If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why we ask detailed questions about your medicinal cannabis use—how often you’re taking it, how it’s affecting you, whether the benefits are consistent—this message is for you.
You may have thought, “I already know what works for me. Why is this being scrutinised?”
Let me be clear: our intention is not to control your choices, but to ensure that what’s helping you continues to do so—safely and effectively.
Over time, the way your body responds to medicinal cannabis can change. A dose or product that once helped with sleep, anxiety, or pain may become less effective. You might notice that your mood is flatter, your sleep disrupted, or that you need higher doses to achieve the same results.
This shift often happens subtly. Many people don’t realise until we ask the right questions—and that’s where our role becomes important.
Our responsibility goes beyond prescribing. At CannaPlus+, we take a structured, doctor-led approach to medicinal cannabis treatment. We monitor your progress, assess how your body is responding, and adjust your treatment to prevent tolerance, loss of efficacy, or other long-term issues.
This is especially important when it comes to THC. While it can offer meaningful symptom relief, long-term use—especially in high doses—can lead to tolerance, emotional dysregulation, and dependency. Without adequate CBD support, these effects are more likely, and the therapeutic value of your treatment diminishes.
Medicinal cannabis is a powerful tool, but like any medicine, it carries risks when not properly managed.
THC can interact with common medications, including antidepressants and sedatives. In people with cardiovascular concerns, it may elevate heart rate or blood pressure. Certain types of glaucoma can worsen. And for those with a history—or family history—of psychosis or schizophrenia, THC may increase the risk of psychiatric episodes. In some cases, this has led to hospitalisation.
These are not common outcomes, but they are clinically significant. We share this information not to alarm you, but to ensure we’re approaching your care with full transparency and sound medical judgment.
When we ask about your dose, suggest reintroducing CBD, or raise the possibility of adjusting your THC levels, it’s not to undermine your experience—it’s to preserve your results.
We’ve seen how well medicinal cannabis can work when it’s used thoughtfully. And we’ve seen what happens when it’s not.
Our job is to help you stay in the benefit zone—and out of the burnout zone. That requires collaboration, trust, and regular review.
At CannaPlus+, all of our clinicians operate under the guidance of the Medical Council of New Zealand and within Medsafe’s regulatory framework. We take this responsibility seriously and apply it in a way that prioritises patient wellbeing, evidence-based care, and long-term outcomes.
So, if you’ve ever felt that our questions are a bit too detailed, please know they come from a place of care, not control. We’re here to work with you—so your treatment keeps working for you
By Dr. Afraz Adam, Chief Medical Officer – CannaPlus+
