CannaPlus+, New Zealand’s first internationally affiliated Medicinal Cannabis clinic network and telemedicine platform.
Established in 2021 and opening their doors in Ponsonby this month, CannaPlus+ has secured an exclusive licensing agreement with CannaWay; Canada’s largest physician-led medicinal cannabis network.
With over 20,000 patients to date and five years of practice, CannaWay is a well respected and trusted clinic network within the Canadian medical community, and through their partnership, CannaPlus+ have access to their internationally recognised and proven medical protocols that make them well equipped to change the lives of New Zealanders.
CannaPlus+ has been founded with one guiding purpose, to improve the lives of New Zealanders by empowering them to live an optimal, healthier life by removing barriers and providing access to high quality and affordable medicinal cannabis treatment.
Dedicated to improving both health and lifestyle, CannaPlus+ is helping New Zealanders to get the assistance they need. Offering personalised treatment programmes, tailored by their team of specialist doctors, CannaPlus+ ensures their patients have access to the best treatment options available.
CannaPlus+’s CEO, Eva Neshat (right) founded the company fuelled by the core belief that every person should have access to the care that may help them the most.
Now, she’s challenging the status quo with the launch of CannaPlus+ in New Zealand and is committed to educating health professionals and patients about the multiple uses and benefits of medicinal cannabis and revealing medicinal cannabis in a whole new light.
“Everyone deserves to live an enhanced quality of life, on their terms. This starts with removing the barriers which prevent people from accessing the medical treatment that may benefit them the most.
That’s why we partnered with the international industry leaders in medicinal cannabis patient care. We now have the ability to bring this knowledge and experience to New Zealand under our internationally affiliated clinic brand, CannaPlus+, giving Kiwis the experience and credibility needed to allow them to feel safe and comfortable to make their own choices with a Medicinal Cannabis clinic they can trust. Together, CannaPlus+ and CannaWay form the mandate to bring the highest level of medical care to comprehensive cannabis treatment plans with patient care at the centre of every action we take.” Says founder and CEO, Eva Neshat.
Specialising in personalised treatment programmes that integrate holistic, alternative medicines into modern medical practice, and with a team of friendly and experienced doctors, CannaPlus+ is driven to ensure their patients access the highest quality of treatment options available in an environment that makes them feel safe, respected and cared for.
About Medicinal Cannabis
The Cannabis plant has a history of medicinal use dating back thousands of years in many cultures. Within the plant there are different chemicals called cannabinoids which exert certain effects on the body.
Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and the fact that the body produces its own cannabinoids, we have a greater understanding of how medicinal cannabis works.
These plant-based cannabinoids (i.e. THC and CBD) exhibit their effects on the endocannabinoid system in the human body. The endocannabinoid system regulates the balance of certain biological processes within the body which include but are not limited to neural development, immune function, inflammation, wake/sleep cycles, pain and bone development.
THC and CBD interact with CB1 and CB2 human receptors which are located throughout the body and have a variety of effects, which include pain relief, anti-epileptic, anxiolytic etc.
One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects are the main differences between medicinal cannabis and recreational cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main active ingredients in cannabis.
CBD is the non-psychoactive component of the plant. It is the major player in the clinical setting. CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-emetic, anti-nausea, anti-psychotic, anxiolytic and anti-epileptic effects.
THC is the psychoactive component of the plant and has been shown to have clinical utility in patients with neuropathic pain, muscle spasms, controlling nausea and stimulating appetite.
Central to the CannaPlus+ ethos is the understanding that a holistic view of this emerging industry is critical; achieved not only by empowering their patients but also by taking a leading stance and educating other healthcare practitioners across the country.
Backed by their strong board of medical experts, CannaPlus+ provides Kiwi’s with safe, research-based, legal and affordable access to the highest quality medicinal cannabis treatment.
Behind every successful clinic is a team of expert doctors, that’s why CannaPlus+ had a unique checklist when choosing their physicians to fulfil their mission. Not only were they looking for leaders in their field, but they also needed to be united by a fervent desire to make a difference in everyday Kiwi’s lives.
“Aside from helping patients manage their symptoms through medicinal cannabis, we needed doctors who were ready to work alongside our patients to empower them on their individual health journeys” says CannaPlus+ chief medical officer Dr. Afraz Adam.
CannaPlus+ boasts a carefully selected team of renowned, highly qualified senior consultants with specialties across multiple fields including oncology, palliative care, dermatology, acute and chronic pain, inflammation, gut health, joint issues and muscular pain. They cater to a broad spectrum of patients across a breadth of health concerns.
“When selecting our medical doctors, we focused on finding a diverse team of specialists who were empathetic, understanding, energetic and passionate. All our doctors share these key qualities. They are all both caring and highly professional individuals,” says Dr Adam. “It is important to ensure that patients can not only trust our doctors as medical professionals but also feel safe to speak openly, knowing they are being truly heard”
CannaPlus+ aims to redefine the standards of patient care and health-based outcomes throughout New Zealand. Their comprehensive education programmes for physicians and patients alike will address the benefits and stigma surrounding medicinal cannabis.
“Educating patients and GPs is critical to developing acceptance of medicinal cannabis in New Zealand as a whole. CannaPlus+ education programmes aim to provide new opportunities for the medical community to learn about how cannabis can be incorporated into a patient’s treatment plan.
“It’s imperative to educate and support physicians by establishing a comprehensive education platform that is accessible for all medical professionals in New Zealand.
The advantages of providing specific education to prescribing GP’s is to ensure they are aware of the extent and proven research behind the health benefits of medicinal cannabis products and become more confident in diagnosing products that address specific health concerns.” Says Neshat.
CannaPlus+ clinic itself is conveniently located in the heart of Ponsonby, for now they are Auckland based, but through their easy to use and extensive telemedicine platform, CannaPlus+ can support Kiwi’s around the country no matter where they are.
CannaPlus+ aims to roll out an extensive clinic network across New Zealand throughout 2022/2023.
