What is the cannabis situation in New Zealand?

Cannabis is illegal in New Zealand, whether for medical or recreational use. However, a small number of patients have been prescribed cannabis-based treatments for their medical conditions medical cannabis. Such cases remain rare, and prescriptions are strictly regulated.

Cannabis use in New Zealand is regulated for the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, which makes the importation, cultivation, sale, distribution, possession, or use of cannabis illegal. Depending on the offense, penalties range from a fine of 500$ to 14 years in prison.

As of February 8, 2017, medical patients no longer need to obtain approval from the Ministry of Health to receive medical cannabis treatments. However, these treatments remain costly for patients, and doctors are reluctant to prescribe them.

A Petition to Legalize Cannabis

Grey Power, a New Zealand advocacy group that represents the interests of people over 50, launched a petition last October to legalize cannabis. The report of the Justice and Elections Committee, A branch of the New Zealand Parliament reports that more than 1,300 people have signed this petition calling for the legalization of cannabis in New Zealand.

The president of Grey Power, Beverley Aldridge, emphasizes that legalizing cannabis would be beneficial for people suffering from debilitating conditions such as osteoarthritis, cancer, or multiple sclerosis.

Members of this organization advocate for the use of cannabis as a pain reliever. Beverley, for her part, has never used cannabis in her life, but says she supports the therapeutic use of cannabis, a natural remedy that has been used for a long time.

Support for cannabis reforms in New Zealand: The 26th Annual National Day of Action

Last Saturday, the 26th annual march in support of cannabis law reform took place across New Zealand to raise public awareness about the need to legalize cannabis for adults in a responsible manner. This day also advocates for consumers and aims to ensure they have access to safe, high-quality cannabis.

Cannabis advocates therefore gathered in New Zealand’s major cities, much like the World Cannabis March in Paris, with widespread 4.20 celebrations, The symbolic hour for stoners.

Angela Gardener, manager of the Whakamana Cannabis Museum was present at the rally in the city of Dunedin. She was interviewed by the local daily newspaper Otago Daily Times, She explains: «Alcohol is much more dangerous than cannabis, so why are we trying to prevent people from using it? » «We want users to meet and come together; social connections are very important,» she said. The event brought together hundreds of people, and no incidents were reported.

Mehdi Bautier