Is Cannabis / THC legal in New Zealand?

Legal status

Cannabis plant Class C / oil & hashish Class B (Misuse of Drugs Act 1975) — possession an offence (Sec 7; Police discretion since 2019); medical scheme since 2019; 2020 legalization referendum narrowly rejected

Consequences if caught

Possession (Sec 7) is an offence, but the 2019 amendment (Sec 7(5)–(6)) codified Police discretion: prosecute only where 'required in the public interest', with an explicit steer toward a health-centred approach for personal use — yielding more warnings and fewer prosecutions (criticized as a 'postcode lottery'). Cannabis plant/leaf/seed is Class C and cannabis oil/hashish is Class B. For cannabis the presumption-of-supply threshold is 28 g. A 2020 referendum on recreational legalization was narrowly rejected (50.7% no). Supply or dealing (Sec 6) carries up to life imprisonment for Class A drugs. A presumption of supply applies (Schedule 5) above 28 g of cannabis or 5 g of methamphetamine — possession above that presumes supply unless rebutted.

If prescribed or medical

Medical cannabis is available by prescription under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (2019/2020), following the 2018 palliative exemption.

Documentation

Possession is an offence, but since the 2019 amendment (Sec 7(5)–(6)) Police exercise discretion toward a health-centred approach for personal use — more warnings and fewer prosecutions, criticized as a 'postcode lottery'. A presumption of supply applies above 28 g of cannabis or 5 g of methamphetamine. Medical cannabis is available by prescription under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (2019/2020) following the 2018 palliative exemption. A 2020 recreational-legalization referendum was narrowly rejected (50.7% no). Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.