Palliative care (general)
Limited, low-quality evidence across symptoms. Used as an adjunctive, symptom-directed, individualised therapy within a clinical team.
Last reviewed 15 June 2026 · Education, not medical advice
Low-quality or sparse trials; benefit is uncertain and may be outweighed by harms.
Can medicinal cannabis help with palliative care in NZ?
Limited evidence for palliative care. Limited, low-quality evidence across symptoms. Used as an adjunctive, symptom-directed, individualised therapy within a clinical team.There is no fixed list of qualifying conditions in NZ — whether it's appropriate for you is a clinical judgement for a registered doctor. This is education, not a treatment recommendation.
What the evidence says
A New Zealand-led (Wellington) systematic review (JPSM 2022, 52 studies) found benefits reported across pain, nausea, appetite, sleep and quality of life — but rated the evidence quality 'very low' or 'low', with no firm recommendations possible. In palliative and oncology settings it is used adjunctively and individually, within a supportive clinical team around the patient and whānau.
Cannabinoids studied
- THC
- Balanced THC:CBD
- CBD
Key cautions
- Low-quality evidence — avoid overstating benefit.
- THC adverse effects (sedation, dizziness, falls, cognitive impairment) are heightened in frail or elderly patients and those on opioids or benzodiazepines.
- Prescriber-led and case-by-case.
Sources
Peer-reviewed reviews, trial data and official guidance. We never fabricate figures.
What to do next
If you think medicinal cannabis might help with palliative care, the next step is a conversation with a registered New Zealand doctor, who can weigh your individual situation. Start with your own GP or a clinic that focuses on cannabis medicine. Our step-by-step pathway walks through the whole process, and our self-check can help you prepare.
This is general information, not medical advice. Only a registered New Zealand doctor can decide whether medicinal cannabis is right for you.
Reviewed for accuracy by the mc.nz editorial team against the cited sources. Last reviewed 15 June 2026.