Is Weed Legal in New Zealand?

Recreational cannabis is illegal in New Zealand. The 2020 binding referendum on the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill failed with 50.7% voting against legalisation, and the National-led coalition government formed in late 2023 has signalled no appetite for revisiting recreational reform through 2026. Cannabis remains a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, with personal possession of any amount carrying a maximum penalty of 3 months imprisonment or a NZD 500 fine. Supply, dealing, or possession of more than 28 grams (or 100 cigarettes) triggers a presumption of supply, carrying up to 8 years imprisonment.

The Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2019 codified police discretion, requiring officers to consider whether a health-based or therapeutic approach would be more beneficial than prosecution for personal-use possession. This has reduced low-level convictions but did not decriminalise the conduct. The Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, operational since 1 April 2020, allows any registered doctor to prescribe Medsafe-approved or unapproved cannabis-based products without needing Ministerial approval, with products supplied through licensed pharmacies. As of 2026, dozens of products meeting the minimum quality standard are available, though most remain unfunded by Pharmac.