From the Guidelines
New Zealand's Ministry of Health approved medicinal cannabis flower products can be categorized based on their THC and CBD content, with products being considered THC dominant if the THC concentration is higher, or if the CBD-to-THC ratio is less than 10:1, as per the recommendations by the perioperative pain and addiction interdisciplinary network (PAIN) consensus 1. When comparing these products, it's essential to consider their THC and CBD content, as well as their strain characteristics and intended therapeutic applications. The approved products include:
- Medleaf Shishkaberry (indica-dominant with 18-22% THC)
- Kikuya Dune (hybrid with 22% THC)
- Kikuya Arroyo (indica with 25% THC)
- Kikuya Rockies (sativa with 20% THC)
- ANTG Rocky (indica with 26% THC) These products are typically prescribed for conditions such as chronic pain, muscle spasticity, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and certain treatment-resistant epilepsies. The dosing of these products varies significantly based on the patient's condition, prior cannabis experience, and individual response, generally starting at 0.1-0.2g per day and gradually titrating upward as needed, as recommended by the expert panel 1. It's crucial to note that these medications can cause side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and cognitive effects, and patients should not drive or operate machinery while using these products. The choice between products depends on the specific symptoms being treated, with indica strains generally preferred for pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety, while sativa strains may be better for fatigue and depression. Ultimately, the selection of a medicinal cannabis flower product should be based on the individual patient's needs and medical condition, with consideration of the product's THC and CBD content, as well as its potential therapeutic and adverse effects, as outlined in the PAIN consensus recommendations 1.
From the Research
Ministry of Health New Zealand Approved Medicinal Cannabis Flower Products
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question as the provided studies do not compare Ministry of Health New Zealand approved medicinal cannabis flower products.
Available Research on Medicinal Cannabis
- The available studies discuss the use of cannabinoids for various medical conditions, including chronic pain management 2, multiple sclerosis symptoms 3, 4, 5, and other medical and psychiatric problems 6.
- These studies investigate the safety and efficacy of different cannabis-based formulations, such as nabiximols, oral cannabis extract, and synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 3.
- The research suggests that cannabinoids may be effective in reducing symptoms of spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis patients 3, 4, 5, as well as chronic pain in general 2, 6.
- However, the studies do not provide information on Ministry of Health New Zealand approved medicinal cannabis flower products, making it impossible to compare them.