Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal (Medical) | 2020 (Medicinal Cannabis Scheme) | No (referendum failed 2020) | Any doctor (specialist or GP) | NZD $100-$400/month |
How to Get Medical Cannabis in New Zealand
- Visit your doctor — any GP or specialist can prescribe under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme
- Doctor assesses your condition and prescribes an appropriate product
- Prescription filled at a pharmacy
- Licensed manufacturers in New Zealand produce medical cannabis products
- Regular follow-up appointments recommended
Qualifying Conditions
- Any condition at the doctor's clinical discretion
- Common: chronic pain, MS, epilepsy, cancer, PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, palliative care
Cost & Clinics
New Zealand's Medicinal Cannabis Scheme launched in 2020, allowing any doctor to prescribe for any condition they judge appropriate. New Zealand has licensed several domestic producers. An adult-use referendum was held in 2020 but narrowly failed (50.7% No). The medical market has grown significantly since the scheme's launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical cannabis legal in New Zealand?
Yes — since 2020 (Medicinal Cannabis Scheme). Any GP or specialist can prescribe for any condition they judge appropriate.
Can my GP prescribe medical cannabis in New Zealand?
Yes — any registered doctor in New Zealand can prescribe under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. No specialist referral is required.
Did New Zealand legalise adult-use cannabis?
No — a 2020 referendum on adult-use legalisation narrowly failed (50.7% voted No). Adult-use is not legal. Medical access only.
How much does medical cannabis cost in New Zealand?
Approximately NZD $100–$400 per month. Costs are not covered by PHARMAC (the government medicines funding body) for most conditions.