Medicinal Cannabis

In 2017, the Government introduced legislation to develop a medicinal cannabis industry in New Zealand and make products more accessible. Regulations to support that Bill came into force on 1 April 2020.

Under the new scheme, cannabis-based medicines can be prescribed by a doctor. It will be easier to produce medicines in New Zealand, and to import them. Over time, this should enable more patients to access products. Information on the scheme for doctors and patients is available on the Ministry of Health website.

Although the new regulations are now in force, it will take some time to license companies to make products here, and to assess imported products to ensure they reach quality standards. It may take months, or longer, before patients notice any change in access.

In fact, patient advocates are concerned the new scheme may not be fully operational for a number of years, which is too long for those who are seriously ill. There’s a good chance that medicinal cannabis will continue to be costly, and there will be no government subsidies to help patients afford products. Advocates say most GPs have no training in how to prescribe cannabis-based medicines, which means some patients will find it difficult to get a prescription.

These are a few of the reasons the New Zealand Drug Foundation is promoting a yes vote at this year’s cannabis referendum. Legal control of cannabis would mean easier access for people who use cannabis products for a wide range of reasons, and will make them more affordable.

Find out more about the referendum and why we're backing a yes vote.