Will medical cannabis become a reality in New Zealand?

If local advocacy groups are right, medical cannabis could soon become more widely available in New Zealand. The New Zealand chapter of NORML, a global advocacy group for cannabis regulation, notes that «of all the negative consequences of cannabis prohibition, none is as tragic as the denial of medical cannabis to tens of thousands of patients who could benefit from its therapeutic use.».

Although Sativex has been available by prescription for patients with multiple sclerosis since 2008, the annual cost to a patient is nearly $16,000 and is not covered at all by health insurance. Dr. Paul Wiedland states, «It’s far too expensive, between 1,200 and 1,300 $ per month, »Who can afford that?".

Cannabis Laws in New Zealand

Because of this exorbitant price, patients are forced to turn to illegal cannabis, which is fairly easy to find in the country. Much like in France, the police focus solely on disrupting the trafficking network in order to track down the wholesaler or producer.

Possession of cannabis can result in a fine of 500$, while the production or sale of cannabis products is punishable by up to 14 years in prison depending on the quantities seized; New Zealanders don’t take this matter lightly. Growers, meanwhile, face a fine of 2000$ and 2 to 7 years in prison, depending on the quantities grown.

New Zealanders have, however, called on their government to address the issue of medical cannabis. While there are calls for an independent inquiry to assess the potential benefits of cannabis-based therapies, criticism is mounting against the Minister of Health.  Peter Dunne is reportedly accused of being «rigid and inflexible» regarding potential medical advances. Dr. Wiedland compares him to a puppet stuck in the stereotypes of the 1940s. For him, the solution would be «clinical trials to prove the plant’s benefits on the body.».

«New research »are needed to demonstrate the benefits of cannabis-based treatments"

Health Minister Peter Dunne convened a meeting of experts in New Zealand Medical Association to assess the potential for development in the cannabis sector. The study concluded that medical cannabis should be approved only for the treatment of patients with cancer and HIV who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments.

A survey published in March, conducted among 1,750 New Zealanders, reports that 72% of respondents support medical cannabis. This support spans different age groups, genders, and political affiliations. Many Kiwis seem to be looking to the United States and cite these new laws as a good example for the future of New Zealand’s laws.

Théo Caillart