Yes and no.

Is it legal to consume cannabis if the cannabis has been prescribed to you by a Doctor. This is called “medicinal cannabis”.

It is not legal to consume any other cannabis in New Zealand. It is also not legal to grow your own cannabis.

Medicinal cannabis refers to cannabis-based products that are prescribed by a doctor to help manage certain health conditions. These products contain active compounds like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which can provide therapeutic benefits.

Talk to your Doctor or a specilist clinic Doctor.

Your GP/Doctor is allowed to prescribe this for you so it is a good palce to start by talking to them about it and they can guide you.

• CBD (Cannabidiol): This is a compound commonly found in cannabis plants. This is the molecule that is is commonly considered “medical cannabis” by most people. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and does not cause a “high”.

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): This is another very common compound found in cannabis. It has psychoactive effects and is responsible for the "high" in cannabis. It is also considered very important in medicinal cannabis.

In New Zealand, medicinal cannabis is not subsidised.

Most health insurance providers in New Zealand do not currently cover medicinal cannabis. However, you may check with your provider to see if they offer any support.