New Zealand’s cannabis laws, enacted in 2020, have significantly improved access to medical marijuana. However, the landscape is not without its complexities. While prices have decreased since the law’s implementation, Massey University research reveals that the cost of prescriptions and consultations remains a barrier, particularly for Māori and older individuals.
Furthermore, researchers are expressing concerns about a growing trend of medical marijuana clinics prioritizing profits over patient care. Marta Rychert, a researcher at Massey University, highlights that the majority of approved products under the scheme are high THC flower-based options, often produced by companies that operate clinics as subsidiaries. This raises worries about a potential conflict of interest, putting patient well-being at risk.
However, not everyone agrees with this assessment. Dr. Wazeem Alzaher, a consultant at Cannabis Clinic, asserts that safety mechanisms are in place, including communication with patients’ GPs and the requirement for medical records. He also emphasizes that patients typically wait a week for an appointment and that prescriptions are not guaranteed.
The positive experiences of patients like Aucklander Nick Scott, who uses medicinal cannabis for PTSD and ADHD, support the potential benefits of the program. The Medicinal Cannabis Council maintains that there is no evidence of profit being prioritized over patient care.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Hemp Industry Association (NZHIA) is pushing for a significant change: the removal of industrial hemp (iHemp) from the Misuse of Drugs Act (1975) and the Medicines Act (1981). The association argues that iHemp, with THC levels below 0.35%, should not be considered a drug and its inclusion in these acts creates unnecessary regulatory barriers.
The NZHIA believes this outdated classification hinders the industry’s economic and environmental potential. A 2020 report by the NZHIA projected that if hemp oversight shifts to the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, the hemp industry could generate $2 billion and create thousands of jobs by 2030.
The association is launching a three-month campaign to raise awareness and garner support for this change, aiming to see a review of hemp regulations announced by early 2025, leading to a fully enabled iHemp industry outside of the Misuse of Drugs Act by 2026. This advocacy highlights the potential for a thriving hemp industry in New Zealand, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development.