Medicinal cannabis in New Zealand has been under considerable discussion and scrutiny over the past few years. Initially, cannabis was classified as an illegal substance in New Zealand under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. However, the perception and laws regarding cannabis, particularly for medicinal purposes, have undergone significant changes recently. In December 2018, the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Act was passed, which allows for much broader use of medicinal cannabis. This act was a progressive step, as it accepted and recognized the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Under this Act, terminally ill patients with less than 12 months to live can consume cannabis without the risk of legal repercussions. Further, in April 2020, New Zealand introduced new regulations to enhance access to medicinal cannabis products for patients. These regulations set the quality standards for medicinal cannabis products and allow for domestic cultivation and manufacture of these products. Medicinal cannabis products are typically used to manage pain and improve quality of life, especially for patients suffering from severe or terminal illnesses. However, these products must meet the quality standards set by the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme to ensure patient safety. Cannabis-based products available in New Zealand include Sativex, a mouth spray that is prescribed for multiple sclerosis, and Tilray, a product that contains both THC and CBD and is used for treating chronic pain. These products require a prescription from a doctor. Despite the legal advancements, access to medicinal cannabis in New Zealand remains a contentious issue. Many argue that the cost of these products is prohibitive for many patients and that the process to obtain a prescription is complex and time-consuming. Moreover, the issue of cannabis was a significant topic in New Zealand’s 2020 referendum. The Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill proposed the regulation and control of cannabis for recreational use. However, the majority of New Zealanders voted against the bill, indicating the lingering social stigma and concerns associated with cannabis use. In conclusion, while medicinal cannabis is legally accessible in New Zealand, there are ongoing debates around its use, cost, and accessibility. Future policies and regulations will continue to shape the landscape of medicinal cannabis in the country.

In New Zealand, medicinal cannabis is legal as a prescription-only medication ¹²³⁴. The Medicinal Cannabis Agency administers the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme and ensures medicinal cannabis products meet the minimum quality standard ¹. The scheme enables the commercial cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use and the manufacture and supply of cannabis-based ingredients, starting material, and medicinal cannabis products ¹. Activities related to the cultivation, manufacture, or supply of medicinal cannabis products must be carried out in accordance with a medicinal cannabis license issued by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency under the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 ¹. The following pages outline the types of ‘activity’ that can be carried out by the license holder and the people working under their authority ¹.

If you are interested in learning more about medicinal cannabis in New Zealand, you can visit the Ministry of Health’s website ¹.

Learn more:

1. health.govt.nz2. cannabisclinic.co.nz3. bpac.org.nz4. drugfoundation.org.nz5. cannabisclinic.co.nz