Rua’s Compassionate Access medicinal cannabis programme available to more people

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

More people here can get free access to medicinal cannabis after Rua Bioscience chief executive Paul Naske yesterday announced the expansion of the company’s Compassionate Access Programme.

The programme has been in place for two years, offering fully subsidised medicinal cannabis products to Tairāwhiti patients unable to afford them.

“This year Rua has increased its support from 30 to 37 patients a month, thanks to co-funding from Trust Tairāwhiti and other organisations,” Mr Naske said.

“Rua is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the community.

“Our kaupapa, since the day we were founded here in Ruatōrea, has been to help improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Te Tairāwhiti through innovative healthcare solutions.

“The Compassionate Access Programme is a key part of this mission, ensuring that those in need have access to vital medications.”

Mr Naske also announced that Rua was developing the programme’s scope, scale and reach to include local palliative care patients.

“Rua is working on further additions to the programme to cater specifically to palliative care patients in Ruatōrea and the surrounding areas on the East Coast.

“This new initiative aims to provide fully subsidised, specialised support and care to people in their final stages of life.”

To find out more information about the programme, go online to ruabio.com/compassionate-access-programme