What is Happening with NZ Law and Cannabis?

Before 2017 the prescription and use of cannabis-based medicinal products were restricted under the Misuse of Drug regulations.

In 2017 regulations were introduced by the government to enable doctors to prescribe cannabinoid products for patients. This change was followed in 2018 by the passage of the Misuse of Drugs Act (Medicinal Cannabis) which gave terminally ill people a defence against the use of illegal cannabis products.

This legislation also required the development of regulations for a New Zealand medicinal cannabis industry and enabled the manufacture of cannabidiol products in New Zealand- this legislation became effective on April 1 this year.

On that date, the newly created Medical Cannabis Agency also became operational. Its role is to licence the cultivation, manufacture, and supply of medicinal cannabis products in New Zealand, including a scheme to ensure that medicinal cannabis products meet quality standards. The work of this Agency does not change the relationship between patients and doctors. All patients must have a prescription from a doctor registered to practice in New Zealand, before they can be supplied any medicinal cannabis product, including any CBD product. It is important to note that these regulations apply to medicinal cannabis only.

Currently, Sativex is the only medicinal cannabis product approved for distribution in New Zealand.

Sativex does not generally produce a "high" effect. The most common side effect is dizziness which can usually be managed by adjusting the dose.

No commercial licences to manufacture products have been granted in New Zealand at the time of writing this article. It could take up to 1-2 years before New Zealand companies can manufacture medicinal cannabis products to the necessary standard.

Cost can be a barrier

One barrier to the use of legal medicinal cannabis products is the high cost-Sativex, for example can cost patients $1000 or more per month. While the government has enabled the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, safe, regulated products remain too expensive for many people with chronic pain.

Learn more

See the Ministry of Health website:

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health­-and-disability-system/medicinal-cannabis-agency for information about the regulation of legal cannabis products in New Zealand.

For Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand (BPAC) advice see https://bpac.org.nz/2018/cannabinoids.aspx

Elections 2020: What is the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Referendum about?

This referendum is about the recreational use of cannabis only and is non-binding. It asks voters to say "yes" or "no" to legislation that has been drafted: Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill.

If more than 50% of people vote "Yes" in the referendum, recreational cannabis will not become legal straight away. After the election, the incoming government may introduce a Bill to Parliament that would make the recreational use of cannabis legal. This process would include the opportunity for the public to share their thoughts and ideas on how the law might work.

See https://www.referendums.govt.nz/cannabislfaq.html for more information regarding the process and the draft legislation.