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Cannabis in New Zealand

The use of cannabis in New Zealand is regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, which makes unauthorised possession of any amount of cannabis a crime. Cannabis is the fourth-most widely used recreational drug in New Zealand, after caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, and the most widely used illicit drug. In 2001 a household survey revealed that 13.4% of New Zealanders aged 15–64 used cannabis. This ranked as the ninth-highest cannabis consumption level in the world.[1]

From 18 December 2018, the Misuse of Drugs Act was amended, allowing for much broader use of medical marijuana, making the drug available to terminally ill patients in the last 12 months of life.[2] As of the end of 2022, dried cannabis flower is available on prescription to anyone who might benefit from it who is suffering from issues around pain, sleep or anxiety.[3]


In December 2018, the Labour-led government announced a referendum on the legality of cannabis for personal use, to be held as part of the 2020 general election.[4] This was a condition of the Green Party giving confidence and supply to the Government.[5][6][7] In 2020 the referendum was held, asking voters whether they support a new bill which would regulate sale, production and possession of cannabis in New Zealand,[8] in which the 'no' vote won, receiving 50.7% of the vote.[9][10]

leader of the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party[71]

Michael Appleby

mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer[72]

Israel Adesanya

former Prime Minister of New Zealand (1999–2008)[73][74]

Helen Clark

New Zealand youth forensic psychiatrist[75][76][77]

Dr Hinemoa Elder

founder of the Whakamana Cannabis Museum and high-profile cannabis activist and protester[16][78]

Abe Gray

founder of The Daktory former cannabis club[79]

Dakta Green

Labour Party MP and former Minister of Justice[80]

Andrew Little

Māori activist, author, and political candidate for the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party[81]

Dun Mihaka

former leader of The Opportunities Party[82]

Shai Navot

actor, director, producer, and screenwriter[83]

Sam Neill

Wellington City Councillor[84]

Tamatha Paul

community leader[85]

Diane Robertson

Mayor of Invercargill, Mayor of Waitemata City[86]

Tim Shadbolt

Green Party MP[87][88]

Chlöe Swarbrick

musician and producer[89]

Tiki Taane

Rastafarian former Green Party MP[90]

Nándor Tánczos

former female co-leader of the Green Party[91]

Metiria Turei

folk singers and activist sister comedy duo[92]

Topp Twins

Cannabis in the Cook Islands

Abel, Sally (June 1998). . Social Policy Journal of New Zealand (10).

"Cannabis in New Zealand: Policy and Prospects"

Bone, Alistair (7 June 2003). "Dope test". Listener. pp. 18–22.

– Ministry of Health

National Drug Policy

– Ministry of Social Development

Cannabis in New Zealand: Policy and Prospects

– New Zealand Police

Cannabis and the law