know?
Our purpose is to improve the lives of New Zealanders, empowering them to live an optimal life by removing barriers and providing access to quality medicinal cannabis treatment.
Lastly, I believe that we are at the dawn of a new era of medicine. I view medicinal cannabis as the gateway to the future acceptance of plant-based medicines (which we are seeing in overseas trends).
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