New Zealand: Cannabis Laws
Last updated: October 14, 2025
Legal notice: This page is informational only and not legal or medical advice. New Zealand law changes over time--always verify on official websites linked below and follow the strictest rule that applies to you. See our Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty.
Overview
- Recreational use: Illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
- Medicinal use: Legal by prescription through the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, administered by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency (Ministry of Health). Products must meet minimum quality standards.
- Supply/dealing: Criminal offences persist under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- Driving: Drug-impaired driving is illegal--do not drive while impaired.
For safe behavior and impairment guidance, see the Responsible Use Guide. For our verification process, see How We Fact-Check and Editorial Standards.
Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (At a Glance)
- Access: Prescription from a registered doctor.
- Products: Must comply with minimum quality standard before supply.
- Industry: Licensing and compliance requirements for cultivation, manufacture, and import.
What You Should Not Do
- Don't assume non-prescribed products are lawful.
- Don't transport cannabis across borders (including to/from Australia or the Pacific).
- Don't drive while impaired.
Verify on Official Sources
- Primary statute: Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 (see Sources).
- Medicinal program: Ministry of Health - Medicinal Cannabis (see Sources).
- Enforcement context: NZ Police penalties overview (see Sources).
Keep Current
- Track notable changes on our Research Updates page.
- See Cannabis Laws by Country & Region to compare jurisdictions.