CBD Oil, Medicinal Cannabis in NZ
Is CBD Oil Legal in NZ? Is Medicinal Weed Legal in NZ? Can I Import It?
We often receive important questions about the legality of CBD oil and medicinal cannabis, such as “Is CBD legal in New Zealand?” or “Is cannabis legal in New Zealand?” The simple answer is YES—both CBD oil and medicinal cannabis are legal in New Zealand. You are also allowed to travel around New Zealand with your CBD oil. However, it is now illegal to personally import any medicinal cannabis products into New Zealand.
Let’s explore these legal details further below.
As you can see, despite being legal, there are restrictions around what you can and can’t do. Let’s dive into these scenarios in more detail below.
Is CBD oil legal in New Zealand?
Yes, CBD oil is legal in NZ as a prescription medication and is available for you to purchase through your local pharmacy with a script or from our partner pharmacy. To obtain a prescription, you can consult with a Cannabis Clinic doctor or your own GP.
Patients have been prescribed CBD oil in New Zealand since late 2017. Unfortunately, there are still barriers to access for many Kiwis. Patients will often tell us that their GP has refused to prescribe. This is mainly due to many GPs having little experience and/or confidence in prescribing, but it also reflects opinions about CBD oil as not being a genuine medication.
Do I need a prescription for CBD oil in New Zealand?
The legal pathway to get CBD oil in New Zealand is through a prescription by a registered health professional, which includes your general practitioner or any doctor working in a cannabis clinic. This prescription will outline the exact product that must be dispensed, promoting the uniformity and safety of treatments.
However, although it was legal, some GPs would shy away from prescribing it due to lacking knowledge or confidence in its effectiveness. Patients often find it beneficial to talk to doctors who have experience in the medicinal use of cannabis, like the doctors at the Cannabis Clinic, so that appropriate advice and support can be given.
Is medicinal cannabis legal in New Zealand?
It is important to know that medicinal ‘weed’ and medicinal cannabis are interchangeable terms and refer to both CBD and THC (the psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant) products. Therefore, medicinal cannabis or ‘weed’ is legal in New Zealand but only with a doctor’s prescription. Buying cannabis without a prescription is still illegal in New Zealand and can result in criminal charges.
Is THC oil legal in New Zealand?
Yes. Since the launch of the new medicinal cannabis regulations in 2019, THC oil is legal to be prescribed by any registered doctor in New Zealand.
In our experience, THC is just as important as CBD in potentially helping treat the symptoms of some chronic health conditions.
THC is the part of the cannabis plant that is responsible for feeling an altered sense of reality, also known as getting “high”, but when used medicinally, the goal of the treatment is to achieve the best positive outcome at the lowest dose possible. Consequently, if used according to the prescription, you will not experience a high.
THC oil doses are started low for our patients and the increased slowly, and the THC oil is taken by mouth (orally) as opposed to vaped. The difference between using THC for medical vs. recreational use is the difference between night and day.
Is it legal to import CBD oil into New Zealand?
No. It is illegal to personally import CBD oil into NZ since the 1st of April 2020.
The reason for this is that there are many CBD products available internationally which make various unproven claims. When using a plant-based medicine, it is important that you are using a high-quality product that benefits your health and not harms it in any way.
While you still may occasionally hear stories of people buying CBD oil online, we have seen many of these shipments get stopped and destroyed by customs officials.
Can I travel with CBD oil in New Zealand?
Yes, when you are travelling in New Zealand, you may bring your CBD oil and medicinal cannabis products with you. This applies to any medicine. However, how much you are allowed to travel with depends on what you have been prescribed.
For CBD-based products, you are allowed 3-month supply. For products with THC, you are only allowed a 1-month supply.
It is important to make sure you follow the following points when travelling:
- The product has been prescribed to you by a doctor
- You have a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the product. Our team at the Cannabis Clinic can provide you with letters to support your prescription.
- You declare the product on your passenger arrival card
- You carry the product in its original container
It is important to know that medicinal weed and medicinal cannabis are interchangeable terms and refer to both CBD oil and THC oil (the psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant).
Therefore, medicinal weed is legal in NZ but only with a doctor’s prescription. Buying marijuana or weed online is still illegal.
Cannabis Clinic, Auckland
Is THC Oil Legal in NZ?
Yes. Since the launch of the new medicinal cannabis regulations in 2019, THC oil is legal to be prescribed by any registered doctor in New Zealand.
Sometimes THC is just as important as cbd when treating chronic health conditions
Although THC oil is legal when prescribed by a doctor, the options are currently limited in terms of product choices. Despite this, many of our patients are seeing positive health benefits using legal THC.
Is hemp oil legal in New Zealand?
Hemp Oil in New Zealand: Legal Status and Uses
Hemp oil has gained popularity in New Zealand in recent years, appearing on supermarket shelves alongside other cooking oils. Hemp oil is legal in New Zealand and can be purchased without a prescription. The Ministry for Primary Industries approved hemp seeds for food use in 2018, which includes hemp seed oil. It is now readily available in most supermarkets and health food stores across the country.
Hemp oil is a legal and nutritious product available in New Zealand. While it comes from the hemp plant, it should not be confused with CBD oil or other medicinal cannabis products. Hemp oil offers potential nutritional benefits and can be a healthy addition to one’s diet.
Understanding Hemp Oil
It’s important to distinguish between different hemp-derived products. Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is pressed from hemp seeds. Hemp oil contains minimal amounts of cannabinoids and is primarily used for its nutritional properties. In contrast, CBD oil is extracted from hemp flowers and leaves. It contains significant amounts of cannabidiol (CBD) and is regulated as a medicinal product in New Zealand, requiring a prescription. This distinction is crucial, as the two products have different legal statuses and uses.
Nutritional Properties
Hemp oil is valued for its nutritional profile, particularly its fatty acid content. It is rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. These nutrients are important for various bodily functions but cannot be produced by the body itself. The balanced ratio of these fatty acids in hemp oil is considered beneficial for overall health.
Uses of Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is primarily used in culinary applications. To preserve its nutritional benefits, it is best used in cold preparations. It can be an excellent addition to salad dressings, used as a drizzle for finished dishes, or incorporated into cold sauces. The oil imparts a subtle nutty flavour to foods, enhancing their taste profile. It’s a good idea to avoid using hemp oil for high-heat cooking, as this can degrade its nutritional properties. Instead, reserve it for low-temperature cooking or as a finishing oil to maximize its benefits.
Common misconceptions about CBD legality in NZ
Misconception 1: Anyone can freely import CBD oil into New Zealand
Reality: Personal importation of CBD oil into New Zealand is illegal without proper authorisation. Unauthorised shipments are typically confiscated by customs officials.
- CBD is classified as a prescription medicine in New Zealand.
- Only licensed medical practitioners can prescribe CBD products.
- Patients must obtain a prescription and purchase CBD through legal channels, such as registered pharmacies or licensed cannabis clinics.
Misconception 2: Hemp oil and CBD oil are the same
Reality: While both hemp oil and CBD oil come from the Cannabis sativa plant, they have different compositions and uses:
Hemp Oil
- Derived from hemp seeds
- Contains little to no CBD or other cannabinoids
- Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Used primarily as a dietary supplement or in cosmetics
CBD Oil
- Extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant
- Contains significant amounts of CBD and potentially other cannabinoids
- Used for its potential therapeutic effects
- Regulated as a prescription medicine in New Zealand
Where can I buy CBD oil in New Zealand?
Now that you know that CBD is legal in New Zealand, you may be wondering where to buy it. You can purchase CBD oil from your local pharmacy with a script from your doctor. Just remember that you will be limited to the specific product on that prescription only.
Is CBD oil legal for pets in New Zealand?
CBD and Hemp Products for Pets in NZ: Regulatory Overview
Recent guidance from the MPI’s regarding agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines (ACVM Alert Notification 22-001) outlines regulations for CBD oil and hemp products intended for pets.
Key Points:
- All hemp and CBD products for pets must be registered under the ACVM Act.
- Using human hemp/CBD products on pets without veterinary oversight is illegal.
- Veterinarians can prescribe hemp/CBD products for pets under their care.
- Regulations apply to feeds, treats, and non-food items like shampoos.
These rules apply to all agricultural compounds containing hemp and hemp-derived substances, including THC-free products. Pet owners cannot use human hemp or CBD products on pets without veterinary authorisation.
Veterinarians can prescribe human hemp or CBD products for pets under their direct care if there’s a therapeutic need.
For unavailable products, vets can request MPI approval to import specific items. While interest in these products is growing, New Zealand’s regulations remain cautious. Pet owners should consult veterinarians before considering hemp or CBD products for their animals.
As the conversation around CBD oil for pets continues, it’s possible that regulations may change. Pet owners and veterinarians alike are watching closely for updates that could impact the availability and use of CBD oil for animals in New Zealand.
For the most current information, always refer to official sources such as the MPI website or consult with the New Zealand Veterinary Association. Cannabis Clinic does not prescribe CBD for pets.
Considerations for Pet Owners
If you’re considering CBD oil for your pet, keep the following in mind:
- Consult with a licensed veterinarian about legal and safe alternatives.
- Stay informed about the latest MPI guidelines and regulations.
- Be cautious of unregulated products that may pose risks to your pet’s health.
Can I legally grow my own cannabis for medical use in New Zealand?
As of 2024, it is not legal for individuals to grow their own cannabis for medical use in New Zealand. The Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, which came into effect in April 2020, provides a framework for the production and distribution of medicinal cannabis products. However, this scheme does not allow for personal cultivation. Growing cannabis for personal use, even if intended for medical purposes, remains illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Conclusion
- CBD oil and medicinal cannabis are legal with a prescription
- Personal importation of these products is prohibited
- Patients can travel within New Zealand with their prescribed products
- Hemp oil is legal without prescription but lacks the medicinal properties of CBD oil
- Growing cannabis for personal medical use remains illegal
The legal landscape for CBD oil and medicinal cannabis in New Zealand has evolved significantly in recent years. As of 2024, both CBD oil and medicinal cannabis are legal in New Zealand, but only with a valid prescription from a registered healthcare professional. This development marks a positive step towards improving access to alternative treatments for patients with various health conditions.
Whilst these regulations have opened doors for many patients, challenges persist. Some general practitioners may still be hesitant to prescribe due to lack of experience or confidence in these treatments. As research continues and societal attitudes evolve, it’s possible that regulations may further adapt to improve patient access and broaden treatment options.
For the most up-to-date information on medicinal cannabis regulations in New Zealand, always consult official sources such as the Ministry of Health or speak with one of our healthcare professional experienced in medicinal cannabis.
I am ready to book my consultationRelated Posts:
Dr. Waseem Alzaher
MBChB (Otago), BSc (Auckland) - As our tele-medicine doctor and author, Dr. Waseem keeps busy educating both patients and doctors about medicinal cannabis. He also consults with people from all over New Zealand, offering a listening ear and giving the most relevant advice.
I have lived with pulmonary sarcoidosis for 30+ years, arthritis for about 10, quite severe in my hands and neck which gives me headaches which can morph into migraines. I also have Graves’ disease. I take Gabapentin for pain, which I am weaning off for Amytriptyline, Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate for the sarcoidosis, Carbimazole Graves, Celecobix, Panadol & codeine for pain.. is there a possibility that CBD could help me?
Hi Jackie, thanks for sharing these details with us. Medicinal cannabis can certainly play a part in helping you manage the pain. CBD oil can help make it more manageable while a little THC can given it the kick when needed. There is only one way to find out and that is to actually try it and titrate the dose correctly. I encourage you to. All the best. Dr Waseem
Interested in cannibis oil as i suffer from chronic athritis also have shicking ocd where things names number plates repeat in my head also have a nose tick which drives me crazy to depression so need to know if the oil will help me as i have researched it and said will help willing to give it a go please.
Hi Karen, thanks for sharing this. Yes I would definitely think it is worth trying. The arthritis sometimes take a little bit of a combination type product to work for, a high CBD plus a small amount of THC. I encourage you to fill out a booking form. We also have a hemp balm to use for joint pain. Happy to answer any more questions. Take care
Hi I’ve been taking CBD oil for a few months. I have IBS I’ve not had attack since taking this oil.
Hi Sue thanks for sharing, this is great news, congratulations for you 🙂
Would help with depression caysed by nose twitch would it help the nose twitch to and severe ocd please look firward to your reply
Hi Karen, it could do and is worth a trial for it. It would depend on what causes the nose to twitch. Also if the OCD is related to underlying anxiety then CBD oil can help there. Hope this answer is helpful 🙂
Hi Dr Waseem alzaher
I’ve had a sore lower back since young on a daily basis it’s very annoying I smoke alot to combat this it really does help, I no longer want to smoke, would it be possible to get prescription for CBD oil i have some history on record and what is the cost for the CBD oil
Hi Steve, thanks for the question. Yes we can certainly help get you some CBD oil. The benefit would be it reduces the amount of THC you need to get the same amount of pain relief and also reduce the high effects of the THC. We can also look at using THC in your treatment plan. Cost varies but is around the $4-5/day. Best way to get all the product details is to fill out a consultation request form and we can send you everything that way. Take care.
Hey Doc. I have started using CBD capsules just a week ago after 10 years of damage to my S1L5. 18 months ago I had two concussions over 3 months and now have anxiety issues and memory problems.
I have found the CBD to be great for the anxiety and I sleep better with being less aware of pain and neurology symptoms at night. I source mine privately as I am told it w
Would be about 200 a month. Is this right? It is way more expensive if it is. I take just two capsules a day at present to find the right balance for me.
Hi Aaron thanks for sharing your experience, I am glad to know it is helping you. What dose are the capsules you are using? CBD products range from $130 – $450 so it really depends on how much you use per day. If you give me the dose, I can let you know how much it will cost you.
Hi there I suffer from bad arthritis/gout and interested in trying cbd/thc oil. I am prescribed the same medicine everytime I see my gp to take the pain away until it runs out and comes back 5× worse. Please help thank you
Hi Laurence, thanks for sharing that information. I think giving CBD oil is worth a good try. That, alongside drinking lots of water and avoiding the dietary triggers should see a positive result. CBD oil does have some anti-inflammatory effects but is not an approved treatment for gout but we would be very supportive of you giving it a go. Certainly better than repeated scripts of voltaren / anti inflammatories , colchicine and prednisone. Hope this helps!
I have lower back pain, left side neck pain heading midway down my back, muscle pain in right leg,
Almost 10 years now.
I suffer depression, anxiety and self isolating, visit one sister and no friends, lots of medication.
Hi Kerehitina sorry to hear that. It sometimes all spirals down, one after the other. Let me know if we can be of any assistance to you.
Hi Dr Waseem! I would be very interested in your thoughts on using CBD oil for COPD. If so, how does it work in this condition (I would guess as an anti-inflammatory?) & have any studies been done using CBD oil for this condition? Many thanks!
Hi Maggie, this one is a tricky question. As far as I am aware, there is no evidence that it does. However, it does not hurt to try. Starting with a cheaper smaller CBD oil product may be wiser to give it a go. We have had some who used CBD oil to treat one thing but found that it improved their mood and sleep considerably so continued using it! Hope this helps.
Hi,
I’m suffering from insomnia, also difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
I always feel so tired during the day, is it possible to have a prescription for these symptoms?
If so, is it could be used with the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills that I am currently taking?
Hi Mary, thanks for the question. Sleep issues are a significant part of our work and we can help. Some people find CBD oil alone does the trick. It helps them maintain a deep and restful sleep. For others, adding in a little bit of THC works better, so really have to try to find out. There is no interaction with taking the combined contraceptive pill at all. Hope this helps.
When you say to patients that they can take CBD oil with a small amount of THC:
how do you do that?
how much THC are you adding or allowing in the mixture?
The maximum for a CBD product in NZ is 2% (M.C.A. NZ)
If you are adding or allowing 2% or less, then the analgesic effect of CBD is not affected by the THC content. (Aside from placebo effects).
Where do you source your CBD oil? Is it not Tilray or Creso?
What dosing regimes are you using? Tilray CBD recommend a starting dose of 2.5mg/kg twice daily, maintenance dose 10mg/kg twice daily, was used in specialist epilepsy trials. No other dosing regimen has been validated. They supply two concentrations: 25mg/ml (25mls) and 100mg/ml (25mls). For mild pain we have found patients require in excess of 100mg bd. which is in agreement with Tilray’s recommendation. Creso Pharma’s Medleaf have similar recommendations. While Medleaf has marginally more THC than Tilray in CBD it is insignificant. My point is that the dosage/price of CBD for moderate pain management is high. Secondly, as I present below, it is THC that is the significant analgesic which is moderated by CBD
In a recent study of fibromyalgia: Patients were prescribed two oil-diluted cannabis extracts: Bedrocan (22% THC, <1% CBD), and Bediol (6.3% THC, 8% CBD).
They achieved moderate results but with significant THC content in the morning and night doses.
"Adding medical cannabis to standard analgesic treatment for fibromyalgia: a prospective observational study"
Giorgio,V. et. al.
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2020: 38, s53-s59
A very recent trial (by van de Donk. etal) has compared the effectiveness of a single vapour inhalation of three cannabis preparations (Bedrocan, Bediol and Bedrolite and placebo) and found that those preps. containing THC significantly increased the pressure pain threshold in comparison with placebo. In their summary they suggest that the increase in pain threshold is dose related to the THC content, not the CBD content. Clearly CBD moderates the effects of THC in both psychoactive effects and in analgesia.
"An experimental randomized study on the analgesic effects of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia"
van de Donk,T. et. al.
Pain. 2019 Apr; 160(4): 860–869
The current situation in NZ of "Medicinal Cannabis" is a sham with only two products available: CBD and Sativex. Sativex's analgesic effect is untested and priced out of reach leaving CBD as a marginally effective preparation. So in essence, what you provide to people is just CBD and saying that a small amount of THC added increases the analgesia is disingenuous.
Ian Hodgson Ph.D.
Hi Ian, thanks for sharing your opinion, it is great and interesting to read. Yes indeed you are right. We use the products you have mentioned. We do however also prescribe THC for our patients. The ideal is mixing THC and adding on a CBD product on top. That has given us the best results. Thanks again.
I have an elderly mum with severe and debilitating arthritis pain, will this help and if so what do we ask our dr for, are there different brands that have better results. Please any help would be appreciated her pain is unbearable
Hi Carol, yes we have had some great results using medicinal cannabis for arthritis pain. We also sell a hemp balm that can be rubbed onto joints, this you can buy without a consultation and it has been really well received. CBD oil may prove to be helpful and if not, a small amount of THC would beed to be added at the right dose for mum (as long as it will be safe for her in her current situation). Hope this helps!
Have you ever treated someone for schizophrenia . Iv a family member who’s battled the conventional system/medication for years with no much luck. Sometimes the side effects of the medication being as bad a the illness. If so how much is given and what cost.
Cheers
Hi Dylon, thanks for the question. Yes we have had, and for some it has helped. CBD oil is quite safe to use so would be worth a good trial. Cost varies depending on the product used. If you fill out a “booking form”, it will show you exactly what costs are involved and what we are able to offer your family member. Hope this helps!
Hi their my husband had an accident 7 yrs ago damaging both shoulders and has had back surgery x2 he suffers daily from chronic pain and prescription drugs have over time messed with his mind im sure u understand would CBD oil help him with pain as he wants to get away from the meds they have him on and where in Hamilton Nz wud I be able to get this for him.
Hi Robyn, thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about your husband and the ongoing pain as a result. Yes I would strongly encourage him to give it a go. For some of our patients, medicinal cannabis has been life changing. It is a plant based medicine and so we need to find what will work specifically for him. Hope this helps and look forward to helping your husband. Thank you
Hi there, I suffer from depression and anxiety and I have found that smoking cannabis helps reduce my anxiety and makes me feel more comfortable but I was wondering if cbd would help the same without the psychoactive effects. Cheers
Hi Luca. thanks for sharing and being open. Yes some find that CBD gives them that benefit. But it is likely you will need THC on top of the CBD. THC taken orally does not shoot up in concentration in the blood as smoking does, therefore you do not get high from it, but feel the soothing and relaxing effects. Also, using CBD alongside the THC reduces your need for THC. In short, I think using a balanced CBD and THC combination is the right option for you and we can slowly reduce the THC over time. Hope this helps.
Hi I am coming from France to NZ at the end of Dec and have been using CBD for arthritic pain in my knee which is helping. I am going onto a slightly higher dose with a little THC added but don’t have a doctors prescription so want to know if it is ok to bring with me to NZ. As it is expensive I don’t want it confiscated
Please answer my question above about bringing CBD into NZ for personal use
Hi Amanda, we’ve received your question and have responded. Kind regards 😊
Hi Amanda, great to hear from you. Unfortunately without a doctors prescription, CBD and THC products will be confiscated at NZ customs.
We’d recommend getting in touch with your doctor and trying to get a prescription. Otherwise, we’d be more than happy to chat with you about prescribing NZ-approved medicinal cannabis for when you’re here, however we may not be able to supply the exact same product as NZ’s quality standards limit the products available. You can learn about NZ’s regulations of medicinal cannabis here – https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/2021-regulation-changes/
You can book a consultation via zoom with us here – https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/consultation-booking/ , or if you’d like more expert advice on your situation, you can contact our office here – https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/contact/
Nga mihi, travel safe.
I would like to use CBD for insomnia and anxiety. I had an accident that has damaged my ribs and now have a herniated chest – two ribs separated by fat, need an operation. But need to lose weight. This would be difficult. A cost round $20.00 per week would be affordable.
Hi Peter thank you for sharing your situation with us. It sounds like a tricky and painful one. I suggest you book in an appointment with one of our doctors to discuss how we can help support you and work within your financial allowance. You can do so here: https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/consultation-booking
I look forward to hearing how you get on!