The Wire with Castor

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced a batch of legislation aimed at reducing the prevalence of vaping amongst young people. These changes include a ban on disposable vapes and increased fines for those selling vapes to underaged buyers. 

Additionally, recent changes around disability funding eligibility have been criticised by many for removing access to essential services or leisure activities. 

Wire host Castor spoke to James Meager about the new vaping legislation and the possible consequences for young people, along with the funding criteria changes and how they might affect disabled people and their carers. 

World Endometriosis Day is coming up this week on the 28th of March. 

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing severe pain in the pelvis. 

Endometriosis is hard to diagnose and there is currently no cure. 

However, international studies have shown that CBD oil is a promising natural treatment for endometriosis pain relief. 

Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to the CEO of the Green Leaf Group and Co-founder of the Cannabis Clinic, Dr. Waseem Alzaher, about the effectiveness of existing treatments and the use of cannabis to relieve pain.

For Dear Science this week, Doctor Cushla McGoverin spoke to Wire host Castor about newly identified marine species, preservation of brain tissue, and genetically modified cow’s milk. 

Castor also spoke to the National Party’s James Meager about the proposed vaping legislation and the changes to disability funding eligibility. 

He also spoke to the University of Otago’s Professor Michael Baker about long COVID and its implications. 

Producer Sofia spoke to the Co-founder of the Cannabis Clinic, Dr. Waseem Alzaher, about endometriosis treatments and using cannabis as pain relief in light of World Endometriosis Day this week. 

She also spoke to Labour Party MP and Spokesperson for Disability Issues, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, about the Whaikaha, Ministry for Disabled People, funding changes and the implications they will have for disabled communities and whānau. 

Research from the University of Auckland highlights a rise in the prescription and use of opioids in New Zealand, particularly among post-surgery and older adult patients.

Producer Ezra spoke to Pharmacy Lecturer Dr Jay Gong, and Clinical Pharmacist, Hoda Fahmy, from the University of Auckland, about the research and its implications on older adult and post-surgery patients.