Medicinal Cannabis in New Zealand

Introduction

Medicinal cannabis refers to cannabis-based products prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat specific medical conditions. It contains active compounds called cannabinoids, primarily CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to provide therapeutic effects.

Medicinal cannabis is used globally to help manage chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, nausea from chemotherapy, anxiety, and other health conditions. In New Zealand, medicinal cannabis has been legal with a prescription since 2017, and regulatory changes have since expanded patient access.

The Situation in New Zealand

New Zealand's medicinal cannabis framework is governed by the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, which came into effect on April 1, 2020. This scheme aims to improve access to high-quality, locally and internationally produced medicinal cannabis products. However, medicinal cannabis remains tightly regulated, and only prescription-based access is permitted.

Unlike some countries, New Zealand has not legalized recreational cannabis. A referendum in 2020 saw a narrow majority vote against legalizing adult-use cannabis, but medicinal use continues to be supported and regulated under government oversight.

Who Can Access Medicinal Cannabis in New Zealand?

Medicinal cannabis is not limited to specific conditions—any New Zealand patient with a doctor’s prescription can legally access it. However, doctors are more likely to prescribe it for conditions such as:

• Chronic pain (e.g., arthritis, fibromyalgia)
• Multiple sclerosis (for muscle spasticity)
• Epilepsy (particularly drug-resistant epilepsy)
• Cancer-related symptoms (e.g., nausea, pain, appetite loss)
• Palliative care (for symptom relief in terminal illnesses)
• Anxiety and PTSD (in cases where other treatments are ineffective)

While any doctor in New Zealand can prescribe medicinal cannabis, many remain cautious, so some patients seek specialists or cannabis-prescribing clinics for access.

How to Apply for Medicinal Cannabis

Patients seeking medicinal cannabis must follow these steps:

1. Consult a GP or Specialist – Discuss symptoms and determine if medicinal cannabis is appropriate.
2. Prescription Approval – If deemed suitable, the doctor prescribes a specific product.
3. Pharmacy Dispensing – Patients fill their prescription at a licensed pharmacy that stocks medicinal cannabis.

Unlike in some countries, patients cannot apply for medicinal cannabis themselves—a doctor’s prescription is always required.

What Products Are Available?

New Zealand permits a range of medicinal cannabis products, but they must meet strict quality standards set by the Ministry of Health. Available products include:

• CBD Oil – Non-psychoactive, commonly used for anxiety, pain, and epilepsy.
• THC & CBD Blends – May help with pain, sleep, and nausea but can have psychoactive effects.
• Dried Cannabis Flower – Available for vaping but strictly for medicinal use.
• Capsules & Tinctures – Controlled doses for easier administration.
• Topicals & Balms – Used for localized pain relief.

Smoking cannabis remains illegal, even for medicinal users, and edibles are not yet approved under current regulations.

Where Can Medicinal Cannabis Be Purchased?

Medicinal cannabis is only available through licensed pharmacies in New Zealand. Patients cannot buy it from dispensaries, head shops, or online stores—it must come from a legal pharmacy with a valid prescription.

New Zealand has also begun local cultivation and production of medicinal cannabis. Companies like Hikurangi Cannabis (Rua Bioscience), Helius Therapeutics, and Cannasouth are developing domestically grown products to reduce costs and improve accessibility for patients.

Final Thoughts

Medicinal cannabis in New Zealand is legal but remains strictly regulated. While it offers relief for many patients, access requires a doctor’s prescription, and the range of available products is still evolving. As local production expands, medicinal cannabis may become more affordable and widely accessible in the future.