Everything you need to know about medicinal cannabis at Access Relief
Access Relief is a specialist medicinal cannabis clinic based in Auckland. We provide telehealth consultations, prescriptions, and dispensing services for patients seeking medicinal cannabis treatment.
Any registered New Zealand doctor can prescribe medicinal cannabis to any patient for any reason. This includes GPs, specialists, and authorised prescribers like those at Access Relief. No specialist referral is required.
Yes. All our doctors are registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand, hold current practising certificates, and are Authorised Prescribers under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. We have professional indemnity insurance.
Not necessarily. We keep comprehensive records, so any of our doctors can pick up where the last one left off. This ensures continuity of care regardless of which doctor you see. You can request a specific doctor, subject to availability.
Medical cannabis may be suitable if you have a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, epilepsy, or side effects from cancer treatment. You must be 18 or over (or have parental consent if under 18). Our doctors will assess your individual situation during consultation.
No GP referral is required. Bring photo ID and any relevant medical records.
Your consultation will include discussion of your medical history, review of previous treatments, assessment of whether medical cannabis is appropriate, education about products and methods, a personalised treatment plan, and prescription guidance if approved.
Initial consultations typically take 15–30 minutes. Follow-ups are usually 5–15 minutes.
Most consultations are phone-based. It's quick, convenient, and works well for what we do.
New patients: We verify your identity with photo ID before your first consultation.
Returning patients: We use caller ID (your registered phone number) and confirm details at the start of the call. If you're calling from a different number, we'll ask security questions.
We'll call you back immediately. If we can't reach you after a couple of tries, we'll text you to reschedule. If the connection is too poor, we'll reschedule at no extra charge.
Yes. If you want a support person, whānau member, or interpreter on the call, that's fine. Just let us know so we can note it.
Please give us at least 24 hours' notice if you can. We understand things come up — just let us know. Repeated no-shows may mean we ask for payment upfront for future bookings.
| Type | Price | For |
|---|---|---|
| Re-prescription (no consult) | $25 | Stable patients who know what they want |
| "Espresso" | $40 | Brief consult for stable patients |
| "Regular" | $90 | Standard consultation |
| "Large" | $150 | Complex cases, multiple conditions |
ACC: If you have an active ACC claim related to your condition, reduced fees apply.
Community Services Card (CSC): Discounts available for CSC holders.
We'll discuss what applies to your situation during your consultation.
Product prices vary depending on the type (oil, flower) and supplier. Prices have come down significantly and are now comparable to, or even cheaper than, illicit sources. We'll discuss costs during your consultation and can help find options within your budget.
Medicinal cannabis products are not subsidised by Pharmac, so you pay the full cost.
Yes. All medication must be paid for in full before collection or dispatch. This applies to all patients without exception.
It keeps your care focused on your health — when money is owed, it can change the dynamic. It's fairer for everyone (consistent policy), supports considered decision-making, and helps us stay sustainable as a small clinic.
Please talk to us. We may be able to help with a smaller quantity, a more affordable product, information about WINZ Disability Allowance, or rescheduling to a date that works better.
Bank transfer, debit card, and credit card. Payment must clear before medication is released.
Yes. Your prescription label is your legal proof. It shows your name, the product, prescriber details, and dispensing date. Keep your medication in its original labelled container. We recommend keeping a photo of the label on your phone as backup.
With a valid prescription, you have the right to possess your prescribed medication, use it as directed (including in public), vape prescribed flower indoors where the occupier permits (exempt from Smokefree Act), travel within NZ with it, and not be discriminated against solely for having a prescription.
No, you should not be arrested for possessing or using medicinal cannabis that has been legally prescribed to you. If stopped by police, show them your labelled medication or a photo of the label.
Complimentary (no separate fee): general courtesy letter confirming you are a patient, and GP/healthcare provider summaries sent to your nominated provider.
Standard consultation fee applies: travel letters, employer prescription confirmation, workplace drug test support letters, roadside drug testing medical defence letters.
Standard fee + additional time charges: MSD Disability Allowance medical certificates, fitness for duty assessments for safety-sensitive roles.
Medicinal cannabis products are prescribed under Section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981. This allows doctors to prescribe "unapproved" medicines when they believe it's in the patient's interest.
"Unapproved" doesn't mean unsafe or poor quality — it means the product hasn't gone through Medsafe's full approval process. Products on the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme have been verified to meet minimum quality standards for contaminants, potency accuracy, and manufacturing.
Evidence base: Research is growing but still limited. We can't guarantee it will work for you.
Side effects: Cannabis can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness. THC can impair driving.
Legal considerations: You have legal protections, but there are implications for driving, workplace testing, and travel.
It's your choice: You can decline treatment, stop at any time, or seek a second opinion.
Yes. Consent is ongoing. You can stop treatment at any time, decline a particular product, or ask questions at any point. You don't need to give a reason.
Prescriptions are valid for 90 days from the date written. After day 90, remaining repeats expire.
Dispensing limits per visit: THC products (controlled drugs) — max 1 month supply. CBD products — max 3 months supply.
For THC products, a typical prescription allows up to 3 collections (once per month) within 90 days.
Within your 90-day prescription validity, if you want to switch to a similar product in the same category (e.g., one indica flower to another), we can dispense this without requiring a new consultation.
Repeat prescription phone line: 09 243 0344 — call anytime to request a repeat.
Or text/email us with your name, exact product name, and quantity. We'll confirm availability, send an invoice, and arrange collection or courier once paid.
Please be specific — tell us the actual product name (e.g., "Smith Indica, 10g") rather than "the same as last time."
If you run out early (symptoms worse, medication lost/stolen), you'll need to book a consultation so we can discuss what's happening. This ensures proper clinical oversight for controlled substances.
From our clinic at 8 Quay Street, Shop 8, Parnell, Auckland.
Opening hours: Monday 3pm–6pm, Tuesday–Friday 12pm–6pm.
Yes. We courier throughout New Zealand. Urban: $10, Rural Delivery: $15.
Once payment has cleared, we'll confirm your medication is ready. For bank transfers, please allow time for the payment to appear in our account.
Yes — just not at the same time. Recommended wait times:
Most patients manage this by using THC products in the evening and driving the next day. If you feel any effects — do not drive.
NZ has roadside oral fluid testing that detects presence, not impairment.
| Usage pattern | Oral fluid | Blood/urine |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional use | 12–24 hours | Days |
| Regular daily use | 24–48 hours | Days to weeks |
| Heavy chronic use | Potentially longer | Weeks |
Blood thresholds (PILOT — not yet nationwide): 1 ng/mL = infringement, 3 ng/mL = criminal charge. These may change.
The medical defence does not apply at the roadside — you will still receive the 12-hour ban. It can only be used after you receive an infringement notice, to dispute the fine and demerit points.
If you receive an infringement: follow the notice instructions, complete the Medical Defence Application Form (police.govt.nz), provide your prescription and label, and submit to the Police Infringement Bureau.
No. You are not legally required to disclose. However, if your role involves safety-sensitive tasks, there may be practical reasons to discuss this, and your workplace drug policy may require disclosure of any impairing medication.
Standard tests detect THC metabolites for days or weeks. A positive test doesn't mean impairment, but having a prescription doesn't automatically protect you from workplace consequences.
Check your employment agreement and drug policy. Consider discussing proactively for safety-sensitive roles. We can provide documentation to support workplace discussions.
Don't panic — a positive test doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Contact us for a support letter. Your employer should focus on whether you were actually impaired, not just detection.
Yes. Medicinal cannabis is a legitimate prescription medicine. If you qualify for the Disability Allowance, your prescription costs may be covered. Any registered medical practitioner can complete the required forms.
Ask for the decision in writing with the specific reason. Request a review. Contact us for supporting documentation. Consider contacting advocacy services:
The law supports your right to have any registered medical practitioner complete your forms. Document everything.
Yes. Keep it in the original labelled container, carry the container or a photo of the label, and declare it if asked by security.
Generally yes — up to 1 month supply of THC, 3 months of CBD. You'll need the original labelled container, a copy of your prescription or prescriber letter, and to declare on your arrival card. Check current Australian TGA requirements before travelling.
When in doubt, don't take it overseas. You can usually arrange a break for short trips. We can provide travel documentation if needed (fees apply).
Yes, with your consent. We audio record consultations to help create accurate clinical notes. The recording is transcribed by AI software on our own server in Auckland — your audio and transcripts never leave our systems. You can decline recording and your doctor will take notes manually instead.
No. All AI processing happens on our own server in Auckland. Your audio and transcripts never leave our systems. We don't use ChatGPT, cloud AI services, or any external processing for patient data.
Our doctors (whoever is treating you) and our admin staff (for booking, billing, dispensing). No one else without your consent. We don't share information with employers, police, insurers, or anyone else unless you ask us to or we're legally required to.
Only if you want us to. We can send consultation summaries to your GP or other providers, but only with your permission.
10 years from your last consultation (adults), or until you turn 26 (if under 18 when treated). This includes clinical notes, prescriptions, and audio recordings.
CBD: Non-intoxicating, often used for anxiety, inflammation, sleep. Generally doesn't impair driving. Fewer legal complications.
THC: Psychoactive, often used for pain, nausea, appetite, sleep. Can impair driving and cognitive function. Stricter prescription limits.
Oils (sublingual): Drops under the tongue. Effects in 30–60 minutes, lasting 4–8 hours. Easier to dose precisely.
Dried flower (vaping): Inhaled through a vaporiser. Effects within minutes, lasting 2–4 hours. Faster onset for acute symptoms.
We don't support smoking cannabis — vaping is safer and more efficient.
This varies significantly. Some notice benefits immediately; others need several weeks of consistent use and dose adjustments.
Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, appetite changes, mood changes. THC specifically may cause feeling "high", anxiety or paranoia at higher doses, impaired memory, and increased heart rate.
Most side effects are dose-related and improve with adjustment. Start low and go slow.
Extra caution or unsuitability if: pregnant/breastfeeding, under 25 (assessed case-by-case), personal/family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, unstable cardiovascular disease, significant liver disease, taking sedative medications, or previous adverse reactions to cannabis.
Cannabis use disorder is recognised. The risk is generally lower than opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines, but it's not zero. We monitor patients regularly and can help if you're concerned.
Tell us. Email info@accessrelief.co.nz or call 09 242 4565. We'll acknowledge within 5 working days and give a full response within 20 working days. Making a complaint will never affect your care.
You can ask for someone else to review it, or complain to the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) — independent and free: hdc.org.nz or 0800 11 22 33. You can complain to them at any time.
Free independent advocates: 0800 555 050 or advocacy.org.nz
Let us know when booking. We can arrange longer appointments, in-person consultations, email/text communication, NZSL interpreters (with notice), and written consultation summaries.
If you have needs related to cognitive disability, mental health, or neurodivergence — tell us what would help. Support people and whānau are welcome at consultations.
Yes. Legal since the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme began in 2020. Any registered doctor can prescribe approved products to any patient for any condition they consider appropriate.
Some GPs are unfamiliar with medicinal cannabis or uncomfortable prescribing it. Others work in practices with policies against it. That's why specialist clinics like Access Relief exist.
Yes. Any NZ doctor can prescribe to anyone, including tourists and non-residents. You'll need identification and to pay for the consultation and products.
Cannabis doesn't work for everyone. If you don't experience benefit after a reasonable trial, we'll discuss this honestly. We won't keep prescribing something that isn't helping.
We would notify all patients, transfer records to a nominated custodian, and ensure you can request copies at any time. Records are retained for 10 years and would not be destroyed without proper authority.
The Hemp Store Aotearoa (253 Karangahape Road, Auckland) has partnered with Access Relief. You can request a callback through them in person or by phone, and we'll call you back for a consultation — usually within 1–3 business days.
If you came via the Hemp Store, we share only what's needed to coordinate (e.g., confirming your appointment). Your clinical information stays with us.
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