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Exploring medicinal cannabis use in New Zealand in a time of policy change

Year:
2019
Duration:
48 months
Approved budget:
$246,885.56
Researchers:
Dr Marta Rychert
Health issue:
Disability
Proposal type:
Emerging Researcher First Grant
Lay summary
Medicinal cannabis is currently used to address a range of physical and psychological conditions, often without diagnosis or professional advice. The Government will soon establish a new legal framework for a licensed medicinal cannabis regime in New Zealand. New Zealanders have been using cannabis (both legally and illegally) for medicinal purposes for many decades but little is known about how they use it, for what medical conditions, and what advice they receive from health professionals. Medicinal cannabis regimes established overseas have experienced a number of issues including poor affordability, lack of engagement of health professionals and continued black market supply. This study will use in-depth interviews and a survey of medicinal cannabis users, their support networks and health professionals to investigate their engagement with the new regime and to provide insights to inform its further implementation, including the development of protocols and information resources for patients and health professionals.