These are detection windows, not impairment windows. You will typically feel fine well before THC becomes undetectable. The practical issue is that you can be legally penalised for detection even when you’re not impaired.

What happens if I’m tested?

1.          First positive test → immediate second test

2.          Two positive tests → 12-hour driving ban (regardless of prescription) + sample sent to lab

3.          Positive lab result → infringement notice issued

Blood thresholds (PILOT — not yet nationwide): - 1 ng/mL = infringement - 3 ng/mL = criminal charge

Note: These thresholds are being piloted and may change. The roadside testing programme is rolling out progressively — check current law for your area.

What is the medical defence?

There is a legal defence for people with valid prescriptions, but it does not apply at the roadside. You will still receive the 12-hour ban if you test positive twice.

The medical defence can only be used AFTER you receive an infringement notice, to dispute the fine and demerit points.

How do I use the medical defence?

If you receive an infringement notice: 1. Follow the instructions on your infringement notice for disputing it 2. Complete the Medical Defence Application Form (available at police.govt.nz) 3. Provide a copy of your current prescription 4. Provide a copy of your prescription label (or a photo) 5. Submit as directed — currently via Police Infringement Bureau

We can provide supporting documentation for your defence (we need to charge for our time preparing letters/reports).

What should I do if stopped by police?

•             Remain calm and cooperative

•             You can inform the officer you have a prescription for medicinal cannabis

•             This will NOT prevent the test or the 12-hour ban if you test positive

•             But noting it on the record may help if you need to dispute later

•             Keep your prescription label or a photo of it handy

Practical guidance

1.          Don’t drive if you feel any effects — the fundamental rule

2.          Time your doses — use THC products in the evening, drive the next day

3.          Allow 6-12 hours for inhaled, at least 10-12 hours for oral — this covers impairment for most people

4.          Be aware detection lasts longer than impairment — you may feel fine but still test positive

5.          CBD-only products — these do not cause positive THC tests (unless they contain trace THC)

11. WORKPLACE & EMPLOYMENT

Do I have to tell my employer about my prescription?

No. You are not legally required to disclose your prescription to your employer. However, if your role involves safety-sensitive tasks (driving, operating machinery, working at heights), there may be practical reasons to discuss this — and your workplace drug policy may require disclosure of any medication that could affect your work.

What if my workplace does drug testing?

Standard drug tests detect THC metabolites that can remain for days or weeks after use. A positive test does not mean you were impaired at work — but it may still cause problems with your employer.

The reality: - Having a prescription means you’re using cannabis lawfully, but it doesn’t automatically protect you from workplace consequences - Employers have health and safety obligations and may have drug testing policies - The Employment Relations Authority has upheld dismissals even where cannabis was medically prescribed - Whether you disclosed as required by your workplace policy matters - Whether your role is safety-sensitive matters - The focus should be on impairment, not just detection — but not all employers take this approach yet

What to do: - Check your employment agreement and workplace drug policy - Consider discussing proactively with your employer, especially for safety-sensitive roles - We can provide documentation to support workplace discussions

The law in this area is still developing. The NZ Drug Foundation and CHASNZ have published guidance recommending employers focus on impairment rather than detection, but this is best practice — not yet the legal standard.

What employer letters can you provide?

•             Prescription Confirmation Letter: Confirms you have a valid prescription and that a positive drug test does not indicate impairment

•             Workplace Safety Assessment: Clinical assessment and opinion on fitness to perform safety-sensitive duties (fee varies)

•             Positive Drug Test Support Letter: Explains that a positive result is consistent with lawful use

What if I test positive at work?

•             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

12. MSD DISABILITY ALLOWANCE (WINZ)

Can I claim my medication costs through WINZ?

Medicinal cannabis is a legitimate prescription medicine. If you have a disability or health condition that qualifies you for the Disability Allowance, your prescription medication costs may be covered.

The law is clear: Any registered medical practitioner can complete the required certification forms.

Will MSD accept certification from Access Relief?

Yes. The regulations allow any registered medical practitioner to complete Disability Allowance forms — you do not need a GP.

We’re aware of cases where applications have been declined based on incorrect interpretations — for example, case workers requiring GP or specialist approval when none is legally required.

MSD documentation requires clinical time to complete — see Section 6 (Documentation & Letters) for fees.

What if WINZ refuses my application?

If your application is refused: 1. Ask for the decision in writing, including the specific reason and legislation/policy they’re relying on 2. Request a review of the decision 3. Contact us — we can provide supporting documentation 4. Consider contacting advocacy services: - Citizens Advice Bureau - Community Law Centre - Beneficiaries & Unwaged Workers Trust

The law supports your right to have any registered medical practitioner complete your forms. Document everything and don’t give up.

13. TRAVEL

Can I travel within New Zealand with my medication?

Yes. You can legally travel within New Zealand (including ferries and domestic flights) with your prescribed medicinal cannabis.

Make sure you: - Keep it in the original labelled container - Carry the container or a photo of the label - Declare it if asked by security

Can I travel to Australia?

Travel to Australia is generally permitted: - THC products: Up to 1 month supply - CBD products: Up to 3 months supply

What you need: - Original labelled container with your name - Copy of prescription or letter from prescriber - Declare on your passenger arrival card

Rules can change — check current Australian TGA requirements before travelling.

Can I travel to the Cook Islands?

Yes, under similar rules to Australia (up to 1 month THC, 3 months CBD).

What about other international travel?

International travel with medicinal cannabis is complicated. Laws vary greatly between countries.

Critical warnings: - Some countries have zero tolerance for any cannabis, even prescribed - Penalties can be severe, including imprisonment - Transit countries also matter

We can provide specific travel documentation if needed (consultation and letter fees apply).

When in doubt, don’t take it overseas. You can usually arrange a break in your medication for short trips.

14. YOUR PRIVACY

Do you record my consultations?

Yes, with your consent. We audio record consultations to help create accurate clinical notes. The recording is transcribed by AI software, which generates a draft clinical note. Your doctor then reviews and approves the note before it goes into your record.

You can decline recording — your doctor will take notes manually instead. This doesn’t affect your care.

Is my data sent to ChatGPT or other cloud AI?

No. All our 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.

Who can see my records?

•             Our doctors (whoever is treating you)

•             Our admin staff (for booking, billing, and 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 (e.g., court order, HDC investigation).

Will you tell my GP?

Only if you want us to. We can send consultation summaries to your GP or other healthcare providers, but only with your permission.

Can I see my records?

Yes. You have a right to access all information we hold about you. Email us to request a copy. We’ll respond within 20 working days.

How long do you keep my records?

•             10 years from your last consultation (for adults)

•             Until you turn 26 (if you were under 18 when treated)

•             Longer if there’s an ongoing complaint, legal matter, or other reason requiring retention

This includes clinical notes, prescriptions, and audio recordings.

Can I ask you to delete my records?

We’re required to keep clinical records for the minimum retention period (10 years). After that, records are securely destroyed. We can’t delete them earlier, but we can add corrections or your comments if something is wrong.

15. PRODUCTS & TREATMENT

What products are available?

Medicinal cannabis products in New Zealand include: - CBD oils (sublingual drops) - THC oils (sublingual drops) - Balanced CBD:THC oils - Dried flower (for vaping — not smoking) - Capsules

All products must meet Medsafe’s minimum quality standards.

What’s the difference between CBD and THC?

CBD (cannabidiol): - Non-intoxicating — won’t make you feel “high” - Often used for anxiety, inflammation, sleep, general wellbeing - Generally doesn’t impair driving or work - Fewer legal complications

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): - Psychoactive — produces the “high” associated with cannabis - Often used for pain, nausea, appetite, sleep, muscle spasms - Can impair driving and cognitive function - Subject to stricter prescription limits and legal considerations

How is medicinal cannabis taken?

Oils (sublingual): - Drops placed under the tongue - Effects typically begin in 30-60 minutes - Last 4-8 hours - Easier to dose precisely

Dried flower (vaping): - Inhaled through a vaporiser device - Effects begin within minutes - Last 2-4 hours - Faster onset for acute symptoms

We don’t support smoking cannabis — vaping is safer and more efficient.

How long does it take to work?

This varies significantly between people. Some notice benefits immediately; others need several weeks of consistent use and dose adjustments.

Why did you prescribe this particular product?

We choose products based on: - What you’re treating - Your preferences (oil vs flower, CBD vs THC) - Your budget - What’s worked for you before - What’s currently in stock

If you want to try something different, just ask.

Why won’t you prescribe what I’m asking for?

If we decline to prescribe something, it’s usually because: - We don’t think it’s clinically appropriate for you - There’s a safety concern (interactions, contraindications) - It’s not available

We’ll explain our reasoning. You can always discuss it with us or seek a second opinion.

16. SAFETY & SIDE EFFECTS

What are the common side effects?

Possible side effects include: - Drowsiness or fatigue - Dry mouth - Dizziness - Nausea (especially with oral products) - Changes in appetite - Mood changes - Red eyes

THC specifically may cause: - Feeling “high” or intoxicated - Anxiety or paranoia (especially at higher doses) - Impaired memory and concentration - Increased heart rate - Coordination impairment

Most side effects are dose-related and improve with adjustment. Start low and go slow.

Who should NOT use medicinal cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis may not be suitable, or may require extra caution, if you: - Are pregnant or breastfeeding - Are under 25 years (developing brain — we assess on a case-by-case basis) - Have a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia - Have unstable cardiovascular disease - Have significant liver disease (affects how you metabolise cannabis) - Are taking sedative medications (additive effects) - Have had adverse reactions to cannabis in the past

Can I become addicted?

Cannabis use disorder is a recognised condition. The risk is generally lower than with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines, but it’s not zero. We monitor patients regularly and can help if you’re concerned about your use.

What if I have a bad reaction to my medication?

Contact us. We need to know so we can help you manage it, adjust your treatment if needed, and report it if appropriate (serious reactions get reported to Medsafe’s CARM database).

If it’s a medical emergency, call 111.

What if there’s an error with my prescription or medication?

Tell us immediately. Mistakes happen rarely, but when they do, we want to know straight away so we can fix it.

17. COMPLAINTS

What if I’m unhappy with my care?

Tell us. Email [email protected] or call 09 242 4565. We’d rather hear about problems directly so we can try to fix them.

What happens when I complain?

•             We’ll acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days

•             Someone will investigate (review records, talk to staff involved)

•             We’ll give you a full response within 20 working days

•             If we got something wrong, we’ll say so and explain what we’re doing about it

Will complaining affect my care?

No. Making a complaint will never affect the care you receive. If you ever feel you’re being treated differently because of a complaint, tell us immediately — or go straight to the HDC.

What if I’m not happy with your response?

You can: - Ask us to have someone else review it - Complain to the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC)

The HDC is independent and free: hdc.org.nz or 0800 11 22 33. You can complain to them at any time — you don’t have to complain to us first.

Can I get help making a complaint?

Yes. Free independent advocates can help you: - Phone: 0800 555 050 - Website: advocacy.org.nz

18. ACCESSIBILITY

What if I have communication needs?

Please let us know when booking. We can: - Arrange longer appointment times if needed - Arrange in-person consultations if phone doesn’t work for you - Communicate via email or text message for non-clinical matters - Arrange NZSL interpreters for Deaf patients (please give us notice) - Provide written summaries of consultations on request

Other accommodations

If you have other accessibility needs — for example, related to cognitive disability, mental health, or neurodivergence — tell us what would help. We will do our best to accommodate you.

If you need to bring a support person to your consultation, that is welcome. Please let us know in advance.

Cultural or spiritual needs

If you have cultural or spiritual needs that are relevant to your care, let us know. We’re happy to accommodate where we can — whether that’s involving whānau in your appointments, or anything else that matters to you.

19. COMMON QUESTIONS

Is medicinal cannabis legal in New Zealand?

Yes. Medicinal cannabis has been legal in New Zealand since the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme began in 2020. Any registered doctor can prescribe approved products to any patient for any condition they consider appropriate.

Why doesn’t my GP prescribe it?

Some GPs are unfamiliar with medicinal cannabis or uncomfortable prescribing it. Others work in practices with policies against prescribing cannabis. That’s why specialist clinics like Access Relief exist.

Can tourists get prescriptions?

Yes. Any New Zealand doctor can prescribe to anyone, including tourists and non-residents. You’ll need to provide identification and pay for the consultation and products.

What if medicinal cannabis doesn’t work for me?

Cannabis doesn’t work for everyone. If you don’t experience benefit after a reasonable trial with different products and doses, we’ll discuss this honestly with you. We won’t keep prescribing something that isn’t helping.

Can I use medicinal cannabis with other medications?

Cannabis can interact with some medications. Always tell us about all medications and supplements you’re taking. We’ll check for interactions and advise accordingly.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. Your medical information is confidential and protected under the Health Information Privacy Code. We don’t share information with employers, police, or others without your consent (except where required by law).

How do I update my contact details?

Email or call us. It’s important we have your current phone number, especially if you use the dial-in service.

What happens if Access Relief closes down?

In the unlikely event we close, we would: 1. Notify all patients with specific details about what happens to your records 2. Transfer your records to a nominated records custodian (another clinic or secure storage provider) 3. Ensure you can request copies at any time

Your records would be retained for the legally required period (10 years from your last consultation) and would not be destroyed without proper authority. You would be able to transfer care to another provider with your full clinical history.

20. HEMP STORE PARTNERSHIP

What is the Hemp Store doctor callback service?

The Hemp Store Aotearoa (253 Karangahape Road, Auckland) has partnered with Access Relief to provide a convenient callback service. You can request a callback through The Hemp Store in person or by phone, and we’ll call you back for a consultation.

How does it work?

1.          Contact The Hemp Store in person or by phone

2.          Access Relief calls you back (usually within 1-3 business days)

3.          Consultation by phone

4.          Products delivered by courier or available for pickup from our clinic

Do you share my information with the Hemp Store?

If you came to us via the Hemp Store callback service, we share only what’s needed to coordinate your care (e.g., confirming your appointment). Your clinical information stays with us.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicinal cannabis does not work for everyone and it may not work for you. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition.

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of January 2026. Laws and regulations may change. Contact Access Relief for current information.

Access Relief — Complete Patient FAQ | January 2026