Talking to Your GP About Cannabis Without the Awkwardness

Plenty of people who'd benefit from a conversation about medical cannabis never have it — because it feels awkward to bring up. It shouldn't. Any registered doctor in New Zealand can prescribe most cannabis products, and raising it is a normal part of discussing your health. Here's how to do it well.

Information and education, not medical advice. Your GP's clinical judgement comes first. 18+.

Reframe the conversation

You're not asking your doctor to do something improper. You're asking whether a lawful, prescribable medicine might suit your condition. Framed that way, it's the same kind of conversation you'd have about any treatment option. Doctors discuss medicines that carry risks and require care all the time.

Lead with the problem, not the product: "I'm struggling with X and I'd like to talk through all the options, including whether medical cannabis might be appropriate." That invites a clinical discussion rather than putting your GP on the spot.

Prepare like you would for any appointment

• Describe the problem clearly — symptoms, how long, how it affects your life.
• List what you've tried and how it went.
• Bring your full medication list, so interactions can be considered.
• Have a couple of specific questions ready (see below).
• Be honest about any past cannabis use — it helps, it doesn't hurt.

Useful things to say and ask

• "I've been dealing with [condition] and the current treatments aren't [working / are causing side effects]. Could medical cannabis be a reasonable option for me?"
• "What are the risks for someone like me — given my other medicines and history?"
• "If it's not right for me, what would you suggest instead, or who could I see?"
• "If you're not comfortable prescribing it, is there a colleague or clinic you'd refer me to?"

These keep the tone collaborative. You're asking your doctor to help you weigh an option, not to rubber-stamp a request.

If your GP is hesitant

Some GPs are cautious about cannabis — because the evidence is stronger for some uses than others, because they're less familiar with the products, or because of practice policy. That hesitation is legitimate and worth respecting. You can:

• Ask what their specific concern is. Sometimes it's something you can address (e.g. clarifying you'd start at a low dose under supervision).
• Ask for a referral to a colleague or a dedicated telehealth clinic.
• Acknowledge the uncertainty. Saying "I understand the evidence is mixed and I'd want to try it carefully" can lower the temperature.

If your GP says no

A "no" from one doctor isn't the end. Your options:

• A dedicated telehealth cannabis clinic, where prescribers focus on this area and are generally willing to assess you. (See our guide on telehealth vs GP.)
• A second opinion from another GP.

What you should not do is turn to the illegal market because a doctor declined. The legal route exists, it's safer, and a "no" from one prescriber doesn't mean "no" everywhere.

Keep your care joined up

Even if you end up getting a prescription elsewhere, keep your own GP informed (with your consent for information to be shared). Cannabis can interact with other medicines and conditions, and your GP holds the full picture. Coordinated care is safer care.

Frequently asked questions

Will my GP think less of me for asking? No. It's a normal question about a lawful medicine. A good GP will engage with it professionally.

Do I need to have tried everything else first? Not necessarily, but your GP will want to understand what you've tried and why you're considering cannabis. That's part of a sensible assessment.

What if my GP just won't prescribe? Ask for a referral, seek a second opinion, or go through a telehealth clinic. Don't resort to the illegal market.

Should I be honest about past cannabis use? Yes — it helps your prescriber give safe dosing and advice.

Sources

• Ministry of Health — medicinal cannabis: prescribing and access (accessed 2026-06-15)
• bpacnz — medicinal cannabis: overview for health practitioners (accessed 2026-06-15)
• Healthify NZ — cannabis-based products patient guide (accessed 2026-06-15)
• Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners — patient resources (accessed 2026-06-15)

Information and education, not medical advice. Your GP's judgement comes first. 18+.