Is recreational cannabis legal in New Zealand?
No. Possession, cultivation and supply remain controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. Police must consider whether prosecution is in the public interest for personal possession and use.
Legal guide · New Zealand edition
Is cannabis legal in New Zealand? The complete guide
Recreational cannabis remains illegal nationwide, medicinal cannabis is available by prescription, and import and cultivation are separately controlled. Choose a topic for the national position and current official starting points.
Aotearoa New Zealand
One national framework, four essential topics.
The same national law applies from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Start with the topic that matches your question.
- Legal regulated access
- Reform history
- Illegal or controlled
National topic guides
Choose a legal topic
Illegal nationwide
Recreational cannabis
The Misuse of Drugs Act applies nationwide, with a public-interest test for personal-use prosecution. Read the full picture Proposal not carriedThe 2020 referendum
The proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill did not receive majority support. Read the full picture Legal by prescriptionMedicinal cannabis
Prescription access and a licensed domestic industry operate under the national scheme. Read the full picture Controlled importSeeds and import controls
Drug-control and biosecurity requirements can both apply to cannabis seed. Read the full pictureHow the national picture developed
The milestones that shaped today’s New Zealand framework.
- 1975 Misuse of Drugs ActThe national framework classifies and controls cannabis-related possession, cultivation, import and supply.
- 2018 Medicinal cannabis legislation changesParliament provides for the medicinal scheme and a statutory defence for qualifying palliative patients.
- 2019 Public-interest prosecution testLegislation expressly directs consideration of health-centred alternatives for personal possession and use.
- 2020 Referendum and medicinal schemeThe legalisation referendum is not carried; the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme commences the same year.
- Today Regulated medicinal access, no recreational marketPrescription products and licensed industry operate under national rules while recreational cultivation and supply remain offences.
Frequently asked questions
Did the 2020 referendum legalise cannabis?
No. The proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill was not supported by a majority and did not become law.
Can medicinal cannabis be prescribed?
Yes. Medicinal cannabis products are available only on prescription, with product and prescriber requirements set by the national scheme.
Can a patient grow cannabis at home?
A prescription does not create a personal cultivation right. Cultivation requires the authority and licences specified by the legislation.
Can cannabis seeds be imported as ordinary seeds?
Do not assume so. Controlled-drug import requirements and MPI biosecurity requirements may both apply, and consumer import of medicinal cannabis is restricted.
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