NZMCC Chair Carmen Doran is focused on building a sustainable, credible cannabis sector that serves patients at home and around the world.
What drew you to the medical cannabis sector?
I come from a biomedical engineering background, and I was initially drawn in by the science, particularly the endocannabinoid system and its role in maintaining balance in the body. What’s kept me engaged is seeing the real-world impact it can have for patients, especially where other treatment options fall short.
NZMCC talks about complementary strengths. What is your strong suit?
My strong suit is connecting the dots, bringing together different perspectives and aligning them into a clear, workable path forward. I focus on governance, strategy, and making sure we deliver on what we say we will.
I lean on the depth of expertise within the group, particularly in clinical practice and the science underpinning the sector. That complementary mix is what allows NZMCC to be effective.
What is the “North Star”? What vision and values does the Board share?
The North Star is delivering for patients and the industry, building a sustainable, credible New Zealand sector that serves patients at home and around the world.
What is the biggest opportunity – or challenge – facing the industry right now?
The biggest opportunity is getting medical cannabis into everyday clinical practice.
The challenge is that many prescribers are still unsure, and patients can find it hard to access or afford. Closing that gap, through better guidance, education, and practical support, is where the real opportunity sits.
What does meaningful progress look like in the next 12 months, and what are you personally focused on?
Meaningful progress looks like more patients accessing treatment, more prescribers feeling confident to engage, and a stronger, more sustainable local industry with pathways to export.
My focus is on helping to create that alignment across the sector, particularly by advancing prescriber guidance, supporting regulatory clarity, and ensuring we work together in a way that keeps patients at the centre.