Medicinal cannabis edibles are a common term overseas, but in New Zealand, the situation is quite different. If you have heard about edibles and wondered whether they might be part of treatment options here, it is important to understand what they are, how they work, and what is currently legal under the New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Scheme.
What are edibles?
In general terms, edibles are cannabis products that are taken orally in food or drink. Internationally, this can include baked goods, lollies, or drinks that contain cannabinoids. In New Zealand, however, these forms are not approved under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. Instead, when people ask what are edibles in the local context, they are usually referring to medicinal cannabis products such as oils, capsules, or soft gels that are swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system.
These products are prescribed by a doctor and meet strict safety and quality standards set by Medsafe. They are not recreational food items but regulated medicines, designed to provide consistent dosing and to be taken as part of a treatment plan.
How long do edibles last?
Another common question is how long do edibles last. Because medicinal cannabis oils and capsules are absorbed through the digestive system, they often have a slower onset compared to inhaled products. It may take 30 minutes to 2 hours for effects to begin, depending on the person’s metabolism, diet, and individual health factors.
Once absorbed, the effects can last longer than inhaled forms. Many patients report that medicinal cannabis edibles in the form of capsules or oils may provide relief for 4 to 8 hours, though this varies widely. This slower, steadier effect is one reason why oils or capsules are often chosen for ongoing symptom management.
It is important to remember that duration and effect can be influenced by factors such as the specific product prescribed, dosage, and individual response. This is why regular follow-ups with a prescribing doctor are essential to ensure safe and effective use.
Are edibles legal in NZ?
Under current regulations, food-based cannabis edibles such as brownies, gummies, or chocolates are not permitted in New Zealand. These are considered recreational products and remain illegal.
What is legal are certain medicinal cannabis products that are taken orally, provided they meet the quality standards set out by the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. Oils, capsules, and soft gels fall into this category. These products can only be accessed through a doctor’s prescription and are dispensed by a pharmacy.
This distinction is important. While edibles are widely available in other countries, in New Zealand, only prescribed medicinal cannabis products that meet regulatory approval can be legally used.
Final thoughts
For patients wondering about edibles in New Zealand, the answer depends on context. Recreational food-style edibles are not legal here, but medicinal cannabis edibles such as oils and capsules are available through prescription. They may provide longer-lasting effects compared to inhaled forms, but how long edibles last will vary from person to person.
If you are considering whether medicinal cannabis edibles could be right for you, the best step is to book a consultation with a qualified doctor. They can guide you through the options, explain what is available under current New Zealand law, and help find an approach that suits your needs.
Learn more or book a consultation here:
References
- Ministry of Health. Information for health professionals on medicinal cannabis. https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/medicinal-cannabis/information-for-health-professionals
- Millar SA, Stone NL, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. A systematic review on the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in humans. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1365.
- Huestis MA. Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007;4(8):1770–1804.
- Vandrey R, Raber JC, Raber ME, Douglass B, Miller C, Bonn-Miller MO. Cannabinoid dose and label accuracy in edible medical cannabis products. JAMA. 2015;313(24):2491–2493.
- Ministry of Health. Cannabis and the law in New Zealand. https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/medicinal-cannabis
- MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. Eur J Intern Med. 2018;49:12–19.
Disclaimer: Medicinal cannabis and CBD oil are unapproved medicines in NZ which means that there is no conclusive evidence for their effect, apart from Sativex. Many doctors do not routinely prescribe cannabis medicines. The above article was written for general educational purposes and does not intend to suggest that medicinal cannabis can be used to treat any health condition. Please consult with your healthcare provider.