Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Changes in New Zealand
New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis regulatory framework can change as legislation, licensing requirements and Ministry of Health guidance are updated.
This page highlights important regulatory developments that may affect medicinal cannabis businesses, licence holders and organisations operating in the sector.
Latest Regulatory Update — 2026
Effective 28 May 2026
The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2026 changed aspects of the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme relating primarily to hemp and cultivation activities.
Key changes include:
- Hemp is generally excluded from the medicinal cannabis licensing regime.
- The regulations clarify how hemp can be procured as part of an authorised cultivation activity.
- References to the former Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006 were removed following their revocation.
- Certain activities permitted under the general Misuse of Drugs Regulations no longer require a separate Medicinal Cannabis Licence.
Businesses should check how these changes apply to their particular activities before relying on an existing licence or applying for a new one.
What Businesses Should Monitor
Medicinal cannabis organisations should keep up to date with changes affecting:
- Medicinal Cannabis Licences
- Cultivation and seed supply
- Manufacturing and processing
- Minimum quality standards
- Laboratory testing
- Import and export requirements
- Supply of medicinal cannabis products
- Record-keeping and security requirements
- Medicines regulation and Medsafe requirements
Current Regulatory Framework
The principal rules for the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme remain contained in the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019, as amended.
These regulations cover areas including minimum quality standards, licence activities, security, inspections, record keeping, supply and regulatory compliance.
Previous Major Changes — 2024
Changes that took effect on 5 July 2024 included updates to:
- Export settings
- Medicinal cannabis starting material and products
- CBD ingredients and products
- Cannabis seed exports
- Licensing and seed supply activities
- Minimum quality standards
- Laboratory and testing requirements
- Pesticide requirements
The Ministry of Health provides detailed guidance explaining these changes.
Official Regulatory Resources
Medicinal Cannabis Scheme Guidelines & Forms
Ministry of Health — Medicinal Cannabis Scheme
Current Medicinal Cannabis Regulations
New Zealand Legislation — Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019
2026 Amendment Regulations
New Zealand Legislation — Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2026
2026 Cabinet Material
Ministry of Health — Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations 2026
Important
This information is provided as a general industry guide only and is not legal or regulatory advice. Regulations and Ministry guidance may change. Businesses and licence holders should confirm current requirements directly with the New Zealand Ministry of Health, Medicinal Cannabis Agency and New Zealand Legislation.
