Introduction
Medicinal cannabis has become a real option for many New Zealanders living with chronic pain, sleep difficulties, or other ongoing health conditions. Since law changes in 2020, doctors can prescribe cannabis-based products that meet Ministry of Health standards, meaning access is safer and more regulated than ever.
But if you’re brand new to this, the whole thing can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? What equipment do you need? How do you make sure you’re using it safely, responsibly, and effectively? That’s where this guide comes in.
Regulations
First of all, what’s actually allowed? How do you know where the line is between legal and illegal? Well, it’s actually pretty simple. Let’s break it down.
Medicinal cannabis is legal in New Zealand only when prescribed by a doctor. That prescription can cover dried flower or cannabis-based products like oils and capsules, but only if they meet the strict quality standards set by the Ministry of Health. These standards are there to make sure the product is consistent, safe, and reliable.
Anything outside of that prescription — such as buying cannabis from a friend, growing your own without approval, or using recreational cannabis — remains illegal. Police still treat recreational use under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which means fines or charges are possible if you’re caught with it.
So the short version? If you have a prescription and you’re using approved products from a licensed supplier, you’re on the right side of the law. If you don’t, then it’s still considered recreational and isn’t legal in New Zealand.
Availability
Medicinal cannabis is not available over the counter. You’ll need a doctor (or specialist) who understands your condition and whether cannabis-based treatment is right for you. Availability has been improving in recent years, with more products being assessed and approved.
Obtaining a Prescription
The first step is simply a conversation with your doctor. They’ll consider whether MC might be an option for your situation. If prescribed, your doctor will guide you on the form, dosage, and product that best suits your needs.
How Medicinal Cannabis Can Help
Medicinal cannabis isn’t a magic cure, but for many people it can provide real relief when other treatments haven’t worked as well. Doctors in New Zealand may prescribe it for a range of health issues, including:
- Chronic pain – particularly nerve pain or conditions where standard painkillers fall short.
- Sleep problems – helping some people relax and settle into more restful sleep.
- Nausea and loss of appetite – often linked with cancer treatment or other serious illnesses.
- Neurological conditions – in some cases it may help manage muscle spasms, tremors, or seizures.
- Mental health support – while not a first-line treatment, some patients find it helps with anxiety or stress when used alongside other care.
Everyone responds differently, which is why prescriptions are personalised and carefully monitored. The important thing to know is that medicinal cannabis is now part of the toolkit New Zealand doctors can use to support their patients’ wellbeing.
Where to Start?
Once you’ve got your prescription, the next question is how to actually make it part of your routine. A little preparation up front makes all the difference.
Setting Yourself Up
Think about where you’ll use it. Do you have a private, comfortable spot? Some people prefer a consistent space to keep things relaxed and predictable. Having a dedicated spot can also make things easier. Somewhere you can keep your vaporiser, grinder, and storage jar all together so you’re not scrambling around when it’s time for your dose.
For some, that might be a bedside drawer, for others a small box in the lounge. Wherever you decide, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable and that putting everything together feels as effortless as possible.
Discretion
Not everyone wants their whole household knowing they’re using medicinal cannabis. Choosing equipment that’s compact, portable, or odour-reducing can help keep things discreet. Whatever your personal situation there are products and solutions out there to suit all needs. If discretion is important to you then you can’t look past Stashlogix.
Stashlogix was started for the sole purpose of keeping cannabis secure, fresh but most importantly, safe from little hands.
Essential Tools
A grinder, a storage solution, and a vaporiser are the basic “starter kit” items. Each plays a role in making sure your cannabis is fresh, efficient, and easy to use. The good news? You don’t need to hunt around. You’ll find all of these essentials in one place at Chill Kiwi, carefully chosen to suit beginners as well as more experienced users.
Preparation
To Grind or Not to Grind
Grinding isn’t just about making the herb easier to handle. Breaking it down increases the surface area, which means it vaporises more evenly and efficiently. The result? A smoother, more consistent experience. Not to mention saving the sticky fingers.
What Makes a Good Grinder
A good grinder should feel solid, have sharp teeth, and be easy to twist. Magnetic lids can prevent spills, while multiple chambers allow you to collect fine particles (sometimes called kief).
You’ll notice there are different “piece” numbers, like a 3 piece grinder or a 4 piece grinder. We think the 4 piece grinder is the sweet spot. It’s exactly why we offer our very own chill kiwi 4 piece grinder here.
Where to Find One
You don’t need to search far, quality grinders are available online, and Chill Kiwi stocks a wide range designed specifically for medicinal cannabis users.
Check out the Mars 4 Piece Grinder or the I-70 from Stashlogix, both available at chillkiwi.co.nz
Using Medicinal Cannabis
So How Do I Take It?
There are different ways to consume cannabis, but for health reasons vaping has quickly become the go-to. It heats the herb enough to release active compounds without actually burning it. This means no smoke, no harshness, and far fewer risks to the lungs.
Vaping Basics
Think of a vaporiser as a little oven. You load in your ground herb, set the temperature, and inhale. The effects come on quickly and you can control your dose more easily than with smoking.
Another great benefit of having a good vaporizer is the ability to control temperature. Cannabis is an incredible plant with a lot of different active compounds. These compounds vaporize at different temperatures. Being able to control the temperature means you can control the kind of effects your dose will have. For more information on vaping temperature check out this blog article
Convection and Conduction
There are two main types of vaporisers. Conduction heats the herb directly against a hot surface, while convection uses hot air passing through it.
You can think of it like the difference between a fan bake oven (convection) and water boiling in a pot (conduction)
Convection often gives a more even result, but conduction devices can be simpler and more affordable.
What to Consider
When choosing a vaporiser, think about:
- Size – pocket-sized or home-use?
- Discretion – how much do you care about smell or visibility?
- Power – rechargeable battery vs plug-in.
- Ease of use – simple controls vs more advanced settings.
Chill Kiwi has options for every style, from sleek, portable vapes to more powerful home units. A true crowd favourite that strikes a great balance between value and features is the Fenix Pro.
Storage
Why Proper Storage Matters
Cannabis needs to stay fresh, but it also needs to stay safe. Leaving it lying around risks kids, pets, or guests stumbling across it. And poorly stored herb can lose potency and flavour quickly.
How to Store Cannabis Properly
A good storage jar keeps air and moisture out. Look for airtight containers, ideally with opaque glass or UV protection to stop light degrading the herb.
If you want an all in one perfect storage solution, with a controllable environment and a humidity gauge, check out the Stashlogix Smart Jar available in multiple sizes.
Caring for Your Herb
Keep your jar in a cool, dry place. Too much heat or humidity can ruin it, while exposure to air makes it stale. With proper storage, your supply stays fresh and effective for longer.
Conclusion
Medicinal cannabis is still fairly new in New Zealand, but it’s already changing the way people manage their health and wellbeing. Regulations ensure that the products available are safe and consistent, while equipment like grinders, vaporisers, and storage jars make the whole experience smoother, safer, and more effective.
The future will likely bring even more accessible options as the industry grows and evolves. But if you’re just starting out, all you really need is the right guidance and the right gear, all in one place.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at Chill Kiwi.