Medicinal Cannabis Licensing in New Zealand
Businesses intending to cultivate, research, manufacture-related process, or supply medicinal cannabis in New Zealand may require a Medicinal Cannabis Licence issued by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency, Ministry of Health.
Licence Activities
A Medicinal Cannabis Licence can authorise one or more activities:
- Cultivation – growing cannabis for medicinal cannabis purposes
- Seed Supply – importing, purchasing and supplying cannabis seed as authorised
- Research – certain clinical trials or studies involving medicinal cannabis products
- Possession for Manufacture – processing, extraction, laboratory testing, product development and related manufacturing activities
- Supply – supplying or exporting medicinal cannabis starting material, ingredients or products
The activities required depend on what your business intends to do.
How to Apply
- Choose your licence activities
Determine which activities your business requires. - Secure a suitable location
Licence activities are linked to specific locations. The Ministry states that a suitable location must be secured before applying. - Prepare your facilities and security
Appropriate security arrangements must be in place to minimise the risk of cannabis or medicinal cannabis products being diverted to the illicit market. - Complete the application forms
Complete Section A for applicant/company information plus the relevant activity sections. - Submit the application and supporting documents
Follow the current submission instructions provided by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency. - Pay the application fees
The Agency invoices applicants for an initial application check and then the applicable assessment fees. - Site inspection
Locations may be inspected after the desktop assessment. A licence cannot be issued until required inspections have been completed.
Application Fees
Current Ministry of Health fees include:
| Application | Fee (NZD, incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| Initial application check | $345 |
| Medicinal Cannabis Licence | $2,587.50 |
| Cultivation – per location | $5,462.50 |
| Seed Supply – per location | $747.50 |
| Research | No additional fee |
| Possession for Manufacture – per location | $3,105 |
| Supply – per location | $6,382.50 |
Fees are cumulative depending on the activities and number of locations included in the application. For example, a basic new licence with one cultivation location would currently involve $345 + $2,587.50 + $5,462.50 = $8,395, subject to any other required licences or costs. Application fees are non-refundable if an application is declined.
How Long Does It Take?
There isn’t a simple guaranteed processing time published on the Ministry application page, so I would not put “30 days” or another made-up timeframe on your site.
The process includes an initial check, detailed assessment and potentially location inspections. The Ministry says inspections are arranged at least one month in advance after the desktop assessment has been completed.
I suggest displaying:
Processing time: Varies depending on the application, activities, locations, completeness of documentation and inspection requirements.
Who Can Apply?
For an individual applicant, key requirements include being 18 or older and living in New Zealand. For companies, the body corporate must be incorporated in New Zealand, and directors must meet applicable eligibility requirements. Other suitability and conviction requirements also apply.
Other Licences May Be Required
A Medicinal Cannabis Licence may not be the only regulatory approval required. For example, manufacturing medicines may require a separate Licence to Manufacture Medicines, and exports may require additional controlled-drug permissions. These can involve separate applications and fees.
Official Resources
I would make these green clickable buttons/links on your page:
Apply for a Medicinal Cannabis Licence
Ministry of Health — Applying for a Licence
Current Application Fees
Ministry of Health — Application Fees
Licence Activities
Ministry of Health — Licence Activities
Application Forms & Guidelines
Ministry of Health — Guidelines and Forms
Current Medicinal Cannabis Licence Holders
Ministry of Health — Current Licence Holders
Important
This information is provided as a general guide only. Licensing requirements, fees and regulatory guidance may change. Always confirm current requirements directly with the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Medicinal Cannabis Agency before applying.
