COVER STORY - MEET CANNAPLUS

MEET CANNAPLUS+

The New Medicinal Cannabis Clinic Breaking Barriers to Improve Kiwis' Quality of Life.

Established in 2021 and opening their doors in Ponsonby later this month, CannaPlus+ has secured an exclusive licensing agreement with CannaWay; Canada’s largest physician-led medicinal cannabis clinic 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 helping New Zealanders to get the assistance they need, CannaPlus+ offers personalised treatment programmes, tailored by their team of specialist doctors to ensure their patients have access to the best treatment options available. CannaPlus+’s CEO, Eva Neshat, 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.

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.

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 Kiwis with safe, research-based, legal and affordable access to highest quality medicinal cannabis treatment.

“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 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+, bringing 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”, Eva Neshat – Founder & CEO, CannaPlus+.

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 the lives of everyday Kiwis.

Eva Neshat – Founder and CEO, CannaPlus+

“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,” Dr Adam adds.

CannaPlus+ aims to redefine the standards of patient care and health-based outcomes throughout New Zealand. Their comprehensive education programmes for physicians the patients alike will address the benefits and stigma surrounding medicinal cannabis.

Dr. Afraz Adam – Chief Medical Officer, CannaPlus+

INTERESTING FACTS

What makes cannabis medicinal? The cannabinoids of the plant (ie. THC and CBD) exhibit their effects on the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system regulates physiologic and pathophysiologic processes which include, but not limited to neural development, immune function, inflammation, wake/sleep cycles, pain and bone development. THC and CBD interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors which are located throughout the body and have a variety of effects, which include pain relief, anti-epileptic, anxiolytic etc.

What conditions benefit most from using cannabis? The most common conditions treated are pain syndromes, anxiety, and sleep issues.

Is there a difference between medicinal and recreational cannabis? Patients taking cannabis for medical purposes are using cannabinoids to alleviate or help control their symptoms, typically using CBD, which is the nonpsychoactive component of the plant. Recreational cannabis is usually high in THC, which leads to a euphoric feeling (ie. getting high).

Can cannabis be used with other medicines? Yes, however cannabis does interact with a variety of metabolizing enzymes and can alter the effects of medications when taken in conjunction. It is important to speak with a trained physician prior to incorporating cannabis into a treatment plan.

What is the difference between CBD and THC? 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, antinausea, 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.

“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 GPs 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,” Eva Neshat – CEO & Founder, CannaPlus+.

“For continued national and international acceptance of medical cannabis, it is also imperative to continue to research the endocannabinoid system. This is supported by CannaPlus+ and CannaWay’s aim to compile, study and analyse data to facilitate clinical trials and retrospective observational studies,” Eva Neshat – CEO & Founder, CannaPlus+.

Initially CannaPlus+ will be Auckland only based, but through their easy to use and extensive telemedicine platform they will support Kiwis around the country no matter where they are and what their needs are and have a vision to roll out an extensive clinic network across New Zealand.

CannaPlus+ Clinic opened its doors at 231 Ponsonby Road.

For more information, please visit their website www.cannaplus.co.nz Instagram: www.instagram.com/cannaplusclinic/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/CannaPlusClinic

LEADERS OF THE CRAFT SINCE 2003

Consistency is the key in times of uncertainty, and Maloney’s Barber Shop has been delivering that in spades for nearly 20 years. There's nothing like a visit to your favourite local business - maybe a bakery, café, a store, or workshop - to make you feel appreciated as a person and not treated like just a walking banknote.

Adam Gorinski has recently joined the Maloney’s team. After six years as an in-demand barber in Mount Eden, Adam’s taken the opportunity to expand his client base at this thriving barber shop. Adam is one of eight fully qualified barbers on the Maloney’s team. Along with Sue, Jim, Luke, Brad, Antonio, Curtis, and Julian - that’s over 90 years of barbering experience and banter. Susannah and Maddy look after front-of-house for a warm welcome.

We asked Adam:

What men’s haircuts are you seeing in 2022? Medium length and textured all over. Also, the loose slickback. Relaxed vibes!

What are your product picks for summer? Layrite Grooming Spray is a versatile light hold spray, good for taming flyaway hair. Uppercut Easy Hold is a great pomade for medium length hair – it smells good and washes out easily too.

Any tips for getting the right cut? Tell your barber how long it’s been since your last cut. Bring some good photos that you’ve found online and trust your barber to create the cut that’s going to work for you and your lifestyle.

How can I find you and where can I park? Maloney’s is right next door to Les Mills Auckland City. There’s plenty of street parking nearby - especially with more people working from home! Outside Glengarry in Wellesley Street is a good spot – get the AT Park app to only pay for what you use.

Working from home? You can book online at www.maloneys.co.nz. If you prefer the old school ways, call on 09 379 3060 or try your luck with a walk-in. Adam and the whole Maloney’s Barber Shop team look forward to seeing you soon.

MALONEY’S BARBER SHOP, 1/192 Victoria Street West, T: 09 379 3060, E: primecuts@maloneys.co.nz www.maloneys.co.nz

Adam Gorinski