Purpose

The purpose of this position statement is to summarise current research on medical marijuana (cannabis). It seeks to inform members in the light of considerable public debate and several high profile cases in New Zealand of individuals seeking to use medical marijuana. At present medical marijuana is a restricted drug only used in exceptional circumstances, and with very high regulatory threshold for use, but there has been a significant shift in global opinion and regulation which is likely to impact New Zealand Nurses therefore must have knowledge of, and understand the medical use of marijuana just as they do with any medication or treatment. It also outlines current evidence about the benefits and risks of cannabis to inform nurses seeking to offer health education to those unable to access medical marijuana who self-medicate.

This position statement does not seek to examine the wider debate about the decriminalisation of cannabis for recreational use.