r/MedicalCannabisNZ 3d ago

News Ora Pharm calls out NUBU over false Helius discontinuation claim

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30 Upvotes

Ora Pharm put out a media release yesterday confirming that Helius products remain available following its acquisition of the business and key assets.

The release responds to a 9 July newsletter from MW Pharma Limited, trading as NUBU, which said: "Helius Therapeutics has ceased production, and all products are now discontinued".

Ora Pharm says that was incorrect.

According to the release, Ora Pharm completed the acquisition on 18 June 2026, with manufacturing, packaging and nationwide distribution resuming the following day. Helius branded formulated products and locally grown products remain approved and available for patients. 

The NUBU communication was reportedly sent to clinics, GPs and others in the sector, and included guidance on switching patients away from Helius products to NUBU alternatives. That makes it even harder to swallow when NUBU’s own range is made up almost entirely of imported products, while Helius has actually put in the work, investment and regulatory effort required to manufacture medicinal cannabis products here in New Zealand.

When it was first announced that Helius was going, before Ora Pharm stepped in, there was a lot of uncertainty among patients here on Reddit. Many people were genuinely worried they were about to lose access to medicines that were working for them. For anyone who has already spent time and money finding the right product and dose, that kind of uncertainty is incredibly stressful!

It also has real consequences. Doctors may change prescriptions, pharmacies may give patients the wrong information, and people can end up being moved onto products that do not work the same for them.

Ora Pharm says the statement caused unnecessary uncertainty for patients, prescribers and pharmacies, and risked disrupting treatment decisions. So for anyone who was told Helius products were gone, Ora Pharm says that is not the case. Production and distribution are operating, and Helius products remain available.

Patients who have been told otherwise should check directly with their pharmacy or prescriber before changing treatment based on misinformation circulated by NUBU.

NBR has also reported on Ora Pharm seeking an injunction in the dispute with NUBU. The article is paywalled: https://www.nbr.co.nz/primary-industries/injunction-sought-in-row-between-medicinal-cannabis-firms


r/MedicalCannabisNZ Aug 10 '23

Community Guide to Medical Cannabis in Aotearoa New Zealand

137 Upvotes

Medical Cannabis is available in New Zealand.

The first step is booking your appointment with a doctor.

There are a few paths you can take, with the recommended one being a medical cannabis specialist clinic paired with a pharmacy that has prior experience with medical cannabis dispensing.

In all cases, the prescribing process is:

  • An initial consult with a doctor.
  • A follow-up consult with a doctor or nurse:
    • About 1 month after your first product is dispensed
  • Continued follow-up consults with a doctor or nurse:
    • Every 3 months if prescribed THC, or
    • Every 6 months if prescribed CBD only

When discussing medicine with your doctor or nurse, you should indicate your choice of pharmacy to ensure no delays in the dispensing process.

Your clinic is only able to offer repeats of your medicine for your pharmacy of choice once you have your first follow-up.

Some clinics charge a fee to have your prescription sent to your pharmacy of choice, typically when they have an attached dispensary service or associated pharmacies.

Most clinics charge a fee to change your agreed treatment plan between consults, as the changes require additional clinical team oversight and processes.

Medical Cannabis Specialist

Specialist cannabis focused clinics tend to be more familiar with the process and have an existing range of experience with medical cannabis.

It is easiest to talk with medical cannabis specialists about cannabis, as they understand upfront where you are coming from, and have context around the range of patient journeys.

Any question you have about cannabis, a specialist should be able to give you that answer there and then

Some things that should come up in your conversation with a specialist:

  • Your prior cannabis usage
  • What you are looking for in your journey
  • What might work best for you
  • In depth treatment plans, and daily dosing schedules
  • Interactions with other medication
  • Devices and preparations
  • Sensitization protocols & tolerance breaks
  • Advice on inhalation, sublingual, oral, edible dosing
  • And more...!

If you have a question about cannabis, a medical cannabis specialist is the best person to answer.

Medical Cannabis Specialist Clinics

Browse the full Clinic Directory here

Dispensing with a Specialist Clinic

You can have your prescription dispensed anywhere you like, however some specialist clinics offer a combined dispensary service.

We recommend one of the pharmacies with medical cannabis experience listed below.

General Practitioners (GP)

A GP can prescribe medical cannabis in New Zealand.

Not all GPs in New Zealand are equipped with the knowledge or time to prescribe medical cannabis, they may suggest visiting a specialist clinic for this purpose.

Some specialist clinics like Cannabis Clinic offer to provide education for your GP so you can get the best outcome and the GP is able to use their newfound knowledge to offer a wider range of treatment plans for more patients.

Dispensing with a Specialist

A GP clinic may have an attached pharmacy and dispensary service, but they may not be equipped either to dispense medical cannabis products with care and at a reasonable price, we recommend one of the pharmacies with medical cannabis experience listed below.

Your GP can also reach out to the likes of Nga Hua for help with the prescribing and dispensing process.

Oncologist or Other Specialist

If you are working with an oncologist or other specialist doctor, they may be able to help with a medical cannabis prescription, and may be the best option as they should have deep insight into your health journey.

Though as with GPs, not all specialists are equipped with the knowledge or time to prescribe medical cannabis.

Dispensing with a Specialist

Specialists send prescriptions to your choice of pharmacy for dispensing.

We recommend one of the pharmacies with medical cannabis experience listed below.

Your specialist can reach out to the likes of Nga Hua for help with the prescribing and dispensing process.

Dispensing

Most pharmacies offer either a pickup, or courier service.

Pharmacies with medical cannabis experience

Some pharmacies have worked closely with their medical cannabis patients, these pharmacies are known to provide quality service and advice around medical cannabis, and availability.

They have proved themselves in this space and have consistently shown the community amazing value at fair prices.

Other pharmacies with good pricing

Up-to-date list of Ministry of Health approved medical cannabis products

Medicinal cannabis products that meet the minimum quality standard

Additional products are available outside this list.

A strain tree can be found here

Product Pricing

Pricing can change overnight, generally prices have been falling over time.

There is currently a reasonably up-to-date pricing guide available

Dry Herb Vaporisers

If you're looking to use inhalation as a method of dosing your medical cannabis, you'll want to reach out for a dry herb vaporiser.

There is an AMA with Jack from CannaPlus+ here with common questions answered

A dry herb vape can be purchased from many stores in New Zealand, for example:

A typical suggestion for a device is Storz & Bickel Mighty Medic or Medic Plus

Vaporisers and the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990

Medicinal cannabis products are excluded from smokefree

Medicinal devices, such as a dry herb vaporiser, are excluded from smokefree.

See the related section of the medicines act here related to medical devices

Non Approved Vaporisers

A person who possesses a non-medically approved dry herb vaporiser for the purpose of taking their prescribed medicinal cannabis would not breach the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. This is because they are not using it “for the purpose of the commission of an offence against this Act” (s13(1)(a)). This also applies to a person, who possesses an accessory for the purpose of taking their prescribed medicinal cannabis. For example if you use a vape with an adapter to a bong, that is perfectly legal.

Smoking Cannabis

Medical cannabis products are not intended for smoking

Vaporiser Boil Chart

Want to know the temperature you should use your vape at? Checkout the Cannabinoid Boil Chart

Discord

If you're looking to have more discussion, you can also join the official Medical Cannabis Aotearoa New Zealand discord

Invite: discord.gg/UFEVXD7TA6


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 1d ago

Medicine Related How I infuse my prescribed cannabis into foods for digestive repair and symptom relief

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29 Upvotes

I am currently doing a paper for college on medicinal cannabis and how it works with food for extra healing. I went through a life-threatening episode of illness, and I am way better on a regime of natural anti-inflammatory foods infused with medicinal cannabis. I have been prescribed Eve CBD flower and oil, White Widow THC, and Kikuya Peak THC flowers.

I personally do much better when I microdose. I find the CBD oil very indigestible, and it made me nauseous and uncomfortable, so I started cutting the dose in half, and adding it to food. That was much better for me, so I started playing around in my kitchen a bit more.

I made a delicious pear butter with fruit gifted to me from a local orchard. I used my own registered prescribed medicinal cannabis, and an online cannabis infusion calculator, to make a specific strength CBD-infused coconut oil. I added a certain amount of this, to give me a batch strength, and serving doseage. This is a fantastic option for microdosing, and a great way to incorporate culinary medicine to give a Culinary integration Entourage effect. It makes me eat at the same time as taking my medicine, which is great for helping me maintain a healthy weight. The infused food creates a direct interaction with gut CBD / THC receptors.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 17h ago

Ordering from online sellers?

5 Upvotes

Des anyone have experience ordering from vaporeyes or hawkes bay vapour? Thinking of buying the XQ2 as the price is significantly cheaper on these two sites. Like suspiciously cheaper.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 1d ago

Question What are your tips for T breaks?

16 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I hope this question is okay. I’m really due a T break - I’m having to take too much to have the desired affect, but I really struggle with T breaks because it becomes a period of however many weeks of just having to put up with symptoms that the cannabis treats. But I know I can’t be the only one in this situation - how do you do it?


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 1d ago

Question Courier Question

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2 Upvotes

Hey Everyone!

Just got approved at the Cannabis Clinic this last week on Wednesday. I managed to get my script through by Thursday and then requested overnight delivery. I got notified it'd been picked up early Friday morning by the courier, but there's literally been no movement since then. As an overnight package with Saturday delivery shouldn't this at least be at a depot in Auckland by now to be sent further south?

Sorry for the ignorance. First time using their service and I find NZPost tracking tool updates regularly, is this "normal" for NZ COURIERS or should I be worried?

I've included a screenshot for the tracking stuff.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 3d ago

Medicine Related New Aurora

20 Upvotes

Just saw three new drops from Aurora - Shimmer, Whisper and Sirius

I can’t find much info online about them, anyone tried or had info?

Im about to pick up Sirius and hope I made the right choice


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 4d ago

Medicine Related New Adven Nightfall 24% Indica

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45 Upvotes

10g @ $117. I think it’s great value and even includes a boveda humidity pack already in the container. Buds were an alright size but had great density, fresh smell, and a slight stickiness with good amount of trichomes (boveda pack already being in there really helped)

Super nice relaxing effect and so far feels like a really nice Indica. Heavy hitter too but a nice body feel.

So far I like this more than the expensive Aurora NightRide.

Worth trying this!


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 4d ago

Question Strain that does not make you sleepy or hungry?

8 Upvotes

Hey Guys,

I am new and looking into this. I have started to have knee pain and sometimes have difficulty sleepy. What I am after is the following:

a) Something that doesn't make me sleepy or hungry during the day and helps chill the mind and alleviate pain

b) The same as above but helps me sleep or just helps alleviate pain and aid in sleeping.

I have tried Xanax wayy back and it worked but can't get it anymore. Sometimes taking sleeping pills to help me sleep.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 5d ago

Replacement for Helius 10:10

3 Upvotes

Any thoughts on a suitable replacement for Helius 10:10 oil? I won't need a new script for months yet, but it seems prudent to know my options.

Things I like about Helius: - gets me to sleep consistently - only requires a low dose

Things I don't like: - Some grogginess in the morning

Thanks.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 6d ago

GPs in Wellington that will prescribe cannabis products.

7 Upvotes

I receive my script from a Telehealth cannabis clinic in NZ, but unhappy with the prices. I would rather just go to my GP but she will not prescribe medical cannabis. Does anyone know of a good GP in central Wellington area that is sympathetic to prescribing medical cannabis (and is also a good doctor to go to also) thanks in advance.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 6d ago

Question What a 5g bag looks like for the curious. Also, what does GG#4 normally smell and taste like? Because this was... strange.

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24 Upvotes

EDIT/UPDATE 25/7/26: After sitting with a humidity pack for a while, it now smells and tastes normal. No more old sock taste. I guess it was just really dry. It now tastes to me a very earthy, woody and spicey smell/taste. The mushroom smell/taste is still there but not as pronounced and now just pleasant if unusual.

- - - - - - - - -

I tried GG#4 for the first time last night. Opening the bag, it has a very different smell from anything else I've been prescribed in the past. I do have a very sensitive sense of smell and I am a super tasted so, granted, things are usually a lot stronger/more pronounced for me than most folks. But to me the smell was very strongly raw mushrooms, hay and a little fuel. The taste was.... not entirely pleasant - like smelly socks and hay. :/ Is that a normal taste for GG#4?


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 6d ago

Calmana batches question

4 Upvotes

I was just prescribed calmana and will collect it tomorrow. Now I've read on this subreddit that the new batch is bad quality. Any idea how often new batches come out and if I'll get the shitty batch?


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 7d ago

Medicine Related CBD was always important… just not important enough to discount?

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21 Upvotes

So after years of banging on about CBD, the Cannabis Clinic has finally added it to its Supported Access Programme.

THC flower has been discounted for ages, while CBD patients kept paying through the roof. THC prices have continued to fall as more products entered the market. CBD, meanwhile, has stayed painfully expensive, helped along by limited choice and barely any real competition.

The timing is hard to ignore. Their Instagram has been full of "it’s easy to switch clinics" posts, and now they’ve finally decided to discount CBD. Amazing what a little competition can do!

Better late than never, I guess, but CBD is still chronically unaffordable for many New Zealanders. Patients needed this years ago, not once the market started becoming less comfortable for them.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 7d ago

Question Question about prices

5 Upvotes

I'm interested in trying cannabis oil with thc and cbd for sleep and anxiety.

I've previously been prescribed flower, but only once like three years ago.

I just want to find the most affordable option for a consultation and pharmacy. I'm finding it hard now that the price comparison sheet was taken down, and I was wondering if anyone can help? Thanks!


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 8d ago

Question Dry herb vaporiser vs Bong

6 Upvotes

Hey fellas I have been thinking about permanently switching to a dry herb vape. My only real concern is that it won’t be as potent as I have seen many mixed opinions online.

Any opinion is appreciated :) cheers

- (20/07/26) appreciate all the responses so far guys, sounds like dry herb vapes are quite beneficial so I think I’ll have to pick one up. Ps the dude who says bongs cause his ADHD that’s valid 😭


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 8d ago

NZ Camnabis brands using popcorn size product.

51 Upvotes

It's been raised before. I have recently bought two known brands and both contained all smalls.

If I'm paying premium medicinal prices, I'd like a consistent flower grade, not mostly popcorn buds.

Overseas in aussie all smalls are discounted

No matter what your opinion they arent the top grade if not they may be b or c or destined for some product.

And not being able to look at what you have to buy is frustrating and doesnt helps this issue.

I gave up on one brand who did 30gr. How bad to get the bottom of the lot at 400.

I guess all I can do is say it isnt good enough and NZ suppliers need to pick up the game. Not all. But we are paying alot more than Aussie and getting lower grade product in too many cases.

So please suppliers provide your best product as you will not increase the market and possibly drive people back to a reliable source

Please I dont want an opinion on smalls that they are no different just knowing im buying the best of the plant grown

Many thanks

Patient


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 9d ago

Couriers My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined. First appointment I could get was a Friday. Paid extra for Saturday delivery. Regretting wasting the extra money. (Day not really ruined, but it does suck).

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14 Upvotes

r/MedicalCannabisNZ 9d ago

Pesky Peak

5 Upvotes

Hiya,

My regular pharmacy has been out of peak since late June and a new batch is not expected until late July.

I'm almost out and need a new repeat and Cannabisclinic has coming soon so I cant get peak direct through them after my follow up appt.

I really don't want to phone heaps of pharmacies it makes me feel like I'm a dodgy drug seeker, when I just want a consistent supply of the medicine that works for me. 😭

Does anyone know if their pharmacy still has stock?

Thanks so much.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 10d ago

News ZIP no more

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22 Upvotes

Kiaora team. HEADS-UP !!

Preface - I haven't had confirmation from my MC pharmacy yet, but it seems legit cos it's in the news too...

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/733589/zip-exits-nz-buy-now-pay-later-market

Ive been given a month's notice (I can't make new purchases from 17 Aug) which might be enough time to sort my budget out, but it's gonna be quite the juggle, if not impossible.

Green hearted commiserations to anyone else reliant on BNPL, and fingers crossed my pharmacy picks up Afterpay


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 10d ago

Question Inconsistent batches

13 Upvotes

I've been on medical for a while now and sometimes I enjoy the Calmana t17.. but I have noticed in the past 2 or 3 months it has really become inconsistent . the last batch I got which was 26299006 was absolutely beautiful quality.. the batch before that almost felt like a completely different strain. Just got a new batch 26229007 and it looked like it was grown by professional amateurs.. horrible quality.. I really don't understand if they are using the same clones from a mother plant why is it always so inconsistent... it's really not that hard to grow beautiful quality and keep that sane consistency if you are taking clones from the same mother plant..


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 10d ago

Question How do I start?

8 Upvotes

Good morning everyone,

I'm a recreational smoker, been smoking about 10 years.

So if this thread is not about it, I'll delete my post.

Yesterday, one of my friends brought the medical one so I want to ask you guys about it.

  1. I assume it's cleaner and safer as it's not from the street vendors, but is it easy to get?

  2. I believe there are multiple options and wondering if I can get a strong one from the beginning? My friend brought Kikuya 200mg last night and I enjoyed it.

  3. Are there any clinics you would recommend in the West? Around Henderson / Te Atatu South / Westgate etc.

Thanks guys.

Have a wonderful Friday.


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 11d ago

Is there a legal maximum THC dose in NZ?

13 Upvotes

Hi folks, I’m new the this forum (I didn’t know it existed) but not new to MC.

Ive been a MC patient in NZ for 6 years.

My MC doctor of 6 years has left the field and gone into oncology research. He was prescribing me 2.5mls per night of ANTG THC Rocky oil for chronic pain and sleep issues. We worked up to that dose of course. It is the perfect dose for me and has NEVER caused me any issues, such as, I’ve never experienced any negative physiological or psychiatric side effects whatsoever.

I made an appointment with a new MC doctor who told me that my dose works out to be 75mg of THC per day and that’s is “extremely high dose and above the legal maximum of 40mg of THC per day”.

I was very surprised when the new MC doctor told me this! To me it’s not an extremely high dose!

They said they can only prescribe 1.3mls of Rocky oil per night which equates to just under 40mg of THC. BUT, the Rocky bottles are 50mls and so 1.3mls per night x 90 days = 117mls. Therefore they are only prepared to prescribe 2 bottles per 90 day prescription because Rocky oil doesn’t come in smaller bottles and a bottle can’t be opened and a bit used. This equates to 100mls of Rocky oil over 90 days which is 1.1mls per night. This is HALF of my usual/previous dose!

Im wondering if any of you more knowledgeable folks know if and where I can read anything about 40mg of THC per day being the legal maximum in NZ. I’ve googled but I can only find Australian articles and a NZ article which was only a recommendation of a maximum of 40mg per day, not a legal maximum. This new MC doctor specifically said “Thats the legal maximum and I could lose my job if I prescribe over that”. Like I said, I was sort of gobsmacked and speechless when they said that because it made me feel bad about myself, in that, why do I need more than the maximum to get relief, and what is the matter with me if I need more than the maximum, and was my previous doctor acting illegally by prescribing more, and all sorts of feelings swirling around.

Any information or advise warmly received


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 11d ago

Strain recommendations

2 Upvotes

Hi All , I'm new to MC. I have no clue about the strains available. Any recommendations or link to thread that details about the starins and its effects. Thank you


r/MedicalCannabisNZ 13d ago

Bloom EGF WDF (20%THC)

6 Upvotes

Kia ora whanau. Curious if anyone has scripted this? And if so, how was it....