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Is weed legal in NZ?
Recreational cannabis is illegal in New Zealand under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Medical cannabis is legal by prescriptiononly. The exact answer depends on what you're asking — so pick your scenario below for the precise, sourced 2026 status.
Last reviewed: 15 June 2026· Information & education, not legal advice · 18+
All scenarios, answered
Every answer below is dated and sourced. This is the text version of the checker above.
Is it legal to carry or possess a small amount of cannabis in NZ?
Possessing recreational cannabis is illegal in New Zealand at any quantity. It is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Possession carries up to 3 months' imprisonment or a $500 fine, though police now have explicit discretion to warn or refer to health services instead of prosecuting.
Can I grow cannabis at home for personal use in NZ?
Growing cannabis at home is illegal in New Zealand, regardless of plant count or personal use. Cultivation is a serious offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, carrying up to 7 years' imprisonment. There is no home-grow allowance, unlike some overseas jurisdictions.
Is CBD oil legal in NZ, and can I buy it over the counter?
CBD is legal in New Zealand but, in practice, only as a prescription or pharmacist-supply medicine. CBD products meeting the NZ definition were removed from the controlled-drug schedule, yet you still need a prescription to obtain them. Despite overseas sites, you cannot freely buy CBD oil over the counter in NZ.
Is medical cannabis legal in NZ, and how do I get a prescription?
Medical cannabis is legal in New Zealand on prescription from any NZ-registered doctor, dispensed through a pharmacy. You don't need a specialist or a 'qualifying condition' list. It is not funded by Pharmac, so you pay out of pocket for both consultations and the product.
Can I drive after using cannabis (including medical cannabis) in NZ?
Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal in New Zealand. Roadside oral-fluid drug testing is rolling out nationwide in 2026, with an indicative THC threshold around 15 ng/mL and a possible 12-hour driving ban after a positive test. A medical-cannabis prescription is only a retrospective defence, not a free pass.
I'm visiting NZ — can I legally use cannabis as a tourist?
There is no tourist or visitor exemption. Recreational cannabis is illegal for everyone in New Zealand, including overseas visitors. You cannot legally buy, carry or use it. Bringing cannabis (including edibles or vape cartridges) across the border is a serious offence, even from a country where it is legal.
Are hemp foods like hemp-seed oil and protein legal in NZ?
Hemp-food products — hemp-seed oil, hemp protein and hulled hemp seeds — are legal in New Zealand and sold in supermarkets and health shops. They are made from low-THC industrial hemp and are regulated as foods, not controlled drugs. This is separate from CBD oil, which remains a prescription medicine.
Go deeper
The full law picture
For the complete, dated breakdown of cannabis, CBD, seeds, edibles and your rights, read the cornerstone guide.