Who is Eligible for Medicinal Cannabis in New Zealand?
Education
Aug 22
Medicinal cannabis refers specifically to cannabis-based products that are legally prescribed by healthcare professionals for medical reasons. It's regulated carefully in New Zealand to ensure safety and compliance with laws.
Conversations about medicinal cannabis in New Zealand often come with a mix of curiosity and caution. As regulations continue to evolve, many people are unsure about who might qualify for treatment with medicinal cannabis and how the process works. This guide breaks down the key points, offering a general overview of eligibility.
Any doctor with a current practicing certificate from the Medical Council of New Zealand can prescribe medicinal cannabis. This includes GPs and specialists across both public and private sectors.
Prescription of medicinal cannabis must follow the legal requirements set out in the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 and the Medicines Act 1981. A special license is not needed, but doctors must apply sound clinical judgement and consider whether the treatment is appropriate for the patient’s condition or medical needs.
Most medicinal cannabis products in New Zealand are ‘unapproved medicines’, meaning they have not been approved for medical use by Medsafe. When considering the prescription of unapproved medicines, doctors are legally required to inform patients about the product’s unapproved status, explain known risks and benefits and obtain documented consent. Patients must also be advised (and should be aware) that information about the supply of an unapproved medicine will be kept by prescriber, and supplied to the Ministry of Health.
Prescriptions must meet all regulatory conditions. Pharmacists cannot offer brand substitutions for unapproved medicines and must dispense the exact item prescribed.
Ultimately, prescribing any medicine is at the doctor's discretion and based on their professional and ethical judgement. Anyone with questions about medicinal cannabis should speak directly with their regular healthcare provider.
In New Zealand, eligibility for medicinal cannabis is determined by a registered doctor, not a pre-approved list of conditions. It is typically considered when conventional treatments have been unsuccessful or have caused significant side effects.
A doctor will conduct a careful clinical assessment of your health and treatment history to make a prescribing decision. Medicinal cannabis may be considered for a range of symptoms, including those associated with:
A doctor's decision must comply with professional and legal standards, which require careful consideration of risks and benefits. The suitability of medicinal cannabis is ultimately a clinical decision based on your individual needs.
Book an appointment with your doctor to discuss medicinal cannabis. Your doctor will assess your medical history and other treatments you've tried to determine if it is suitable for you.
If your doctor decides to prescribe, they will issue a legal prescription. For products that meet New Zealand's quality standards, no additional approval is required.
With a valid prescription, you can obtain your medicinal cannabis from a licensed pharmacy. The pharmacist will dispense the exact product prescribed and provide instructions on its safe use and potential side effects.
Medicinal cannabis became legal in New Zealand under specific regulations through the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Act 2018. However, recreational cannabis remains illegal. Always ensure compliance with the law and regularly check official Ministry of Health guidelines for updates.
Medicinal cannabis, like any medicine, can cause side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, or changes in appetite. You must discuss any potential side effects with your doctor before starting treatment.
Using medicinal cannabis can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. New Zealand law strictly prohibits driving while impaired by any substance, including legally prescribed medicinal cannabis. Your doctor can provide guidance on managing these risks. Patients should be aware that while a valid prescription may provide a legal defense against penalties if they test positive for THC, this only applies if they are not impaired at the time of driving.
If you travel, you must carry your medicinal cannabis in its original, pharmacy-labelled container, along with a copy of your prescription. For domestic travel, this documentation proves lawful possession. For overseas travel, laws vary dramatically, and many countries have a zero-tolerance policy. It is your sole responsibility to check the specific laws of your destination and any transit countries by contacting their embassy or consulate well in advance.
Yes, medicinal cannabis is legal in New Zealand when prescribed by a registered doctor and obtained from a licensed pharmacy.
There is no official list of qualifying conditions. A doctor can consider prescribing it for any condition where they believe it could be a suitable treatment.
You should book a consultation with a registered doctor. They will review your medical history and determine if medicinal cannabis is a suitable treatment for you. If it is, they will issue a prescription directly.
Medicinal cannabis products can be purchased from licensed pharmacies throughout New Zealand, but only with a valid prescription from a doctor.
Take the test and discover if you're eligible. We do the rest.
Take the next step
