Travelling with your medicinal cannabis prescription
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If you’ve incorporated medicinal cannabis into your health journey, you may be wondering what the laws and regulations are when travelling with your prescription medication. Despite being legal in New Zealand, there are a few things to consider before jetting off with your medication in tow.
Dr. Waseem Alzaher, our Doctor and medicinal cannabis expert advises:
“Travelling with medicinal cannabis around the world is tricky because each country has its own rules. So make sure you investigate your destination (and layover) laws thoroughly”.
Can I travel overseas with my medicinal cannabis prescription?
If you’re starting to think about the next travel destination on your bucket list, there are a few things to consider before taking your prescription with you.
It’s important to note that despite your medicinal cannabis prescription being legal in New Zealand, some countries don’t make a distinction between medicinal and unlawful recreational cannabis which could get you into some unwanted legal trouble if you aren’t careful.
What should I do before travelling overseas?
Before travelling with your medicinal cannabis prescription, we recommend that patients always contact the embassy of the country you wish to visit (and any layover destinations) to ensure you’re acting in accordance with their laws. It’s also a good idea to check your airline’s medicinal cannabis policies to ensure you don’t run into any unexpected issues when trying to board your flight.
Take these steps:
Research the medicinal cannabis laws in the country you wish to travel to and find out if medicinal cannabis is legal (this also includes any layover destinations).
Contact the local embassy of your destination to find out the most up-to-date information on their laws and regulations regarding travelling with a prescription from overseas.
Call the airline you are flying with and enquire about their medicinal cannabis policies.
Most importantly, don’t forget to bring all of your necessary documentation with you. This includes, but is not limited to:
your prescription medication in its original packaging with pharmacy label
a letter from your doctor and information about your medical practitioner
a copy of your prescription
It’s imperative that you have proof that your products are used for medicinal purposes, otherwise there might not be a distinction between possessing the products for medicinal versus recreational use.
The documentation required will vary from country to country, so make sure you have everything required by your destination.
Can I travel to (and around) New Zealand with my prescription?
Since medicinal cannabis is legal in New Zealand, you are permitted to travel with it if you follow the parameters set by the Ministry of Health.
According to the Ministry of Health, if you are travelling, you may bring a medicinal cannabis product into New Zealand only if:
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
you declare the product on your passenger arrival card
you carry the product in its original labelled container, and
you are bringing no more than a 3-month supply of a CBD product or a 1-month supply of any other medicinal cannabis product.
However, if you plan to travel by plane, to be safe we’d recommend calling your airline in advance to confirm their policies and avoid any surprises when you arrive at the terminal.
Can I travel to Australia with my medicinal cannabis prescription?
In 2017, Australia legalised medicinal cannabis. However, travellers bringing medicinal cannabis from overseas need to be wary of the Customs (Prohibited Import) Regulations 1956 laws that may affect your ability to bring medicinal cannabis into the country.
According to the Australian Office of Drug Control, a traveller (or their carer) entering Australia can carry up to a 3 months’ supply of therapeutic goods for the medical treatment of that person if the goods were prescribed by a medicinal practitioner (NB: doctors in New Zealand can prescribe 3 months’ supply of CBD and only 1 month’s supply of THC).
This exemption does require that the prescription is supplied to the person in accordance with that prescription (e.g. by dispensing through a pharmacist), and evidence of this can be gathered by the packaging and label on the therapeutic good.
This documentation includes, but is not limited to:
a travel letter from your doctor,
a copy of your prescription,
and your product in the original packaging with pharmacy label attached.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to which countries have legalised medicinal cannabis, and the rules and regulations vary greatly from country to country.
Wikipedia has a comprehensive list of countries that have legalised medicinal cannabis, but we’d still advise contacting the local embassies of the countries you wish to visit to get the most up-to-date and accurate information on cannabis laws and regulations.
If you’re not sure, the safest option when travelling would be to leave your medicinal cannabis at home. Please get in contact with one of our friendly team if you have any further questions.
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.
To download our free PDF and learn more about medical cannabis in NZ, click below!
Shannon Norton
BNurs
“Kia Ora! I have grown up in the beautiful, sunny Nelson and Aotearoa is my home. I completed my Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2020. I jumped straight into the DHB surgical, cardiovascular and specialist infusions unit. In this role, I was able to make special human connections as well as see a range of ailments and how best to treat them not only biomedically, but holistically too. I am extremely passionate about ensuring focus on all aspects of a person’s well being. This has led me on my journey and put me in the unique position to help others with the sacred use of medical cannabis. I believe in plant medicine and when used correctly, in combination with healthy lifestyle factors, holistic healing techniques and a balanced mind; it can change peoples lives and the trajectory of their individual health journey. Outside of work I meditate daily, and practise the art of yoga to keep my mind and body in tune. I enjoy spending time exploring natural healing techniques and am currently completing my Reiki course. I spend a lot of time connecting and staying grounded with nature and my whanau.”
“After graduating from Otago University in 2014, Dr William worked for three years in the hospital and then became a rural GP where he oversaw a wide range of patients. Most recently, Dr William has been the Clinical Director of a large Urgent Care Centre and General Practice specialising in caring for the most vulnerable. As a GP specialist, Dr William is interested in patient-centred, patient-led, medicine. Having witnessed amazing transformations in his patients using medicinal cannabis, he has decided to follow this passion to enable more to utilise the unique healing properties this ancient plant can offer. Outside of medicine I love the outdoors, gardening, listening to music, and experiencing life with my wife and 5 kids”
Dr. Grace Tong
MBChB (Auckland) FRNZCGP
“I graduated from Auckland medical school in 1997 and am still currently working as a General Practitioner of 20 years – my interest in medicinal cannabis was ignited by my patients who had dramatic relief from their symptoms. I am a NZ born and bred Chinese aka a ‘Chiwi’. I honour my parents in giving me my Chinese name that translates as “Heavenly Blessing”, which has written my life’s path and privilege to bless and serve others, especially to the broken and suffering, through physical, emotional or spiritual healing. I come from a multicultural background and enjoy sharing life with others, a good laugh, creative design and my happy place is tramping in native bush near the open sea with the tuis & fantails.”
Dr. Ximena Hunefeldt
I grew up in Peru and Germany (I’m trilingual!) which has led to my varied interests and ability to think ‘outside of the box’. My medical education was completed in Germany and during my career I have had a keen focus on drug & alcohol misuse, autoimmune diseases & ME, women’s health & hormones, as well as lifestyle & nutrition. I have been prescribing medicinal cannabis for around 4 years.
Dr. Andy Owen
DO, DC (United States)
“I graduated from medical school in Colorado (United States) in 2013 and went on to do my residency training in Rural Family Medicine through Oregon Health & Science University. I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel to Haiti, Guatemala, and Kenya providing free medical care to many underserved communities. I love the human connection we get in healthcare—I believe that being allowed to help ease someone’s suffering is a special position to be in. In my free time, I am an avid paragliding pilot and have recently expanded into paramotoring, which I’m really excited to learn! I enjoy anything outdoors—especially hiking/tramping and camping with my wife and my old dog, Moose.“
Maxine Anderson
BNurs
“I graduated from University of Auckland at the end of 2016 with a Bachelor in Nursing. I have loved nursing in the community for the past 4 years. I believe there is significant benefit in natural therapies and holistic healing for people with chronic conditions and for promoting wellbeing in general. As someone with chronic illness myself, I understand the challenges this can present in all aspects of life. I am a strong advocate for people to have access and compassionate support in using Medicinal Cannabis to alleviate their suffering. In my spare time I like to knit, connect with nature and spend time with my family and friends.”
Dr. Annie Borland
MPH, MBChB, Dip Paeds
“I graduated from the University of Auckland in 2015 and am specialising in public health medicine. I have worked across a wide range of medical specialties both in New Zealand and in the UK and am interested in how social and environmental factors influence health. I believe medicinal cannabis has great potential for improving people’s quality of life, and it is an exciting field to watch the science develop. Outside of medicine you’ll find me out hiking and identifying native birds, or in the kitchen attempting to bake the perfect sourdough.”
Please note:
Your doctor may require a consultation or follow-up before issuing any controlled drug medication.
Dr. Eileen McManus
MB, BCh, BAO, BA, MSc
“I graduated from Trinity College Medical school in Ireland in 2013 and work as a Registrar in Neurology. As a doctor my main interests are neuroimmunology, metabolic therapy and holistic/natural medicine. Outside of medicine I enjoy exercise, gardening, reading and spending time with my family.”
Lisa Peterson
BUrp, DipBA
“I love being able to support our patients through their health challenges – it’s a privilege to play a small part in their health journey. After deciding town planning wasn’t for me, my passion for the last 10 or so years has been running my own small businesses in the natural health space. In my spare time I enjoy good coffee, reading books, and binge-watching TV.”
Robyn Hewitt
DipN, PGCertHSc, PGDipHSc, MNurs
“I have been nursing for over 30 years with the majority of my career spent in Emergency Nursing. I have recently completed my Masters of Nursing. I am married with two grown up children and live in Nelson. I love tramping, trail running and mountain biking so Nelson is the perfect place to live. I am often training for some kind of event and have competed in adventure racing over the last 6 years.”
Jobelle Lara
BMLSc, NZDipBus
“I enjoy being able to take part in an industry which has the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of people. My goal in life is to help others and I want to be the person to fill that role to whoever needs it. I wholeheartedly believe that proper education and guidance on the safe use of cannabis will help people who need this medication lead a happier and healthier life. On a personal note, I enjoy cooking during my spare moments, enjoy drinking black coffee, playing with my three adorable cats and most importantly right now, trying to get myself physically fit and healthy”
Hemera Baumer Pires
“I have always had a passion for the natural world, plant-based living and helping others. My favourite way to show how delicious whole-foods can be, is by cooking up a storm in the kitchen. I love creating nutritious, allergy friendly vegan meals as I believe overall well-being can be influenced by what we consume. I have also seen first-hand the positive impact medicinal cannabis can have on such a variety of people, so am thrilled to have the opportunity to help, alongside like-minded people aid in patients’ health journeys. After spending most of my work life catering in hospitality, I have decided to focus on what I find most meaningful, my family and helping others quality of life. In my spare time I’m out fruit hunting at markets with my family.”
Shirley Mills
IIN Health Coach, NZC Personal Trainer, DipRCM
“I’ve always loved helping people with their health which makes working at The Cannabis Clinic a great fit for me. With a background in fitness and a passion for plant based eating, I have had the opportunity to work and learn from many amazing people. I love spending time outside, being active, creating delicious meals and raw treats, and enjoying time with my four adult kids.”
Ben Whitson
BSc (Nursing)
“Kia ora! I graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health sciences (nursing) in 2017 & have since been working as a Registered Nurse in a major DHB. I am someone with a range of complex autoimmune conditions. I understand first-hand how difficult it can be to live with chronic health conditions, and the implications they can have on quality of life. I believe that Medicinal Cannabis can play a significant role in helping people reclaim their health and overall sense of wellness. In my spare time, I enjoy cannabinoid research, learning Rongoā Māori, meditation, gardening (especially growing my own produce) and road trips around Aotearoa.”
Dr. James Cameron
MBChB, RNZCGP, BSc
“I grew up in England and Brazil before moving to New Zealand where I completed studies in psychology and graduated medical school from the University of Auckland. In the following years, I worked across Auckland’s three main hospitals in a range of specialities as a junior doctor and currently work as a GP in central Auckland. The healing properties of medicinal marijuana fascinate me and I believe many patients across New Zealand stand to benefit from it.”
Dr. Grace Lavelli
MBBS, BA
“After graduating from medical school in London, I worked as a doctor in the UK for a few years before making the move to New Zealand in 2019. After spending some time travelling around I eventually decided to settle in Hawke’s Bay. My main interest as a doctor lies in mental health, and after working for a few years as a psychiatry registrar, I found myself becoming increasingly drawn to a more holistic treatment approach and considering more how lifestyle factors play an important role on both our physical and mental wellbeing. Outside of life as a doctor I love reading, baking and spending time with my goats, chickens and cat!”
Dr. Clare Halford
MBChB, Dip Paeds
“Since graduating from Liverpool, UK as a doctor in 1997, I have worked in Emergency Medicine for the past 17 years. Alongside my hospital practice, I’ve developed a strong interest in nutritional and plant medicine and have also qualified as a Qigong teacher and healer. In addition, as a digital artist and writer, I absolutely love translating complex medical information into fun, illustrated, bite-sized pieces.
I consider Medicinal Cannabis to be a sacred and wonderful plant that can help people to achieve balance and relief on many levels. It gives me great satisfaction and happiness to facilitate its safe and effective use in those who need it.”
Dr. Monica MacRae
MBChB (Auckland)
“I am a Psychiatry Registrar that graduated from Auckland Medical School in 2013. I currently spend half my time working around the North Island and living on Great Barrier Island with my whanau. I have a passionate interest in the art of healing that stems from both my professional life as a doctor, but also a personal journey with a complex autoimmune condition. My own healing journey has lead me away from conventional medicine towards more holistic, natural, psychological and spiritual methods of healing. I am dedicated to doing what I can to help support others move towards a thriving, healthy life”
Dr. Mike Foster
MBBS (London)
“I trained in St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School London 55 years ago, and after five years working as a GP in a fishing village in Newfoundland, Canada, I emigrated to New Zealand in 1974 and worked as a GP in Christchurch. In 2008 I moved to Auckland for family reasons and I worked at the Holistic Medical Centre where I learned and practiced an Integrative / Holistic style of medicine. I had always been looking for alternative ways to practice Medicine and felt more comfortable integrating orthodox medicine with nutrition, stress reduction, exercise, appropriate supplements etc. For the last ten years I worked at Integrated Health Options which was mainly an Intravenous Vitamin C and chelation clinic where we looked after many cancer patients as well as patients with complex medical problems which were not easily treated by orthodox practitioners. During my time working at IHO I saw many patients who had used cannabis with remarkable benefits. I love walking in the New Zealand Bush, and sport, especially soccer and cricket, but have been forced into watching and coming to love rugby since coming to New Zealand.”
Dr. Daniela Reyes
MBChB (Otago)
“Originally from Chile with roots also from Peru, my passion for natural medicine started when I began to understand more about my heritage. I am currently training in General Practice having completed my Medical degree in Auckland in 2014. I believe plants hold unbelievable healing properties that when combined with self-healing techniques such as yoga, mediation and a nutritious diet of mostly plant-based foods, we can enter into a state of full wellbeing and happiness. In my spare time I enjoy bush walks, identifying native plants, gardening, beekeeping, learning herbal medicine and practicing yoga and meditation”
Dr. Ali Coleman
BSc, MBChB (Auckland)
“I graduated from Auckland Medical School four years ago and have since become a Registrar in Psychiatry. As a doctor my main interests lie in mental health and the holistic treatment of illness and suffering. Outside of medicine I enjoy exercise, running, yoga and spending time with my 7 year old son and our wider Whānau”
Dr. Anne Craig
BhB, MBChB, Dip Paeds, FANZCA
“I graduated from Auckland Medical School in 1998 and became a fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists in 2006. I have practiced anaesthesia for over 20 years. I became interested in Medicinal Cannabis after witnessing how it has helped many people with chronic health conditions. When I’m not practicing medicine, I enjoy spending time with my two boys and practicing the ancient arts of yoga and meditation.”
Dr. Waseem Alzaher
BSc, MBChB (Otago)
“I have been practising medicine for the past 7 years and completed my training at Otago. I am a believer in using natural products, mindfulness and the power of a healthy lifestyle. Medicinal cannabis has a profound ability to change lives and I have seen this first hand. I thoroughly enjoy communicating with every patient in the clinic and supporting them in their journey. When not consulting here, I am busy with my wife and 2 young boys or enjoying a good workout”
