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Cannabis and hemp laws
New Zealand
Medical legal via prescription; recreational illegal after 2020 referendum failed (50.7% no)
Adult use
Illegal
Medical
Legal
Last reviewed
May 28, 2026
New Zealand
Cannabinoid status board
No items found.
New Zealand
Latest news and analysis
FAQ
Common questions
Is marijuana legal in New Zealand?
No, recreational cannabis is illegal in New Zealand. Medical cannabis is legal on prescription from any doctor or nurse practitioner.
Is CBD legal in New Zealand?
CBD is a prescription-only medicine in New Zealand. Since the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2017 removed CBD from controlled-drug scheduling, CBD products containing no more than 2% THC plus other specified cannabinoids relative to total CBD content can be prescribed by any registered medical practitioner.
Is hemp legal in New Zealand?
Industrial hemp cultivation, processing, and trade are legal in New Zealand under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006, administered by the Ministry of Health.
Can you travel to New Zealand with cannabis or CBD?
Import and export of medicinal cannabis requires a Ministry of Health license under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, with per-consignment permits. Commercial import and export of CBD products requires a Medsafe licence and compliance with the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme quality standard.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Seed Legality
Cannabis seed is a Class C controlled drug; hemp moves to notification-based rules in May 2026 with import licences.
Hemp seeds
Restricted
Marijuana seeds
Illegal
Sale
Illegal
Transacting
Illegal
Gifting
Illegal
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, cannabis seed is scheduled as a Class C controlled drug, so selling, buying, gifting or possessing viable seeds without authority is an offence. Industrial hemp (up to 1% THC) has been licensed under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006, which are revoked on 28 May 2026 and replaced by permission-based rules in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 requiring growers to notify NZ Police and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Importing or exporting whole viable hemp seed still requires a Ministry of Health licence even after the 2026 change.
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This section is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Seed laws change frequently — verify current law with qualified counsel before making decisions.