Access
Prescription only
A health professional assesses suitability
Legal guide · New Zealand edition
Medicinal cannabis in New Zealand
Medicinal cannabis products are legally available on prescription in New Zealand. The national scheme regulates product quality, prescribing, supply and licensed industry activities.
Scheme start
1 April 2020
Medicinal Cannabis Scheme
Products
Quality requirements
Regulatory standards apply
Home cultivation
Not authorised
A prescription is not a grow licence
How legal access works
Medicinal cannabis is available only on prescription. The prescriber considers the patient, other medicines, potential benefits and risks, and applicable product rules.
Product regulation
The scheme includes minimum quality standards and separate rules for CBD products and other controlled-drug products. Meeting a quality standard is not the same as approval of efficacy for every condition.
Commercial cultivation is licensed
The scheme can license cultivation, manufacture and supply for medicinal purposes. It does not authorise patients or consumers to grow cannabis at home.
More on New Zealand cannabis law
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