How to Buy Weed in New Zealand: Cannabis Laws, Medical Access & Visitor’s Guide

Every missed opportunity to understand New Zealand’s cannabis landscape means risking legal trouble, wasted money, or being unprepared for your visit. With recreational cannabis remaining completely illegal despite the 2020 referendum, and medical access restricted to prescription-only pathways, the solution isn’t hoping to find street dealers. It’s leveraging legitimate medical channels and understanding the legal framework that governs cannabis in Aotearoa. For the 14 million members of the Herb community seeking global cannabis knowledge, understanding New Zealand’s unique approach is essential for safe, legal access.

• Recreational cannabis remains illegal in New Zealand despite the 2020 referendum where 50.7% voted against the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill
• Medical cannabis may be accessible to visitors through telehealth consultations with New Zealand-registered doctors, though eligibility and prescribing are case-by-case
• Some clinics offer telehealth appointments and may see short-term visitors; confirm directly with your chosen clinic before you travel
• Possession of any amount of recreational cannabis carries penalties of up to 3 months jail or $500 fine
• Home cultivation is illegal even with a medical prescription, carrying penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment

Your cannabis experience in New Zealand depends entirely on understanding the legal boundaries. Unlike North American markets with recreational dispensaries, New Zealand maintains a strictly controlled medical-only system under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. The 2020 cannabis referendum resulted in 50.7% voting against the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill, maintaining the status quo where recreational use remains illegal.

Most visitors remain unaware that while street cannabis exists, the legal risks are significant. Possession of any amount can result in 3 months jail or $500 fine, and cultivation carries penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment. Police discretion may result in warnings or diversion depending on circumstances, following a health-based approach introduced by legislative changes. The solution lies in the medical pathway, which has become increasingly accessible via the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme since April 2020.

The root cause isn’t lack of information; it’s the stark contrast between New Zealand’s progressive image and its conservative cannabis laws. Visitors from legal US or Canadian states often assume similar access exists, creating dangerous misconceptions:

• No recreational dispensaries or legal retail stores exist
• Street purchases carry significant legal risks
• To get cannabis dispensed in NZ, you need a prescription from an NZ-registered prescriber. Travellers may carry prescribed products into NZ under strict documentation and quantity rules (with special restrictions for some US-supplied products).
• Home cultivation is prohibited even with medical authorization
• International medical cards are not recognized
• Travellers cannot mail-order or commercially import cannabis, though they may carry limited amounts of prescribed medication into NZ with proper documentation and quantity limits

The 2020 referendum results fundamentally shaped the current landscape, with 50.7% voting against the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill despite strong urban support. This means visitors must navigate a medical-only system that differs significantly from North American models.

New Zealand’s medical cannabis system operates under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, established by 2018 legislation and operational from 1 April 2020. Unlike recreational markets, this system requires:

• Prescription from a New Zealand-registered medical practitioner
• Products meeting Medicinal Cannabis Agency minimum quality standards
• Compliance with specific product restrictions (dried flower is generally intended for tea or vaporiser inhalation, not smoking)
• Regular follow-up consultations for ongoing treatment

The scheme allows broad discretion for doctors to prescribe cannabis for various conditions, with common qualifying conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and palliative care.

For international visitors, telehealth consultations provide the primary access point. Some clinics offer telehealth appointments and may see short-term visitors, though eligibility and prescribing are determined on a case-by-case basis. This model is widely offered by many clinics across New Zealand.

The process typically involves:

• Online consultation with NZ-registered doctor
• Medical history review and condition assessment
• Prescription issuance if deemed appropriate
• Product fulfillment through online dispensary or pharmacy

Unlike North American dispensaries, New Zealand uses a clinic-pharmacy model with online fulfillment:

• Cannabis Clinic NZ Online Dispensary: Medicinal cannabis dispensary with nationwide courier delivery, clinical team reviews all orders
• Pharmacy Network: Most NZ pharmacies can fill prescriptions, though products often require special ordering
• Direct Delivery: Products delivered to your NZ accommodation address with dosing instructions

New Zealand’s regulatory framework imposes specific restrictions:

• Dried flower use: Generally intended for tea or vaporiser inhalation (not smoking as an approved administration route)
• CBD products: Defined as containing ≤2% other cannabinoids. Regulatory changes have simplified prescribing for verified products, meaning no specialist or Ministerial approval is needed for products meeting the minimum quality standard.
• Quality standards: Products supplied under the Scheme must meet Medicinal Cannabis Agency minimum quality standards, though unverified CBD can still be prescribed if imported by a prescriber or pharmacy under certain conditions
• Vaporiser requirements: NZ has specific rules for importing and using vaporisers. They must either be approved as medical devices by an overseas regulator or have a compliant design without prohibited features.

Budgeting for medical cannabis in New Zealand requires understanding both consultation and product costs. These figures are estimates and individual costs vary widely:

• Consultation fees: $40-99 initial, $30-99 follow-up
• Product costs: Approximately $200-400+ monthly for typical medical use (some costs exceeding $300/month)
• Total monthly budget: Approximately $250-500+ including consultations and products

International visitors should understand NZ’s rules around travelling with medication:

• Traveller rules: Travellers may carry prescribed medicinal cannabis with them under strict conditions, including documentation and quantity limits
• Quantity limits: Up to 1-month supply of THC/controlled cannabis products or 3-month supply of CBD products
• Documentation required: Original prescription, doctor’s letter, labelled packaging
• US-supplied products: US-supplied medicinal cannabis (other than FDA-approved products such as Epidiolex) is not considered lawfully supplied due to US federal scheduling
• Declaration mandatory: Must declare at customs with all documentation
• Mail-order/commercial import: Prohibited without proper licences

Since December 2025, New Zealand has been rolling out roadside drug testing for THC, affecting all drivers:

• Saliva screening: Police can screen drivers for THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine at roadside; lab testing can cover a wider list of qualifying drugs
• 12-hour driving ban: Immediate ban after two positive screens, regardless of prescription status
• Medical defence available: After an infringement is issued, a medical defence process exists where you must provide evidence you took prescription medicine as directed
• Never drive impaired: Prescription doesn’t override impairment laws

Understanding prohibitions is crucial for legal compliance:

• Travelling out of NZ with cannabis: You may be able to travel with up to a 1-month supply of controlled drugs if lawfully supplied and documented, but you must also comply with your destination’s laws. Proceed with extreme caution.
• Home cultivation: Up to 7 years imprisonment, even with prescription
• Purchase recreational cannabis: Any amount carries legal penalties
• Use international medical cards: Only NZ prescriptions are valid for dispensing within NZ

• Research and select clinic from verified directory
• Confirm visitor acceptance and telehealth availability directly with the clinic
• Budget approximately $250-500+ monthly for consultation and products
• Understand legal restrictions and penalties

• Book telehealth consultation (allow 1-2 days processing)
• Provide medical history and current medications
• Receive prescription if approved (typically 3-month CBD, 1-month THC supply)
• Arrange product delivery to accommodation

• Keep prescription and original packaging when travelling domestically
• Never drive if feeling impaired
• Attend required follow-up consultations
• Understand the rules around travelling out of NZ with unused medication and check your destination’s laws before departing

While New Zealand maintains strict cannabis laws, Herb delivers unique advantages for global cannabis consumers seeking education and understanding. Unlike generic travel guides or legal resources, Herb combines comprehensive cannabis knowledge with practical guidance for navigating diverse regulatory environments.

Herb goes beyond basic legal information with its comprehensive educational platform that includes:

• Detailed Strain Guides: In-depth profiles of thousands of strains with effects, flavours, and genetic information to understand what might be available through medical channels
• Expert Product Reviews: Unbiased evaluations of latest products from oils to vaporisers to accessories, helping you understand product categories you might encounter
• Cannabis News and Updates: Stay informed about global industry developments and regulatory changes affecting international cannabis access
• Educational Resources: From beginner guides to advanced consumption techniques, providing foundational knowledge for safe, informed use
• Community Insights: Access to the largest cannabis community with 14 million members sharing experiences and knowledge

For travellers preparing for international cannabis access, Herb’s comprehensive approach provides the educational foundation needed to understand medical pathways, product types, and consumption methods. While Herb doesn’t provide medical advice or facilitate purchases in New Zealand, the platform’s commitment to education ensures you understand cannabis fundamentals before navigating any regulatory environment.

Unlike generic legal resources, Herb combines practical knowledge with cultural understanding, helping you make informed decisions about medical cannabis access while respecting local laws and regulations. For consumers serious about understanding global cannabis landscapes while expanding their cannabis knowledge, Herb’s comprehensive approach provides the tools and information needed to navigate international cannabis access confidently.