Cannabis in New Zealand

Among Britain's colonies, New Zealand was one of the few areas where the United Kingdom did not encourage extensive industrial hemp production, as the native harakeke plant could instead be used for fibre.{{cite book|author=Chris Duvall|title=Cannabis|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SVU8BQAAQBAJ&pg=PT67|date=15 November 2014|publisher=Reaktion Books|isbn=978-1-78023-386-4|pages=67}} In 1927, New Zealand passed the Dangerous Drugs Act, whose schedule listed, among other controlled drugs:

{{blockquote|text=Indian hemp—that is, the dried flowering or fruiting tops of the pistillate plant known as Cannabis sativa L. from which the resin has not been extracted, and

including—

:(a) Resin obtained from Indian hemp;

:(b) Preparations of which the resin from Indian hemp forms the base; and

:(c) Extracts and tinctures of Indian hemp.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-25 |title=Dangerous Drugs Legislation |url=http://www.enzs.auckland.ac.nz/docs/1927/1927A018.pdf |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=auckland.ac.nz}}}}

Cannabis continued to be used as a prescription medication. In accordance with its international obligations under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, New Zealand passed the Narcotics Act in 1965, which banned a number of drugs, including cannabis.

Recreational cannabis use was rare in New Zealand for most of the 20th century, with one scholar noting 1967 as a watershed point where demand for cannabis boomed among "musicians and university students".{{cite book|author=Greg Newbold|title=Crime, Law and Justice in New Zealand|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vMZJDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA153|date=3 June 2016|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-27561-9|pages=153–}}

The cultivation and distribution of industrial hemp was legalised in 2006 under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations.{{rp|Section 2A}}{{Cite web|title=Rules relaxed for industrial hemp growing|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/rules-relaxed-for-industrial-hemp-growing/N7AMRE6H5OB3RPGFQNK3ZBLOTQ/|access-date=5 March 2021|website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}

In 2013, Abe Gray founded Whakamana Cannabis Museum, New Zealand's first and only cannabis museum, in Dunedin. The museum has since shifted locations to Dunedin’s main street, Princes Street, then moved to Shand's Emporium in Christchurch, and now seeking a fourth iteration in Wellington.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/cannabis-referendum/123184117/how-abe-gray-became-new-zealands-gandalf-of-weed|title=How Abe Gray became New Zealand's 'Gandalf of Weed'|date=23 October 2020|website=Stuff }}

{{See also|Annual cannabis use by country}}

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in New Zealand and the fourth-most widely used recreational drug after caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.{{cite book|author=((Ministerial Committee on Drug Policy)) |title=National Drug Policy 2007–2012 |publisher=Ministry of Health |location=Wellington |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-478-30751-1 |url= http://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/national-drug-policy-2007-2012.pdf |access-date=9 February 2017}}

The usage by those aged between 16–64 is 13.4%, the ninth-highest level of consumption in the world,{{cite book|last=United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime|title=World Drug Report 2006|publisher=United Nations Publication|year=2006|volume=2|isbn=92-1-148215-1|url=http://www.unodc.org/pdf/WDR_2006/wdr2006_volume2.pdf}} and 15.1% of those who smoked cannabis used it ten times or more per month. According to a UN study usage by 15- to 45-year-olds in 2003 was about 20% and this dropped to 17.9% in 2010.{{cite news|title=Doctors backing medical use of cannabis|date=13 June 2010|newspaper=Sunday Star Times}}

A 25-year longitudinal study of "1000 Christchurch born young people between the ages of 15–25" called the "Christchurch Health and Development Study" found that over two thirds of the cohort had used cannabis at least once by the age of 21 with 5% of the cohort having used cannabis more than 400 times. The study concluded that "regular or heavy cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of using other illicit drugs, abusing or becoming dependent upon other illicit drugs, and using a wider variety of other illicit drugs".{{cite journal|last=Fergusson|first=David|author2=Joseph M. Boden |author3=L. John Horwood |date=April 2006|title=Cannabis use and other illicit drug use: Testing the cannabis gateway hypothesis|journal=Addiction|volume=101|issue=4|pages=556–569|pmid=16548935|doi=10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01322.x}} The lead author of the study, David Fergusson, stated:

: Our research shows the regular use of cannabis increases the risks that young people will try other illicit drugs. What's not clear are the underlying processes that lead to this association. Understanding these processes is critical to how we view cannabis.

: If the association arises because using cannabis increases contact with illegal drug markets, this is a ground for the decriminalisation or legalisation of cannabis. If, however, the association arises because using cannabis encourages young people to experiment with other illicit drugs the results could be seen as supporting the prohibition of cannabis use.{{cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0603/S00045.htm |title=Illicit drug use starts with cannabis|date=14 March 2006|publisher=Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago|access-date=6 December 2008}}

{{See also|Legality of cannabis by country}}

Cannabis use is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Possession of any amount of cannabis is illegal. The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis is imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a $500 fine,{{rp|Section 7(2)}} although Section 7(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 contains a rebuttable presumption against imprisonment in respect of possession offences in respect of class C controlled drugs, which include cannabis. Cultivation of cannabis carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.{{rp|Section 12A(3)(a)}} Selling cannabis, offering to sell or supplying cannabis to a person under the age of 18 years carries a maximum penalty of eight years' imprisonment.{{rp|Section 6(2)(b)}} Cannabis oil and hashish are defined as class B drugs,{{Cite book |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1975/0116/latest/whole.html |title=Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 |publisher=New Zealand Government |date=1 July 2022 |edition=2022-07-01 |language=en}}{{rp|Schedule 2, Part 1}} and those convicted of manufacturing or supplying face a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.{{rp|Section 6(2)(b)}} Possession of a class-B controlled drug carries a maximum sentence of up to three months' imprisonment or a fine not exceeding $500.

The current tariff case for cultivation and dealing in cannabis, is R v Terewi [1999]. There are three bands of offence: band 1 for personal or non-commercial operations, band 2 for small-scale operations, and band 3 for large-scale operations. Band 1 has a starting point of a community sentence or a short-term prison sentence; band 2 has a starting point of between 2 and 4 years imprisonment, and band 3 has a starting point of 4 or more years imprisonment.{{Cite court|litigants=R v Terewi|court=|reporter=NZCA|vol=1999|opinion=92|date=25 May 1999|url=http://www.nzlii.org/nz/cases/NZCA/1999/92.html}}

Anyone caught in possession of at least {{convert|28|g|abbr=off|sigfig=1}} of cannabis or 100 cannabis joints is presumed to be a supplier, unless the defendant can prove they are not.{{rp|Section 6(6)}}{{rp|Schedule 5}} In R v Hansen [2007], a majority of the Supreme Court held that this presumption was inconsistent with section 25(c) of the Bill of Rights Act because it violates the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty. They also held that it was not a justified limitation under section 5 of that Act,{{cite book|title=NZLC IP16 Controlling and regulating drugs|url=http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/2010/02/Publication_143_455_IP16%20-%20Controlling%20and%20Regulating%20Drugs.pdf|access-date=26 February 2012|date=11 February 2010|publisher=Law Commission|location=Wellington, New Zealand|isbn=978-1-877316-89-0|page=202|chapter=Chapter 10|chapter-url=http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/2010/02/Publication_143_455_Part_12_IP16%20Chapter%2010%20-%20Controlling%20and%20Regulating%20Drugs.pdf}} but the presumption remains effective regardless of this inconsistency. Cannabis is a class C drug, of which the penalty for dealing can result in a maximum prison sentence of eight years under the Act. There have been many public campaigns to decriminalise cannabis but so far none have succeeded. It is generally accepted that the usage rate is high and possession in small quantities may not often be prosecuted. In some cases first offences may result in a formal warning and confiscation by police.

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party has stood candidates since the 1996 general election.{{cite web |url=http://www.alcp.org.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=24&Itemid=112 |title=MMP Elections |date=28 November 2011 |publisher=Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party |location=Christchurch, New Zealand |access-date=13 May 2012}} They won 1.66% of the party vote in that election, the largest proportion in its history.{{cite web |url=http://electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_1996/pdf/1.1%20Summary%20of%20overall%20results.pdf |title=Summary of overall results |work=1996 General Election – Official Results and Statistics |publisher=Electoral Commission |location=Wellington, New Zealand |access-date=13 May 2012 |archive-date=22 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522105133/http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_1996/pdf/1.1%20Summary%20of%20overall%20results.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://electionresults.govt.nz/ |title=New Zealand Election Results |publisher=Electoral Commission |location=Wellington, New Zealand |access-date=13 May 2012 |archive-date=4 October 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051004000621/http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/ |url-status=dead }} The party has never won an electorate seat, or received the minimum of 5% of the party vote to have members from the party list in parliament.{{cite web |url=http://www.elections.org.nz/voting/mmp/sainte-lague.html |title=Sainte-Laguë allocation formula |work=Elections New Zealand |publisher=Electoral Commission |location=Wellington, New Zealand |access-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604062405/http://www.elections.org.nz/voting/mmp/sainte-lague.html |archive-date=4 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}

In 2006, Green Party MP Metiria Turei's Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill was drawn from the member's ballot.{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Legislation/Bills/5/7/2/00DBHOH_BILL7386_1-Misuse-of-Drugs-Medicinal-Cannabis-Amendment-Bill.htm |title=Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=8 December 2009}} The purpose of the bill was to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act so that cannabis could be used for medicinal purposes,{{cite web|url=https://legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2006/0058/7.0/DLM1152906.html#DLM1152906|title=Explanatory note|year=2006|work=Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill 58-1 (2006), Members Bill|publisher=New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office/Te Tari Tohutohu Pāremata|location=Wellington, New Zealand|access-date=26 February 2012|ref=MedCannabisBillExplantory}} and to permit the cultivation and possession of a small amount of cannabis by registered medical users or a designated agent.{{cite web|url=https://legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2006/0058/7.0/DLM1152913.html#DLM1152913|title=Purpose|year=2006|work=Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill 58-1 (2006), Members Bill|publisher=New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office/Te Tari Tohutohu Pāremata|location=Wellington, New Zealand|access-date=26 February 2012|ref=MedCannabisBillPurpose}} The bill received a conscience vote at its first reading in July 2009, and was defeated 84–34.{{cite journal|date=1 July 2009|title=Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill – First Reading|journal=Hansard|volume=655|page=4850|location=Wellington, New Zealand|publisher=New Zealand House of Representatives|access-date=26 February 2012|url=http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/9/6/a/49HansD_20090701_00001165-Misuse-of-Drugs-Medicinal-Cannabis-Amendment.htm|archive-date=26 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826005549/http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/9/6/a/49HansD_20090701_00001165-Misuse-of-Drugs-Medicinal-Cannabis-Amendment.htm|url-status=dead}} All MPs in the ruling National Party voted against the bill, as did the sole members from United Future and Jim Anderton's Progressive Party; while all members from the Green Party and ACT voted in favour of the bill (other than ACT MP Roger Douglas, who did not vote). The vote was split from MPs in the opposition Labour Party and the Māori Party.

In March 2016, New Zealand's Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne has said that he would support policy change regarding medical marijuana if it is proven to be effective in treating illnesses. This, along with the seasonal shortage of cannabis that has been intensified by multiple police raids on cannabis crops,{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/77607128/police-recover-9000-cannabis-plants-in-aerial-operation |title=Police recover 9000 cannabis plants in Nelson-Marlborough aerial operation |publisher=Stuff |date=7 March 2016 |access-date=10 November 2016}} has put New Zealand's cannabis policies in the political spotlight locally. There have been talks of policy change among government officials, and multiple MPs do support policy change, but as of yet there have been no actual plans made to change New Zealand's laws around cannabis.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/medicinal-marijuana-if-it-s-effective-peter-dunne-will-back-6310283 |title=Medicinal marijuana: If it's effective Peter Dunne will back it | 1 NEWS NOW |publisher=TVNZ |date=23 October 2016 |access-date=10 November 2016}} NORML New Zealand is currently the predominant organisation pushing for a change, but support from a large proportion of the public exists. A poll carried out by the research company UMR surveyed 1750 New Zealanders, and the results concluded that 71% of the people surveyed supported the idea of a medicinal marijuana regime in New Zealand.{{cite web|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/300254/most-nzers-support-medical-marijuana-poll |title=Most NZers support medical marijuana – poll | Radio New Zealand News |date=30 March 2016 |publisher=Radio NZ |access-date=10 November 2016}}

In December 2016, the Green Party said that if it formed a government in the 2017 election it will legalise cannabis. 'Under its proposal, people would be able to legally grow and possess marijuana for personal use'. The party would also 'urgently amend the law so sick people using medicinal marijuana were not penalised'.{{Cite web |date=9 December 2016 |title=Legal cannabis in NZ? Green Party offers green light to pot smokers |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/87388713/legal-cannabis-in-nz-green-party-offers-green-light-to-pot-smokers |access-date=25 November 2022 |website=stuff.co.nz}}{{Cite web |date=25 November 2022 |title=Greens Drug Law Reform Policy |url=https://www.greens.org.nz/page/drug-law-reform-policy |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220205927/https://www.greens.org.nz/page/drug-law-reform-policy |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=25 November 2022 |website=greens.org.nz}} In the formation of the Sixth Labour Government in 2017, the Greens leveraged a cannabis referendum, to be held before or alongside the 2020 general election.{{cite news|last1=Kirk|first1=Stacey|title=Greens promised referendum on legalising the personal use of cannabis|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/98081802/Greens-promised-referendum-on-legalising-the-personal-use-of-cannabis|access-date=24 March 2018|agency=Stuff |date=20 October 2017}}{{cite news|title=New Zealand to hold cannabis referendum within three years|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41693728|access-date=24 March 2018|agency=BBC|date=20 October 2017}}

In December 2019, Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 were made having a commencement date of 1 April 2020.

{{cite web |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2019/0321/latest/LMS285243.html |title=Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 |access-date= 3 July 2020 }} This enabled the approval of prescription medicinal psychoactive cannabis products that previously were unavailable, and also the licensing of commercial cultivation of cannabis plants for medicinal use.{{cite web |url=https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicinal-cannabis-agency/medicinal-cannabis-agency-information-industry |title=Medicinal Cannabis Agency Industry Information |access-date= 3 July 2020 }} As of 23 July 2020, there are no products available under the scheme, but they were expected to become available in the next few months.{{cite web |title= Medicinal Cannabis Info for Consumers |url= https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicinal-cannabis-agency/medicinal-cannabis-agency-information-consumers#productavail |access-date=23 July 2020}}{{cite web |title= Minimum Quality Standard |url= https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicinal-cannabis-agency/medicinal-cannabis-agency-information-health-professionals/medicinal-cannabis-products-meet-minimum-quality-standard |access-date=23 July 2020}}

Since the passing of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Act 2018, there is now a statutory defence for those requiring palliative care to possess and use illicit cannabis, and to possess a cannabis utensil.{{cite news |last1=Bennett |first1=Lucy |title=Medicinal cannabis bill passes third reading |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12175064 |access-date=28 December 2018 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|date=11 December 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2018/0054/latest/DLM7518707.html |title=Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 54) |author= |date=17 December 2018 |website=legislation.govt.nz |publisher=House of Representatives |via=New Zealand Legislation, Parliamentary Counsel Office |access-date=24 February 2019 }}

{{Main|2020 New Zealand cannabis referendum}}

On 18 December 2018, the Government announced a nationwide referendum on the legality of recreational cannabis for personal use, set to be held as part of the 2020 general election. Contrary to the pre-election commitment of the Government, the results of this referendum were not binding and the passage of the legislation would require a vote in parliament.

The results of the referendum were that 50.7% of voters were against legalisation and 48.4% were in support.

Data from the "Christchurch Health and Development Study" shows that by the age of 21, 5.1% of cannabis users from the cohort had been arrested for a cannabis related offence while 3.6% had been convicted. Of those convicted, just under 10% received a custodial sentence with the remainder principally receiving fines. All cohort members with custodial sentences had been convicted of other crimes in addition to a cannabis related offence.

First offenders charged with minor crimes and accepting full responsibility of their actions are considered for the New Zealand Police Adult Diversion Scheme. Given offenders agree to the conditions of diversion (which usually involves a written agreement tailored to change the offending behaviour), the offender may have the charge withdrawn.{{Cite web|title=About the Adult Diversion Scheme|url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/programmes-and-initiatives/adult-diversion-scheme/about-adult-diversion-scheme|access-date=13 September 2020|website=New Zealand Police|language=en}}

At least four people have died while policing cannabis in New Zealand. Detective Travis Hughes and Christopher Scott were killed when their Cessna 172 crashed in Central Otago while on cannabis reconnaissance.{{cite web|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/692324|title=Plane crash inquest winds up|date=31 March 2006|publisher=TVNZ|access-date=18 October 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://www.taic.org.nz/AviationReports/tabid/78/ctl/Detail/mid/482/InvNumber/2005-002/Page/2/Default.aspx|title=Investigation 05-002|publisher=Transport Accident Investigation Commission|access-date=13 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003103208/http://www.taic.org.nz/AviationReports/tabid/78/ctl/Detail/mid/482/InvNumber/2005-002/Page/2/Default.aspx|archive-date=3 October 2011}} Detective Tony Harrod died falling from a helicopter sling recovering plants in Taranaki.{{cite news|title=Fall kills policeman|date=18 December 1990|newspaper=Otago Daily Times |page=2}}{{cite web|url=http://www.taic.org.nz/AviationReports/tabid/78/ctl/Detail/mid/482/InvNumber/1990-012T/Page/28/Default.aspx|title=Investigation 90-012T|publisher=Transport Accident Investigation Commission|access-date=13 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003103113/http://www.taic.org.nz/AviationReports/tabid/78/ctl/Detail/mid/482/InvNumber/1990-012T/Page/28/Default.aspx|archive-date=3 October 2011}}

During the 2009 Napier shootings, Jan Molenaar fired on three police officers executing a cannabis search warrant, killing Senior Constable Len Snee. People who knew Molenaar described a long-standing, tense relationship between him and the police surrounding the legality of his cannabis involvement, saying, 'Molenaar believed his home was being watched and told friends he was determined to "go out in blaze of glory" if police came to arrest him',{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10635492&pnum=0|title=Cop killer's last words|date=31 March 2010|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=22 December 2010}} and, 'police knew who Molenaar was and knew what he would do in a situation'.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10635821|title=Napier siege inquest: Latest updates|date=1 April 2010|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=22 December 2010}}

A notable case involving cannabis growing equipment was the prosecution of the owner, general manager, and several staff members of the Switched on Gardener stores following a series of arrests and raids in 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10862462|date=31 January 2013|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=14 February 2013|title=Switched on Gardener turns off to turning on}}

Māori when accounting for rates of use and offending history, are four times more likely than non-Māori to be convicted on cannabis charges. Similarly, enforcement is inequitable when considering gender, with men nine times more likely to be arrested compared with women.{{Cite journal|last1=Fergusson|first1=D.M|last2=Swain-Campbell|first2=N.R|last3=Horwood|first3=L.J|date=December 2002|title=Arrests and convictions for cannabis related offences in a New Zealand birth cohort|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0376-8716(02)00336-8|journal=Drug and Alcohol Dependence|volume=70|issue=1|pages=53–63|doi=10.1016/s0376-8716(02)00336-8|pmid=12681525|issn=0376-8716}}

{{See also|Medical use of cannabis}}

Approved cannabis-based pharmaceuticals can be prescribed by a specialist doctor, but requires patients to meet strict criteria. As of April 2016, only Sativex is approved for use in New Zealand; it is not subsidised, so patients must pay the full retail cost.{{cite web |url=http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/s/sativex.pdf |title=New Zealand Consumer Medical Information – Sativex, Oral spray |work=New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority |access-date=3 November 2011}} Unapproved cannabis-based pharmaceuticals (e.g. Cesamet, Marinol) and non-pharmaceutical cannabis products can be approved on case-by-case basis by the Minister of Health. On 9 June 2015, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne approved the one-off use of Elixinol, a cannabidiol (CBD) product from the United States for a coma patient,{{cite web|author=Jo Moir |url=http://i.stuff.co.nz/national/health/69243877/medicinal-cannabis-application-approved-for-teenager-in-coma |title=Medicinal cannabis application approved for teenager in coma | Stuff.co.nz |publisher=I.stuff.co.nz |date=9 June 2015 |access-date=10 November 2016}} and on 4 April 2016, he approved the one-off use of Aceso Calm Spray, a non-pharmaceutical-grade CBD cannabis-based product for a patient with a severe case of Tourette syndrome.{{cite news|last1=Moir|first1=Jo|title=Peter Dunne approves cannabis product for Tourette's Syndrome patient|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/78546650/peter-dunne-approves-new-cannabis-product-for-patient-with-tourettes-syndrome|access-date=7 April 2016|publisher=Stuff |date=4 April 2016}} These two cases are the only ones to this date to have been approved by the Health Minister.{{cite news |first= Jo |last= Moir |date= 5 April 2016 |title= Labour Party open to decriminalising medicinal cannabis |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/78567183/Labour-Party-open-to-decriminalising-medicinal-cannabis |publisher=Stuff |access-date= 8 April 2016}} As of 1 April 2020 and the introduction of the Medical Cannabis Scheme, CBD products may be prescribed by any doctor registered to practice in New Zealand.{{Cite web|title=Medicinal Cannabis Agency – Information for consumers|url=https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicinal-cannabis-agency/medicinal-cannabis-agency-information-consumers|access-date=18 June 2021|website=Ministry of Health NZ|language=en}} A CBD product does not require ministerial approval to be prescribed, supplied or dispensed anymore. They are now regarded as normal prescription medicines. As with all prescription medicines, patients must have a prescription from an authorised prescriber to use CBD products.{{Cite web|date=15 April 2021|title=Is CBD Oil Legal in New Zealand?|url=https://cbd-oil.co.nz/knowledge-base/is-cbd-oil-legal-in-nz|access-date=18 June 2021|website=CBD Oil NZ|language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-01 |title=Is Medicinal Cannabis Legal In NZ? {{!}} CannaPlus+ |url=https://cannaplus.co.nz/is-medicinal-cannabis-legal-in-new-zealand/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=cannaplus.co.nz |language=en-NZ}}

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) supports having evidence-based, peer-reviewed studies of medical cannabis.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzma.org.nz/news/policies/cannabis.html|title=Cannabis|date=9 February 2001|publisher=New Zealand Medical Association|access-date=12 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604232309/http://www.nzma.org.nz/news/policies/cannabis.html|archive-date=4 June 2010|url-status=dead}} In 2010 the New Zealand Law Commission made a recommendation to allow for its medical use.{{cite book |title=Controlling and regulating drugs |url=http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/2010/02/Publication_143_455_Part_1_IP%2016%20Summary%20-%20Controlling%20and%20Regulating%20Drugs.pdf |series=Issues paper 16 |year=2010 |publisher=New Zealand Law Commission |isbn=978-1-877316-89-0 |page=21 |access-date=3 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419150730/http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/2010/02/Publication_143_455_Part_1_IP%2016%20Summary%20-%20Controlling%20and%20Regulating%20Drugs.pdf |archive-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead }} The NZMA, which made submissions on the issues paper, supports the stance put forward by the Law Commission. GreenCross New Zealand was the first legally registered support group fighting for patient rights to access cannabis as medicine; however, this group is now defunct due to not filing financial statements. As of September 2017 the only explicitly medical advocacy group is Medical Cannabis Awareness New Zealand (MCANZ){{cite web|url=http://www.mcanz.org.nz|title=Medical Cannabis Awareness New Zealand: MCANZ|website=Medical Cannabis Awareness New Zealand|access-date=24 March 2018}} a registered charity dedicated to legal access for patients now, and is mildly successful with the non-pharmaceutical route, having introduced Tilray{{cite web | title=First Kiwi approved for new cheaper medicinal cannabis treatment | website=Stuff | date=12 November 2016 | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/86224916/first-kiwi-approved-for-new-cheaper-medicinal-cannabis-treatment | access-date=20 December 2017}} for a small number of patients thereby allowing NZ stocks to be held.

In 2015, Alex Renton became the first person in New Zealand to be legally treated with medicinal cannabis under a special exemption. His case was the subject of a campaign by his family, including activist Rose Renton. Peter Dunne, then the Associate Health Minister, approved the use of Elixinol cannabis oil in his case.{{Cite web |date=2 July 2015 |title='Right call' made over medical marijuana |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/right-call-made-over-medical-marijuana |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=Otago Daily Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Arnold |first=Naomi |date=27 January 2016 |title=National Portrait: Rose Renton, medical marijuana campaigner |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/76309034/national-portrait-rose-renton-medical-marijuana-campaigner |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=Stuff }}

In December 2017, it was announced that medicinal use will be legalised, in order to "ease suffering" for those with "terminal illnesses or chronic pain". Those qualified to receive prescriptions will be able to purchase medicinal cannabis from licensed pharmacies. Additionally, the terminally ill who are found to possess cannabis without a license will not be prosecuted or penalised. Minister of Health David Clark stated that "the compassionate measure legalises what some people are already doing, and will ensure no prosecutions while the new prescribing framework is set-up." The particulars were to be discussed in the future.{{cite web | title=Medicinal cannabis legislation introduced to 'ease suffering' | website=The New Zealand Herald | date=20 December 2017 | url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11963230 | access-date=20 December 2017}}{{cite news | title=Government rules terminally ill people allowed to smoke cannabis | website=Newshub | date=20 December 2017 | url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/12/government-rules-terminally-ill-people-allowed-to-smoke-cannabis.amp.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222050955/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/12/government-rules-terminally-ill-people-allowed-to-smoke-cannabis.amp.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=22 December 2017 | access-date=20 December 2017}}

In August 2018 Hikurangi Cannabis became the first New Zealand company to be issued a license to cultivate cannabis for medical purposes.{{cite news|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2018/08/medicinal-cannabis-cultivation-licence-issued-to-east-coast-business-for-first-time.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825111859/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2018/08/medicinal-cannabis-cultivation-licence-issued-to-east-coast-business-for-first-time.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 August 2018|title=Medicinal cannabis cultivation licence issued to East Coast business for first time|website=Newshub |access-date=1 October 2018}}

A medicinal cannabis industry body, the New Zealand Medical Cannabis Council{{cite web|url=http://www.nzmcc.nz|title=New Zealand Medical Cannabis Council|website=NZMCC|access-date=24 September 2018}} was established in September 2018.

The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Act was passed on 11 December 2018 and received royal assent on 17 December.{{cite web |title=Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_75877/misuse-of-drugs-medicinal-cannabis-amendment-bill |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=30 December 2018}} It gives patients in palliative care the right to possess and use cannabis while also providing them with a defence to possess and use even illegal cannabis. A de facto limit of 28 grams or 100 joints applies due to the presumption of supply provision, which remains unchanged. Furthermore, the new law also facilitates manufacturing of medicinal cannabis products for local and international markets, which is hoped to be a viable economic avenue for deprived Māori communities to turn the "thriving illegal industry into a thriving legal one."

Medicinal cannabis use has grown by 84% in 2020 to 1842 prescriptions per month. The most common reason for use was chronic pain.{{Cite web|title=Southlanders reluctant to ask for medicinal cannabis|url=https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Southland-Times.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130122904/https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Southland-Times.pdf |archive-date=30 January 2021 }} Due to issues around access and cost, New Zealand also has a subculture of illicit medicinal cannabis growers and suppliers known as green fairies.{{Cite journal |last=Raymond |first=Onyekachi |last2=McCarthy |first2=Mary Jane |last3=Baker |first3=Jess |last4=Poulsen |first4=Helen |date=2021-05-26 |title=Medicinal Cannabis – The Green Fairy Phenomenon |url=https://www.publish.csiro.au/CH/CH21001 |journal=Australian Journal of Chemistry |language=en |volume=74 |issue=6 |pages=480–494 |doi=10.1071/CH21001 |issn=1445-0038}}

In December 2019, Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 were made having a commencement date of 1 April 2020.{{cite web |title= Medicinal Cannabis Agency Regulation |url= https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicinal-cannabis-agency |access-date=23 July 2020}} They bring into effect the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme which certifies to a minimum quality standard various psychoactive cannabis products for medicinal use within New Zealand. As of 23 July 2020, approvals are expected within the next few months.{{cite web |title= Medsafe Medical Cannabis Scheme Update |url= https://medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUArticles/March2020/Medicinal-Cannabis-Scheme-Update.html |access-date=23 July 2020}} A list of currently approved psychoactive medicinal products is available on the Ministry of Health website.

• Michael Appleby, leader of the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party{{cite news |last1=Kavanagh-Hall |first1=Erin |title=Party rejects claim of 'proud' stand on drug |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/party-rejects-claim-of-proud-stand-on-drug/IIA36O4ARSZRVALFX2SP4RNC6Q/ |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=27 June 2013}}
• Israel Adesanya, mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer{{cite news|last=Foote|first=Stephen|date=25 May 2020|title=UFC: Israel Adesanya lends support to cannabis legalisation in New Zealand|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2020/05/ufc-israel-adesanya-lends-support-to-cannabis-legalisation-in-new-zealand.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602041510/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2020/05/ufc-israel-adesanya-lends-support-to-cannabis-legalisation-in-new-zealand.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 June 2020|newspaper=Newshub }}
• Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand (1999–2008){{cite news |last= Clark |first= Helen |date= 4 September 2019 |title= Cannabis prohibition doesn't work anywhere. It's New Zealand's turn to legalise it |url= https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/04/cannabis-prohibition-doesnt-work-anywhere-its-new-zealands-turn-to-legalise-it |work=The Guardian |access-date= 14 November 2019 |archive-date= 30 September 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200930173819/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/04/cannabis-prohibition-doesnt-work-anywhere-its-new-zealands-turn-to-legalise-it |url-status= live }}{{cite news |last= Sadler |first= Rachel |date= 29 September 2020 |title= Cannabis referendum: Helen Clark part of 60-strong group kicking off 'yes' vote campaign |url= https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/cannabis-referendum-helen-clark-part-of-60-strong-group-kicking-off-yes-vote-campaign.html |work= Newshub |access-date= 1 October 2020 |archive-date= 2 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201002003925/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/cannabis-referendum-helen-clark-part-of-60-strong-group-kicking-off-yes-vote-campaign.html |url-status= dead }}
• Dr Hinemoa Elder, New Zealand youth forensic psychiatrist{{Cite web|date=2 March 2019|title=My Mum was in excruciating pain, our family gave her cannabis|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/110871520/my-mum-was-in-excruciating-pain-our-family-gave-her-cannabis|access-date=15 August 2020|website=Stuff |language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Neville|first=Alice|date=5 August 2020|title=Everything you need to know about the 2020 cannabis referendum|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/05-08-2020/legalise-cannabis-referendum-questions/|access-date=15 August 2020|website=The Spinoff }}{{Citation|title=NZ Drug Foundation on Facebook Watch|url=https://www.facebook.com/NZDrugFoundation/videos/dr-hinemoa-elder-is-a-child-and-adolescent-psychiatrist-and-the-m%C4%81ori-strategic-/1803671196439351/|language=en|access-date=15 August 2020|archive-date=7 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020205/https://www.facebook.com/NZDrugFoundation/videos/dr-hinemoa-elder-is-a-child-and-adolescent-psychiatrist-and-the-m%C4%81ori-strategic-/1803671196439351/|url-status=live}}
• Abe Gray, founder of the Whakamana Cannabis Museum and high-profile cannabis activist and protester{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington/122654498/a-cannabis-cafe-on-cuba-st-why-not-says-top-leader|title=A cannabis cafe on Cuba St? Why not, says TOP leader|date=3 September 2020|website=Stuff }}
• Dakta Green, founder of The Daktory former cannabis club{{cite news |last1=Manch |first1=Thomas |title=Cannabis campaigner Dakta Green opens cannabis club in Wellington, claiming 700 members |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113212281/cannabis-campaigner-dakta-green-opens-cannabis-club-in-wellington-claiming-700-members |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=Stuff |date=4 June 2019}}
• Andrew Little, Labour Party MP and former Minister of Justice{{Cite web|date=11 August 2020|title=National caucus to vote against cannabis at referendum – Judith Collins|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/423287/national-caucus-to-vote-against-cannabis-at-referendum-judith-collins|access-date=14 August 2020|website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}
• Dun Mihaka, Māori activist, author, and political candidate for the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party{{cite news |title=Pot issue bigger than Maori Party – Dun Mihaka |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0407/S00078.htm |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=Scoop |date=8 July 2004}}
• Shai Navot, former leader of The Opportunities Party{{cite news|date=13 October 2020|title=Candidates quizzed in Silverdale youth-focused event|publisher=LocalMatters|url=https://localmatters.co.nz/news/40619-candidates-quizzed-silverdale-youthfocused-event.html|access-date=25 March 2021}}
• Sam Neill, actor, director, producer, and screenwriter{{cite web |title=Election 2020 cannabis referendum: Sam Neill urges Kiwis to vote 'yes' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/election-2020-cannabis-referendum-sam-neill-urges-kiwis-to-vote-yes/JOAUF5223CKPFCTBUBCOP7VG5Q/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=10 October 2020}}
• Tamatha Paul, Wellington City Councillor{{cite news |last1=Husband |first1=Dale |title=Tamatha Paul: Show up and be counted |url=https://e-tangata.co.nz/korero/tamatha-paul-show-up-and-be-counted/ |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=E-Tangata |date=11 October 2020}}
• Diane Robertson, community leader{{cite news |date=29 September 2020 |title= Cannabis referendum: 'Time we legalise something commonly used' – Dame Diane Robertson |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/427161/cannabis-referendum-time-we-legalise-something-commonly-used-dame-diane-robertson |work= Radio New Zealand |access-date= 1 October 2020}}
• Tim Shadbolt, Mayor of Invercargill, Mayor of Waitemata City{{cite news |last1=Fallow |first1=Michael |title=The stayer: Shadbolt's unparalleled career |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/85108995/the-stayer-shadbolts-unparalleled-career |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=Stuff |date=8 October 2016}}
• Chlöe Swarbrick, Green Party MP{{Cite news|title=Cannabis referendum: Chloe Swarbrick and Nick Smith get fired up over cannabis|language=en|work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/08/cannabis-referendum-chloe-swarbrick-and-nick-smith-get-fired-up-over-cannabis.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810010859/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/08/cannabis-referendum-chloe-swarbrick-and-nick-smith-get-fired-up-over-cannabis.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 August 2020|access-date=14 August 2020}}
• Tiki Taane, musician and producer{{cite web |last1=Weaver |first1=Georgia |title='Stoner' stigma unfair, say Kiwis planning to tick yes in upcoming cannabis referendum |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/cannabis-referendum/122584189/stoner-stigma-unfair-say-kiwis-planning-to-tick-yes-in-upcoming-cannabis-referendum |website=Stuff |date=29 August 2020 |access-date=31 August 2020}}
• Nándor Tánczos, Rastafarian former Green Party MP{{cite news |title=Should Ardern reveal her vote on cannabis legalisation? |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nandor-tanczos-why-jacinda-ardern-reveal-her-vote-on-cannabis-legalisation/ |access-date=3 April 2021 |publisher=NewstalkZB |date=1 October 2020}}
• Metiria Turei, former female co-leader of the Green Party{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Audrey |title=Former Greens leader Metiria Turei makes submission on cannabis referendum bill |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/former-greens-leader-metiria-turei-makes-submission-on-cannabis-referendum-bill/SZQACJIFFMSNU5AL743OXZEGJQ/ |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=19 September 2019}}
• Topp Twins, folk singers and activist sister comedy duo{{cite news |title=Election 2020: The cannabis vote is still too close to call |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/123038524/election-2020-the-cannabis-vote-is-still-too-close-to-call |access-date=11 April 2021 |publisher=Stuff |date=10 October 2020}}
• Rose Renton, a medicinal cannabis activist and campaigner{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pm_IFpEIGc |title=The green fairies fighting for legal weed in New Zealand {{!}} On the Rag: Weed |date=5 August 2020 |last=The Spinoff |access-date=28 June 2024 |via=YouTube}}

• The Helen Clark Foundation.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Scott |title=Helen Clark Foundation report gives cannabis legalisation green tick |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/09/helen-clark-foundation-report-gives-cannabis-legalisation-green-tick.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903092736/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/09/helen-clark-foundation-report-gives-cannabis-legalisation-green-tick.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2019 |work=Newshub |date=3 September 2019}} In September 2019, the Foundation issued a report analysing the impact of the current law and supporting legalisation.{{Cite book |last=Clark |first=Helen |url=https://helenclark.foundation/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-case-for-yes-in-the-2020-cannabis-referendum.pdf |title=The Case For Yes in the 2020 Cannabis Referendum |publisher=Helen Clark Foundation |year=2019 |pages=7 |language=en |url-status=dead |access-date=29 March 2021 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112001942/https://helenclark.foundation/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-case-for-yes-in-the-2020-cannabis-referendum.pdf }}
• NORML New Zealand, cannabis law reform organisation.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Fowlie|url=https://norml.org.nz/new-zealand-govt-to-hold-cannabis-referendum/|title=New Zealand Govt to hold cannabis referendum|website=NORML New Zealand|date=21 October 2017}}
• New Zealand Drug Foundation, charity that campaigned with notable individuals.{{Cite web |last=MacManus |first=Joel |date=23 July 2020 |title=Cannabis referendum: The arguments for and against legalising recreational cannabis |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/cannabis-referendum/122141917/cannabis-referendum-the-arguments-for-and-against-legalising-recreational-cannabis |access-date=16 August 2022 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

• Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party{{cite web|title=Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party – Truth Freedom Justice|url=https://alcp.org.nz/|access-date=14 August 2020|language=en-US}}
• Green Party{{cite web |date= 1 May 2020 |last1=Swarbrick |first1=Chloe |title=Green Party says Kiwis now have clear decision to make on legal and controlled cannabis |url=https://www.greens.org.nz/green_party_says_kiwis_now_have_clear_decision_to_make_on_legal_and_controlled_cannabis |website=Greens.org.nz |publisher=Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand |access-date=22 June 2020}}
• The Opportunities Party{{cite web|title=The Real Deal Cannabis Reform|url=https://www.top.org.nz/legaliseitregulate_ittax_it|access-date=15 August 2020|website=TOP|language=en|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813135446/https://www.top.org.nz/legaliseitregulate_ittax_it|url-status=dead}}
• ACT New Zealand{{cite web|title=Where political parties stand on drugs |date=31 October 2022 |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/where-political-parties-stand-drugs}}

• Paula Bennett, former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand (2016–17){{Cite news|title='It's because of the unknown' – Paula Bennett to vote 'no' to legalising cannabis|work=TVNZ|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/its-because-unknown-paula-bennett-vote-no-legalising-cannabis|date=4 September 2019|access-date=22 October 2020}}
• Simeon Brown, National Party MP{{cite web |title=Chloe Swarbrick and Simeon Brown offer different views on upcoming referendums |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/chloe-swarbrick-and-simeon-brown-offer-different-views-upcoming-referendums |website=One News |publisher=TVNZ |access-date=9 May 2021}}
• Eroni Clarke, former rugby union player
• Efeso Collins, Auckland Councillor{{cite web |title=Cannabis referendum: Auckland Councillor Efeso Collins of Say Nope to Dope camp backs decriminalisation |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cannabis-referendum-auckland-councillor-efeso-collins-of-say-nope-to-dope-camp-backs-decriminalisation/HNHEHXUKK2ITUSEG5ZQ7VNOWJY/ |website=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=New Zealand Herald |access-date=9 May 2021}}
• Judith Collins, then National Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition (2020–2021){{cite web |title=Cannabis referendum: Judith Collins tries to smoke out Jacinda Ardern on how she'll vote |date=11 August 2020 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300079562/cannabis-referendum-judith-collins-tries-to-smoke-out-jacinda-ardern-on-how-shell-vote |publisher=Stuff |access-date=7 June 2021}}
• Patrick Drumm, Mount Albert Grammar School Principal{{cite news |title=Election 2020 cannabis referendum: Mt Albert Grammar principal Patrick Drumm's plea to parents |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/election-2020-cannabis-referendum-mt-albert-grammar-principal-patrick-drumms-plea-to-parents/YG2B53W3DKIK3OTM6PTSJE3Y5I/ |access-date=29 May 2021 |publisher=The New Zealand Herald }}
• James Farmer, Queen's Counsel{{cite web |title=Cannabis legal reform – arguments for and against |url=http://www.jamesfarmerqc.co.nz/legal-commentary/cannabis-legal-reform-arguments-for-and-against|access-date=7 June 2021}}{{cite web |title=Cannabis Bill Not the Right Reform |url=http://www.jamesfarmerqc.co.nz/legal-commentary/cannabis-bill-not-the-right-reform |access-date=7 June 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Muriel |first1=Newman |title=Two referenda: Euthanasia and the recreational use of cannabis |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-opinion/two-referenda-euthanasia-and-recreational-use-cannabis |access-date=7 June 2021 |publisher=Star News}}
• Kate Hawkesby, radio announcer and television presenter{{cite web |title=Kate Hawkesby: Listen to the professionals on the harms of cannabis legalisation |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition/opinion/kate-hawkesby-listen-to-the-professionals-on-the-harms-of-cannabis-legalisation}}{{cite web |title=Kate Hawkesby: I can't predict which way the cannabis referendum will go |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/early-edition/opinion/kate-hawkesby-i-cant-pick-how-the-cannabis-referendum-will-go-tomorrow/}}
• Mike Hosking, television and radio broadcaster{{cite web |title=Mike's Minute: We're waking up to the dangers of cannabis |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/video/mikes-minute-were-waking-up-to-the-dangers-of-cannabis/}}{{cite news |last1=Hosking |first1=Mike |title=Three reasons why legalising cannabis is a dopey idea |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/mike-hosking-three-reasons-why-legalising-cannabis-is-a-dopey-idea/4BEPQKGPXNG6RFU223VJO33LUI/ |access-date=7 June 2021 |publisher=The New Zealand Herald }}
• Aaron Ironside, SAM NZ Spokesperson, counsellor, pastor and broadcaster.{{Cite news |date=1 May 2020 |title=Govt reveals final cannabis legislation to be voted on in referendum |work=Radio New Zealand |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/415566/govt-reveals-final-cannabis-legislation-to-be-voted-on-in-referendum}}{{Cite news |title=Anti-marijunana lobby group denies US interference in its campaign |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/anti-marijunana-lobby-group-denies-us-interference-in-its-campaign.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309075319/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/anti-marijunana-lobby-group-denies-us-interference-in-its-campaign.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 March 2022 |access-date=9 March 2022}}{{Cite web |last=ZB |first=Newstalk |title=Aaron Ironside from Say Nope to Dope on why cannabis shouldn't be legalised |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/vote-2020/aaron-ironside-from-say-nope-to-dope-on-why-cannabis-shouldnt-be-legalised/ |access-date=18 July 2022 |website=ZB |language=en-nz}}
• John Key, former Prime Minister of New Zealand (2008–2016){{cite news |last1=Tapaleao |first1=Vaimoana |title=Election 2020: Sir John Key's resounding no on cannabis referendum |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12371339 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=8 October 2020 |access-date=8 October 2020}}
• Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister-designate of New Zealand{{Cite web |title=National won't decriminalise cannabis if elected – Luxon |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/10/07/national-wont-decriminalise-cannabis-if-elected-luxon/ |access-date=24 October 2023 |website=1 News |language=en}}
• Jo Luxton, Labour Party candidate for Rangitata{{cite news |title=Labour MP Jo Luxton against cannabis legalisation |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/122785414/labour-mp-jo-luxton-against-cannabis-legalisation |access-date=31 October 2020 |work=Stuff |date=17 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920175925/https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/122785414/labour-mp-jo-luxton-against-cannabis-legalisation |archive-date=20 September 2020|url-status=live}}
• Dr Muriel Newman, former ACT New Zealand politician
• Wynton Rufer, former professional footballer
• Nick Smith, National Party MP{{Cite news|first=Derek|last=Cheng|date=11 August 2020|title=Election 2020: A National-Act Govt may not legalise cannabis following a 'yes' vote|work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12355267|access-date=14 August 2020|issn=1170-0777}}
• David Tua, former professional boxer{{cite web |title=Why are we voting NO to legalising recreational cannabis? |url=https://2uy2kj3oe6hq2ui8ef2c6xnl-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/FINAL-Wasted-Grid-not-Auckland.pdf |website=Say Nope To Dope |access-date=9 May 2021 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508061016/https://2uy2kj3oe6hq2ui8ef2c6xnl-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/FINAL-Wasted-Grid-not-Auckland.pdf |url-status=dead }}

• Family First New Zealand, conservative Christian lobby group{{cite web|url=http://saynopetodope.org.nz/saynopetodope-nz-website-will-oppose-legalisation/|title=SayNopeToDope.nz Website Will Oppose Legalisation – Say nope to dope Say nope to dope|website=saynopetodope.org.nz|access-date=18 April 2021|archive-date=25 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125153544/http://saynopetodope.org.nz/saynopetodope-nz-website-will-oppose-legalisation/|url-status=dead}}
• The Salvation Army agreed with the need for decriminalisation but did not support the legalisation of cannabis as proposed in the referendum.{{Cite web |date=30 September 2020 |title=The Salvation Army does not support the legalisation of cannabis |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/news/salvation-army-does-not-support-legalisation-cannabis |access-date=25 November 2022 |website=www.salvationarmy.org.nz |language=en}}
• SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) NZ Coalition, a collective of more than 25 groups and individuals, including drug addiction and testing services, the Sensible Sentencing Trust, family organisations, and faith-based organisations like the NZ Christian Network, the New Zealand Muslims Association, and Foundation for a Drug-Free World, a division of the Church of Scientology.{{Cite web|date=23 July 2020|title=Cannabis referendum: The arguments for and against legalising recreational cannabis|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/cannabis-referendum/122141917/cannabis-referendum-the-arguments-for-and-against-legalising-recreational-cannabis|access-date=29 March 2021|website=Stuff |language=en}}{{cite web |title=MPs concerned over anti-drug campaign's similarity to US group |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018753175/mps-concerned-over-anti-drug-campaign-s-similarity-to-us-group |website=RNZ |date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |access-date=9 May 2021}}

• New Conservative Party, right-wing political party{{Cite web |title=New Conservative Party's platform and policy on Marijuana |url=https://newzealand.isidewith.com/parties/new-conservative/policies/healthcare/marijuana |access-date=25 November 2022 |website=iSideWith |language=en-nz |archive-date=7 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020204/https://newzealand.isidewith.com/parties/new-conservative/policies/healthcare/marijuana | url-status=live}}
• New Zealand National Party, centre-right political party

{{portal|Cannabis|New Zealand}}

• Cannabis in the Cook Islands

{{reflist}}

• {{cite journal|last=Abel|first=Sally|date=June 1998|title=Cannabis in New Zealand: Policy and Prospects|journal=Social Policy Journal of New Zealand|issue=10|url=http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj10/cannibis-in-new-zealand-policy-and-prospects.html}}
• {{cite news|title=Dope test|last=Bone|first=Alistair|date=7 June 2003|work=Listener|pages=18–22}}

;Government pages

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081218222957/http://www.ndp.govt.nz/ National Drug Policy] – Ministry of Health
• [http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj10/cannibis-in-new-zealand-policy-and-prospects.html Cannabis in New Zealand: Policy and Prospects] – Ministry of Social Development
• [http://www.police.govt.nz/service/drugs/cannabis.html Cannabis and the law] – New Zealand Police

{{Cannabis in New Zealand}}

{{Cannabis by country}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cannabis in New Zealand}}