Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019
Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019
Version updated on 29 October 2024 to make an editorial change to regulation 18.
Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019
Version as at 5 July 2024

Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019
(LI 2019/321)
Patsy Reddy, Governor-General
Order in Council
At Wellington this 16th day of December 2019
Present:
Her Excellency the Governor-General in Council
Note
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
These regulations are administered by the Ministry of Health.
These regulations are made under sections 37 and 37A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and section 105 of the Medicines Act 1981—
(a)
on the advice and with the consent of the Executive Council; and
(b)
on the recommendation and advice of the Minister of Health given in accordance with section 37A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and section 105 of the Medicines Act 1981.
Contents
Regulations
1 Title
These regulations are the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019.
2 Commencement
These regulations come into force on 1 April 2020.
3 Purpose
The purpose of these regulations is to enable the research, manufacture, and supply of medicinal cannabis products and related ingredients, and the cultivation of cannabis for the products and ingredients, by providing for—
(a)
a minimum quality standard relating to the cannabis, ingredients, and products; and
(b)
a licensing regime that ensures that cannabis intended for other purposes is not cultivated and supplied under the guise of this purpose.
4 Interpretation
In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires,—
active ingredient means each of the following ingredients in a cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product:
(a)
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its corresponding acid:
(b)
cannabidiol and its corresponding acid:
(c)
any other ingredient that is derived from cannabis and whose stated content is at least—
(i)
1.0% by weight or volume of the cannabis-based ingredient; or
(ii)
1.0% by weight or volume of the medicinal cannabis product
batch means a production-scale quantity of any cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product that—
(a)
is made during a single cycle of manufacture; and
(b)
has a uniform composition, method of manufacture, and probability of chemical or microbial contamination
British Pharmacopoeia means the British Pharmacopoeia 2023
cannabis means—
(a)
any part of any plant of the genus Cannabis; and
(b)
any fruit or seed of such a plant
cannabis-based ingredient—
(a)
means an ingredient that—
(i)
is extracted from cannabis; and
(ii)
is intended to be used in, or for, a dosage product; and
(b)
includes dried cannabis that is intended to be used in, or for, a dosage product
Director-General means the chief executive of the responsible department
dosage product means a medicinal cannabis product covered by paragraph (a)(ii) of the definition of that term
dried product means a medicinal cannabis product covered by paragraph (a)(i) of the definition of that term
EMA Guideline on Plastic Immediate Packaging Materials means the European Medicines Agency Guideline on Plastic Immediate Packaging Materials (reference number CPMP/QWP/4359/03)
European Pharmacopoeia means the 11th edition, version 11.0 of the European Pharmacopoeia, including supplement 11.3
GMP means good manufacturing practice as set out in the New Zealand Code of Good Manufacturing Practice for Manufacture and Distribution of Therapeutic Goods
GMP-certified means having—
(a)
a licence to manufacture or pack medicines issued under section 17 of the Medicines Act 1981; or
(b)
evidence of GMP certification to the satisfaction of the Director-General
GST means goods and services tax
medicinal cannabis licence or licence means a licence issued under Part 2
medicinal cannabis product means a product—
(a)
that—
(i)
is dried cannabis; or
(ii)
contains 1 or more cannabis-based ingredients and is in a pharmaceutical dosage form (such as a tablet, a capsule, or an oral liquid); and
(b)
that contains no prescription medicine (as defined by section 3 of the Medicines Act 1981) or controlled drug other than cannabis or a cannabis-based ingredient; and
(c)
whose purpose is therapeutic, rather than recreational or anything else
minimum quality standard means the minimum quality standard imposed by Part 1
non-therapeutic purpose means a use for the purpose of research, testing, analysis, or product development that is not for, or does not relate to, a therapeutic purpose
responsible department means the department that is, with the authority of the Prime Minister, for the time being responsible for the administration of these regulations
starting material means—
(a)
fresh or dried cannabis that is intended to undergo further processing and be used in, or for, a medicinal cannabis product; or
(b)
initial extracts from cannabis intended to undergo further processing or extraction and be used in, or for, a cannabis-based ingredient
stated content means an ingredient’s quantity in, or proportion of, a cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product that is stated by the label, packaging, or description that accompanies the ingredient or product
therapeutic means intended to prevent, diagnose, monitor, alleviate, treat, cure, or compensate for a disease, ailment, defect, or injury in a person
type of licensed activity, for a medicinal cannabis licence, means a type of licensed activity described by regulation 22.
United States Pharmacopeia means the United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary 2023 issue 1
Regulation 4 active ingredient paragraph (c): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 British Pharmacopoeia: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(5) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 cannabis-based ingredient: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 EMA Guideline on Plastic Immediate Packaging Materials: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(5) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 European Pharmacopoeia: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(3) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 GMP: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(5) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 GMP-certified: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(5) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 non-therapeutic purpose: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(5) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 starting material: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(4) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 4 United States Pharmacopeia: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 4(5) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
5 Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1 have effect according to their terms.
Part 1 Minimum quality standard relating to medicinal cannabis products
Overall requirements
6 Minimum quality standard imposed
(1)
This Part imposes a minimum quality standard that the following must comply with:
(a)
[Revoked](b)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(c)
a medicinal cannabis product, whether a dried product or dosage product.
(2)
However, a cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product need not comply with the minimum quality standard if—
(a)
it is supplied under a medicinal cannabis licence for a supply activity, and procured under a medicinal cannabis licence for a research activity, for the purpose of being administered to a person who is a research subject; or
(b)
it is a medicine whose sale, supply, use, or distribution has received the consent or provisional consent of the Minister in accordance with the Medicines Act 1981; or
(c)
it is prescribed, supplied, or administered—
(i)
by a medical practitioner for the treatment of a particular patient currently under their care; and
(ii)
with the approval of the Minister under regulation 22 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977; or
(d)
it is imported and used by a pharmacist for a prescription to which paragraph (c) applies; or
(e)
it is imported and used by a medical practitioner for the treatment of a particular patient currently under their care and with the approval of the Minister under regulation 22 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977; or
(f)
it is imported and used for testing, analysis, or research for non-therapeutic purposes; or
(g)
it is for export and is manufactured in compliance with GMP by a GMP-certified manufacturer.
Regulation 6(1)(a): revoked, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 5(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 6(2)(d): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 6(2)(e): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 6(2)(f): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 6(2)(g): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
7 Requirements for testing with maximum limits
(1)
The table in this regulation sets out—
(a)
which of the following items, or categories of those items, must be tested:
(i)
cannabis-based ingredients:
(ii)
medicinal cannabis products, whether dried products or dosage products; and
(b)
what the items, or categories of items, must be tested for; and
(c)
the chapter(s) of the British Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia, or United States Pharmacopeia that set out the testing method(s) that must be used; and
(d)
the maximum limit that the test result must not exceed; and
(e)
whether the testing method must be validated under regulation 9(2).
(2)
In the following table, ppm means parts per million:
| Items tested | What is tested for | Testing method | Maximum limit | Validation of testing method | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All | Microbiological contamination | EP chapters 2.6.12, 2.6.13, and 2.6.31 | The limits specified by EP chapters 5.1.4 and 5.1.8 | Yes | ||||
| All | Heavy metals |
EP chapter 2.4.27 USP <561> |
3.0 ppm of arsenic 0.5 ppm of cadmium 5.0 ppm of lead 0.5 ppm of mercury |
Yes | ||||
| Cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product, that is imported | Pesticides |
EP chapter 2.8.13 USP <561> |
The limits specified for each pesticide specified by EP chapter 2.8.13 | Yes | ||||
| Cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product, that is not imported | Pesticides |
EP chapter 2.8.13 USP <561> |
0.020 ppm of Abamectin 0.020 ppm of Bifenazate 0.100 ppm of Bifenthrin 0.010 ppm of Chlormequat chloride 0.020 ppm of Daminozide 0.020 ppm of Etoxazole 0.020 ppm of Fenoxycarb 0.010 ppm of Imazalil 0.020 ppm of Imidacloprid 0.020 ppm of Myclobutanil 0.020 ppm of Paclobutrazol 0.050 ppm of Pyrethrins (I and II) 0.010 ppm of Spinosad (Spinosyn A and Spinosyn D) 3.000 ppm of Spiromesifen 0.020 ppm of Spirotetramat 0.020 ppm of Trifloxystrobin |
Yes | ||||
| All | Absence of aflatoxins |
EP chapter 2.8.18 USP <561> |
2 µg/kg of aflatoxin B1 4 µg/kg for the sum of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 |
Yes | ||||
| All | Ochratoxin A | EP chapter 2.8.22 | 20 µg/kg | Yes | ||||
| Dried cannabis as a cannabis-based ingredient or dried product | Foreign matter | EP chapter 2.8.2 | 2% | No | ||||
| Dried cannabis as a cannabis-based ingredient or dried product | Loss on drying |
EP chapter 2.2.32 USP <731> |
12% | No | ||||
| Dried cannabis as a cannabis-based ingredient or dried product | Total ash |
EP chapter 2.4.16 USP <561> or BP Appendix XI.J |
20% | No | ||||
| Cannabis-based ingredient or dosage product | Residual solvents |
EP chapters 2.4.24 and 5.4 USP <467> |
The limits specified by EP chapter 5.4 | Yes |
(3)
Tests for the following may be conducted on only a cannabis-based ingredient if it can be demonstrated that there is no risk that the final product will exceed the maximum limits:
(a)
heavy metals:
(b)
pesticides:
(c)
absence of aflatoxins:
(d)
ochratoxin A:
(e)
foreign matter (for dried cannabis as cannabis-based ingredient):
(f)
loss on drying (for dried cannabis as cannabis-based ingredient):
(g)
total ash (for dried cannabis as cannabis-based ingredient):
(h)
residual solvents.
(4)
However, the testing referred to in subclause (3) need not be conducted on a cannabis-based ingredient if the tests are completed in the final dosage product stage and the cannabis-based ingredient is not intended for further supply.
Regulation 7: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 6 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
8 Other requirements
The table in this regulation sets out—
(a)
which of the following items must comply with a requirement:
(i)
[Revoked](ii)
cannabis-based ingredients:
(iii)
medicinal cannabis products, whether dried products or dosage products; and
(b)
the name of the requirement; and
(c)
the regulation that sets out the requirement; and
(d)
for a requirement that involves testing, whether the requirement’s testing method must be validated under regulation 9(2).
| Items that must comply | Requirement | Regulation with requirement | Validation of testing method | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis-based ingredient or any medicinal cannabis product | Shelf life and storage conditions | r 10 | – | |||
| Cannabis-based ingredient that is dried cannabis or dried product | Identification of cannabis | r 11 | No | |||
| Cannabis-based ingredient or any medicinal cannabis product | Identification of active ingredients | r 12 | Yes | |||
| Cannabis-based ingredient or any medicinal cannabis product | Assay limits for active ingredients | r 13 | Yes | |||
| All | No adulteration | r 14 | – | |||
| Cannabis-based ingredient or any medicinal cannabis product | Container material | r 15 | – | |||
| Any medicinal cannabis product | Sources of active ingredients and cannabinoids | r 16 | – | |||
| All | Restrictions on decontamination | r 17 | – | |||
| All | Pesticides | r 18 | – | |||
| Any medicinal cannabis product | Labelling | r 19 | – | |||
| Any medicinal cannabis product | Form and dosage form | r 20 | Yes | |||
| Dosage product | Excipients and other ingredients | r 21 | No |
Regulation 8(a)(i): revoked, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 7(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 8 table: amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 7(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
9 Testing and validation of testing method
(1)
Any testing required by regulation 7, or by a requirement specified in regulation 8, must be carried out,—
(a)
in the case of a critical test, by a GMP-certified manufacturer or laboratory:
(b)
in any other case, by—
(i)
a GMP-certified manufacturer or laboratory; or
(ii)
an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory.
(2)
If regulation 7 or 8 requires the testing method to be validated, it must be validated,—
(a)
for a critical test, by a GMP-certified manufacturer or laboratory; or
(b)
in any other case, by a GMP-certified manufacturer or laboratory, or an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory.
(3)
However, this regulation does not apply to the testing of container material.
(4)
In this regulation,—
critical test means a test for—
(a)
assay limits for active ingredients; or
(b)
dosage form requirements
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory means a laboratory that is accredited as meeting ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by an accreditation body that is a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement.
Regulation 9: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 8 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Details of other requirements
10 Shelf life and storage conditions
(1)
A cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product must remain compliant with the requirements of this minimum quality standard relating to the following during its shelf life:
(a)
microbiological contamination:
(b)
loss on drying:
(c)
assay limits for active ingredients:
(d)
form and dosage form.
(2)
Stability testing must be done on the ingredient or product in accordance with the ICH Q1A Guideline to determine its—
(a)
shelf life; and
(b)
recommended storage conditions.
(3)
In this regulation, ICH Q1A Guideline means the Q1A(R2) Guideline on Stability Testing of New Drug Substances and Products published by the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use, as published at 1 April 2020.
11 Identification of cannabis
The following must be positively identified as cannabis by using both macroscopic and microscopic examination:
(a)
any dried cannabis intended to be used as a cannabis-based ingredient before further processing:
(b)
any other dried product.
Regulation 11: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 9 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
12 Identification of active ingredients
The active ingredients in the following must be positively identified by using chromatographic or spectroscopic methods, or both:
(a)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(b)
a medicinal cannabis product (including a dried product).
13 Assay limits for active ingredients
(1)
This regulation applies to a cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product.
(2)
Each active ingredient in the ingredient or product must be assayed using chromatographic or spectroscopic methods.
(3)
For a dried product, each active ingredient must assay at—
(a)
no less than 80% of its stated content; and
(b)
no more than 120% of its stated content.
(4)
For a dosage product, each active ingredient must assay at—
(a)
no less than 90% of its stated content; and
(b)
no more than 110% of its stated content.
(5)
Despite subclauses (3) and (4), if an active ingredient in a medicinal cannabis product is present at very low levels and difficult to control within the specified range, the active ingredient may be assayed at a less-than limit rather than within the limits specified in the relevant subclause.
(6)
For a cannabis-based ingredient, each active ingredient must assay at—
(a)
no less than the lowest quantity specified by the manufacturer of each active ingredient; and
(b)
no more than the highest quantity specified by the manufacturer of each active ingredient.
(7)
In this regulation, less-than limit means a limit specified by the manufacturer below which the relevant product must assay.
Regulation 13(4): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 10(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 13(5): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 10(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 13(6): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 10(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 13(7): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 10(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
14 No adulteration
(1)
The following must not contain any substance that adulterates it:
(a)
[Revoked](b)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(c)
a medicinal cannabis product.
(2)
In this regulation, adulterate means to add or substitute any substance that is extraneous to the composition of the material, ingredient, or dried product, or the formulation of the dosage product, other than incidental minor excipients, whether or not the intention is to improve, fortify, or debase the material, ingredient, or product.
Regulation 14(1)(a): revoked, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 11 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
15 Container material
(1)
A cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product must be packed in a container of a material that complies with chapters 3.1 and 3.2 of the European Pharmacopoeia, the United States Pharmacopeia Chapters <660>, <661.1>, and <661.2>, or the EMA Guideline on Plastic Immediate Packaging Materials.
(2)
However, subclause (1) does not apply to cannabis-based ingredients that are not being supplied.
Regulation 15(1): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 12(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 15(2): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 12(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
16 Sources of active ingredients and cannabinoids
The following ingredients contained in a medicinal cannabis product must be extracted only from cannabis:
(a)
an active ingredient:
(b)
a cannabinoid.
17 Restrictions on decontamination
Any treatment to decontaminate any of the following must not adversely affect the quality of the material, ingredient, or product, or use or contain ethylene oxide:
(a)
[Revoked](b)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(c)
an ingredient of a medicinal cannabis product.
Regulation 17(a): revoked, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 13 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
18 Pesticides
(1)
This regulation applies to the use of pesticides on—
(a)
cannabis from which a cannabis-based ingredient is extracted:
(b)
an ingredient of a medicinal cannabis product:
(c)
a dried cannabis product.
(2)
Pesticide active ingredients specified or described in the following table may be used:
| Active ingredients permitted | Further details | |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty acids of 8 carbons or more in their chains, and their salts | Includes ammonium salt of fatty acid (fatty acids, C8-18 and C18 unsaturated, ammonium salt) and potassium salts of fatty acids (fatty acids, C8-18 and C18-unsaturated, potassium salts) | |
| Active ingredients that are foods or permitted food additives | Except where the food is deemed a novel food as defined in section 1.1.2 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and either the composition of the active ingredient deviates from the physicochemical range or has undergone refining to a level exceeding that accepted as common for the food | |
| Sulphur | ||
| Hydrogen peroxide | ||
| Products containing paraffin oils or mineral oils as the active ingredient | Must be a product that— (a)is approved by an overseas regulatory authority for use on medicinal cannabis; or (b)has CAS 8042-47-5, CAS 72623-86-0, or CAS 97862-82-3 as the active ingredient |
|
| Extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis | ||
| GS-omega/kappa-Hxtx-Hv1a | ||
| Microbial active ingredients | Akanthomyces lecanni | |
| Aureobasidium pullulans (strains DSM 14940, DSM 14941, and YBCA5) | ||
| Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus fv11 (baculovirus: nucleopolyhedrovirus Autographa californica (ACMNPV)) | ||
| Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strains MBI600, D747, F272, QST 713, and BS1b) | ||
| Bacillus subtilis (strain ATCC 6051, GBO3 and KTSB) | ||
| Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki, and aizawai | ||
| Beauveria bassiana | ||
| Clonostachys rosea (strain J1446) | ||
| Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus BV-0003 | ||
| Metarhizium brunneum (strain F52) | ||
| Streptomyces lydicus (strain WYEC 108, and ATTC55445) | ||
| Trichoderma asperellum (strains T34 and ICC 012) | ||
| Trichoderma gamsii strain ICC 080 | ||
| Trichoderma harzianum rifai strain KRL-AG2 (also known as strain T-22) | ||
| Trichoderma virens (strain G-41, LU753) | ||
| Ulocladium oudemansii (strain U3) |
(3)
The following pesticide active ingredients may be used if, in its intended end use, the cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product is not to be administered via inhalation:
(a)
agricultural chemicals listed or described in Schedule 2 of the Food Notice: Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds issued under section 405 of the Food Act 2014 for the purposes of section 383(8)(a) of that Act, and used in accordance with the Food Regulations 2015 and in accordance with use conditions:
(b)
products that are registered under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 with a label claim for use on a food crop if—
(i)
no registration condition prohibits off-label use of the product; and
(ii)
residues of pesticide active ingredients meet the calculated maximum limit as outlined in Chapter 2.8.13 of the European Pharmacopoeia:
(c)
for imported cannabis-based ingredients or medicinal cannabis products, pesticide active ingredients in products that are registered under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 may be used if—
(i)
evidence is provided to the Director-General that demonstrates that the product is authorised for use on food crops by the relevant overseas authority; and
(ii)
residues of pesticide active ingredients meet the calculated maximum limit as outlined in Chapter 2.8.13 of the European Pharmacopoeia.
(4)
Alternative pesticide active ingredients may be accepted if—
(a)
evidence is provided to the Director-General that demonstrates that the pesticide product has been registered by the relevant overseas authority for use on medicinal cannabis; and
(b)
the product has been used in accordance with use conditions; and
(c)
a suitable safety assessment has been completed by the relevant overseas authority.
(5)
The use of pesticides must comply with all other relevant legislative requirements, including the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996.
Regulation 18: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 14 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 18(3)(c): editorial change made by the PCO, on 29 October 2024, under sections 86(1) and 87(l) and (iv) of the Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 58).
19 Labelling
A medicinal cannabis product that is a medicine must comply with the requirements relating to a medicine in Part 4 of the Medicines Regulations 1984, but with the following modifications:
(a)
that Part applies as if active ingredient had the same meaning as it has in these regulations:
(b)
regulations 23 and 13(1)(k)(i) and (l) of those regulations do not apply (meaning that the rest of regulation 13, and regulations 16(1) and 22, of those regulations always apply to the product):
(c)
regulation 16(1) of those regulations applies as if it also required the principal display panel of the product’s label to contain the words “MEDICINAL CANNABIS PRODUCT”
:
(d)
a controlled drug classification statement takes precedence over a classification statement required under the Medicines Regulations 1984:
(e)
if a medicinal cannabis product is a controlled drug, compliance with regulation 25(1)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 is required rather than compliance with regulation 13(1)(f) of the Medicines Regulations 1984.
Regulation 19(d): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 15 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 19(e): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 15 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
20 Form and dosage form
(1)
A medicinal cannabis product must not be in a form intended for smoking.
(2)
A dosage product—
(a)
must be in a pharmaceutical dosage form for which there is a monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia; and
(b)
must comply with the requirements of the monograph; but
(c)
must not be in a sterile dosage form.
21 Excipients and other ingredients
(1)
A dosage product must not contain an excipient for which there is no monograph in the British Pharmacopoeia, the European Pharmacopoeia, or the United States Pharmacopeia.
(2)
The dosage product must comply with the requirements of a monograph in one of those pharmacopoeia for each excipient that it contains.
(3)
The dosage product must not contain an ingredient that—
(a)
is derived from an animal; and
(b)
is contaminated with any transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.
Regulation 21(1): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 16 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 21(2): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 16 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Part 2 Medicinal cannabis licences
Types of licensed activity
22 Types of licensed activity
A medicinal cannabis licence authorises the licence holder to carry out 1 or more of the following types of licensed activity:
(a)
a cultivation activity:
(b)
a seed supply activity:
(c)
a research activity:
(d)
a possession for manufacture activity:
(e)
a supply activity.
Regulation 22(b): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 17 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
23 Cultivation activity
(1)
A cultivation activity means any activity listed in subclause (2) that—
(a)
is specified in the licence; and
(b)
is done for a purpose relating to—
(i)
the cultivation of cannabis for therapeutic use; and
(ii)
if specified in the licence, the cultivation of only approved cultivars under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006.
(2)
The activities are—
(a)
to cultivate cannabis:
(b)
to procure the following within New Zealand:
(i)
any cannabis from the holder of a medicinal cannabis licence that authorises its supply:
(ii)
no more than 50 seeds and 20 plants from each holder of a licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006 that authorises their supply:
(iii)
no more than 50 seeds and 20 plants (from any other source) of a variety of cannabis that is established in New Zealand and that the applicant has declared under regulation 35:
(c)
to procure cannabis by import into New Zealand under a licence to import controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(d)
to produce starting material by harvesting or drying cannabis:
(e)
to supply cannabis within New Zealand to a person who is authorised to receive it by any enactment or a medicinal cannabis licence for a cultivation, seed supply, research, possession for manufacture, or supply activity:
(f)
to export starting material, produced under paragraph (d) as fresh or dried cannabis, for testing, analysis, or research for non-therapeutic purposes under a licence to export controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977, limited to the quantities specified in the medicinal cannabis licence:
(g)
to export cannabis seed, cuttings, rootstock, tissue, and tissue culture, for the purpose of propagation, under a licence to export controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(h)
to possess cannabis for the purposes of carrying out any of the activities described in paragraphs (a) to (g).
Regulation 23(2)(d): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 18 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 23(2)(e): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 18 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 23(2)(f): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 18 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 23(2)(g): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 18 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 23(2)(h): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 18 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
24 Seed supply activity
(1)
A seed supply activity means any activity listed in subclause (2) that—
(a)
is specified in the licence; and
(b)
is done for a purpose relating to the supply of cannabis seed for cultivation for therapeutic use.
(2)
The activities are—
(a)
to procure cannabis seed—
(i)
within New Zealand from the holder of any medicinal cannabis licence that authorises its supply; or
(ii)
by import into New Zealand under a licence to import controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(b)
to supply cannabis seed within New Zealand to a person who is authorised to receive it by any enactment or a medicinal cannabis licence for a cultivation activity:
(c)
to export cannabis seed under a licence to export controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(d)
to possess cannabis seed for the purposes of carrying out any of the activities described in paragraphs (a) to (c).
Regulation 24: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 19 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
25 Research activity
(1)
A research activity means any activity listed in subclause (2) that—
(a)
is specified in the licence; and
(b)
is done for a purpose relating to research about cannabis for therapeutic use.
(2)
The activities are—
(a)
to procure any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product—
(i)
within New Zealand from the holder of any medicinal cannabis licence that authorises its supply; or
(ii)
by import into New Zealand under a licence to import controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(b)
[Revoked](c)
to supply or administer a medicinal cannabis product to a person who is a research subject:
(d)
to possess any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product for the purposes of carrying out any of the activities described in paragraphs (a) and (c).
Regulation 25(2)(b): revoked, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 20(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 25(2)(d): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 20(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
26 Possession for manufacture activity
(1)
A possession for manufacture activity means any activity listed in subclause (2) that—
(a)
is specified in the licence; and
(b)
is done for a purpose relating to testing, production, or manufacture of cannabis for therapeutic use.
(2)
The activities are—
(a)
to procure any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product—
(i)
within New Zealand from the holder of any medicinal cannabis licence that authorises its supply; or
(ii)
by import into New Zealand under a licence to import controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(b)
any of the following manufacturing activities, but only to develop or test the related processes or products or to validate that testing:
(i)
extracting a cannabis-based ingredient:
(ii)
manufacturing or packing a medicinal cannabis product:
(iii)
testing any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product:
(c)
to manufacture initial extracts for use as starting material:
(d)
to possess any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product for the purposes of carrying out any of the activities described in paragraphs (a) to (c).
Regulation 26(1)(b): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 21(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 26(2)(b)(iii): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 21(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 26(2)(c): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 21(3) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 26(2)(d): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 21(3) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
27 Supply activity
(1)
A supply activity means any activity listed in subclause (2) that—
(a)
is specified in the licence; and
(b)
is done for a purpose relating to the supply of—
(i)
any starting material; or
(ii)
any cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product that is specified in the licence.
(2)
The activities are—
(a)
to procure any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product—
(i)
within New Zealand from the holder of any medicinal cannabis licence that authorises its supply; or
(ii)
by import into New Zealand under a licence to import controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(b)
to supply any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product within New Zealand to a person who is authorised to receive it under one of the following:
(i)
any enactment:
(ii)
a medicinal cannabis licence:
(iii)
a licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(iv)
a licence issued under the Medicines Act 1981:
(c)
to supply any starting material by export from New Zealand under a licence to export controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(d)
to supply any cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product that has been verified to meet the minimum quality standard by export from New Zealand under a licence to export controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977:
(e)
to supply cannabis-based ingredients and medicinal cannabis products that have not been tested to the requirements of the minimum quality standard, by export from New Zealand under a licence to export controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977, if the items have been manufactured in compliance with GMP by a GMP-certified manufacturer:
(f)
to supply cannabis-based ingredients and medicinal cannabis products that have not been tested to the requirements of the minimum quality standard, for testing, analysis, or research for non-therapeutic purposes, by export from New Zealand under a licence to export controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977, limited to the quantities specified on the medicinal cannabis licence:
(g)
to possess any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product for the purposes of carrying out any of the activities described in paragraphs (a) to (f).
Regulation 27: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 22 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
28 Licences under other enactments
(1)
A medicinal cannabis licence does not remove any need for its holder to also hold any of the following relevant licences:
(a)
a licence to manufacture medicines, a licence to pack medicines, a licence to sell medicines by wholesale, or a licence to sell medicines by retail issued under the Medicines Act 1981 (see section 109 of that Act):
(b)
a licence to import controlled drugs, or a licence to export controlled drugs, issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977.
(2)
A medicinal cannabis licence does not affect—
(a)
any of those licences; or
(b)
any other licence issued under the Medicines Act 1981; or
(c)
any other licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977; or
(d)
any licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006.
(3)
This regulation is for the avoidance of doubt.
Eligibility requirements
29 Individuals who are eligible to hold licences
An individual is eligible to hold a licence if the individual—
(a)
has completed an application for the licence; and
(b)
is 18 years or older; and
(c)
satisfies both of the following, or does not satisfy both of the following but is approved by the Minister:
(i)
they have never held a licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, or any regulations made under that Act, that has been revoked:
(ii)
they have never been convicted of an offence against the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 or any other drug-related offence; and
(d)
resides in New Zealand; and
(e)
is entitled to use the location or locations specified in the application for the licence for the types of licensed activity sought; and
(f)
is familiar with, and has the expertise and the resources to comply with, the obligations that these regulations impose on the holder of a licence for the types of licensed activity sought.
30 Bodies corporate and partnerships that are eligible to hold licences
A body corporate or partnership (an entity) is eligible to hold a licence if—
(a)
an application for the licence has been completed for the entity by a person authorised to do so; and
(b)
every director or partner of the entity is 18 years or older; and
(c)
both of the following are satisfied, or both of the following are not satisfied but the entity is approved by the Minister:
(i)
neither the entity, nor any director or partner of the entity, has held a licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, or any regulations made under that Act, that has been revoked:
(ii)
neither the entity, nor any director or partner of the entity, has been convicted of an offence against the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 or any other drug-related offence; and
(d)
the body corporate is incorporated in New Zealand or the partners of the partnership reside in New Zealand; and
(e)
the entity is entitled to use the location or locations specified in the application for the licence for the types of licensed activity sought; and
(f)
the entity has nominated 1 or more individuals to be responsible persons, being individuals who are eligible under regulation 31; and
(g)
1 or more directors or partners of the entity have the expertise, and the entity has the resources,—
(i)
to comply with the obligations that these regulations impose on the holder of a licence for the types of licensed activity sought; and
(ii)
to carry out the types of licensed activity for which the licence is sought.
31 Eligibility of responsible person
An individual is eligible to be approved under these regulations as a responsible person if the individual—
(a)
is authorised by the entity concerned to control the activities for which the licence is sought, and to communicate with the Director-General on behalf of the entity; and
(b)
is familiar with, and has the expertise to comply with, the obligations that these regulations impose on the holder of a licence for the types of licensed activity sought; and
(c)
is 18 years or older; and
(d)
satisfies both of the following, or does not satisfy both of the following but is approved by the Minister:
(i)
they have never held a licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, or any regulations made under that Act, that has been revoked:
(ii)
they have never been convicted of an offence against the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 or any other drug-related offence; and
(e)
resides in New Zealand.
Making and assessment of applications
32 Application for licence
(1)
An application for a licence must be in a form provided by the Director-General.
(2)
The form must require the following:
(a)
the name, address, and contact details of the applicant:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate or partnership,—
(i)
the name of every director or partner; and
(ii)
the name, address, and contact details of each person nominated to be a responsible person:
(c)
the 1 or more types of licensed activity to be added to the licence:
(d)
a declaration from each person nominated to be a responsible person that they are eligible under regulation 31.
(3)
The form must also require the following information for each type of licensed activity for which the licence is sought:
(a)
the following information about the location or locations to be used for the activity:
(i)
a description:
(ii)
the address:
(iii)
the geographical co-ordinates:
(iv)
a plan or map, if required to identify a location:
(b)
the details of adequate arrangements for physical and procedural security, and the security of staff members, at the location or locations of the activity:
(c)
the details of standard operating procedures or similar procedures for the activity, including for—
(i)
tracking and recording any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product; and
(ii)
destroying waste material:
(d)
the place where the records of the activities will be kept:
(e)
adequate additional information to enable the Director-General to assess whether the applicant is eligible to hold a licence for the activity:
(f)
the additional information specified for the activity (if any) by the following table:
| Type of licensed activity | Additional information | |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivation activity |
Whether the cannabis to be cultivated is only approved cultivars under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006. Whether the purpose of the activity is to cultivate cannabis for a seed supply, research, possession for manufacture, or supply activity. Evidence to satisfy the Director-General that the applicant— (a)holds, or has applied for, a licence for a seed supply, possession for manufacture, or supply activity; or (b)has an agreement to supply cannabis to the holder of a licence for a cultivation, seed supply, possession for manufacture, or supply activity, or a plan to manage the cannabis securely until an agreement is made. |
|
| Research activity | A research trial approval issued by the Director-General, or evidence that a research trial approval is not required. |
|
| Possession for manufacture activity | Details of the activities described by regulation 26(2)(b) and (c) that are to be carried out. |
|
| Supply activity |
Details of each cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product to be supplied. For each cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product to be specified in the licence that is to be supplied in New Zealand, evidence (including the results of all required testing) to satisfy the Director-General that representative samples from each of 3 batches of the ingredient or product comply with the minimum quality standard. Each batch sampled must be at least 10% of the full production scale. The following information for each cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product to be specified in the licence: (a)evidence (if any exists) that approval of, or consent to, its distribution in any country other than New Zealand has been given, or declined, by the appropriate authorities in that country: (b)its trade name, which— (i)must be unique (whether proprietary, non-proprietary, or a word or code); and (ii)must not be misleading about its therapeutic effects, safety, or composition; and (iii)must not cause confusion with another medicine in New Zealand; and (iv)must be unique and distinct from the trade name of any cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product that is intended for export only: (c)a full-scale colour image, or (if requested) a physical specimen, of every label or description that will accompany it: (d)a full statement of its composition, or its formulation (meaning its ingredients and the quantity or proportion of each ingredient): (e)details of its method of manufacture (including packing and testing): (f)details of its container closure system: (g)evidence that the facilities for its manufacture (including packing and testing) are GMP-certified or ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited for testing (as defined by regulation 9): (h)a detailed recall plan: (i)details of the recommended method of administering, applying, or using it. |
(4)
Every address specified in the application must be in New Zealand.
(5)
The application must be signed and dated by or on behalf of the applicant.
Regulation 32(3)(c): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 23(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 32(3)(f): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 23(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
33 Locations must have adequate security arrangements
The locations specified in an application must have the adequate security arrangements described in the application.
34 Fees for applications
(1)
This regulation applies to an application for a new licence or to renew a licence (see regulation 47 for a change to a licence while it is in force).
(2)
The following table sets out—
(a)
the types of application for which 1 or more fees are payable:
(b)
the fee payable for the initial check of whether an application appears to be in order:
(c)
if the initial check confirms that an application for a new licence, or addition of a new type of licensed activity to a licence, or both, appears to be in order,—
(i)
the fee payable for consideration of an application for a new licence:
(ii)
the fee payable for consideration of an application to add each new type of licensed activity:
(d)
if the initial check confirms that an application to renew a licence, or to renew a type of licensed activity for a renewed licence, or both, appears to be in order,—
(i)
the fee payable for consideration of an application to renew a licence:
(ii)
the fee payable for consideration of an application to renew each type of licensed activity:
| Application for | Fee for initial check | Fee for consideration if new | Fee for consideration if renewal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anything (licence and any activities) | $300 | |||||
| Licence | $2,250 | $2,250 | ||||
| Cultivation activity | $4,750 | $2,950 | ||||
| Seed supply activity | $650 | $650 | ||||
| Research activity | – | – | ||||
| Possession for manufacture activity | $2,700 | $2,300 | ||||
| Supply activity | $5,550 | $5,150 |
Example
If someone applies for a new licence for a cultivation and supply activity, they must initially pay $300 for the initial check of the application.
If the initial check confirms that the application appears to be in order, the applicant must then pay $12,550, comprising—
(a)
$2,250 for consideration of the new licence; and
(b)
$10,300 for consideration of the 2 new types of licensed activity ($4,750 for the cultivation activity + $5,550 for the supply activity).
If the application is for supply of a new dosage product, the applicant must also pay a further $13,400 under regulation 36.
All amounts exclude GST.
(3)
All fees are specified exclusive of GST.
(4)
The fee for the initial check must be paid when the application is submitted.
(5)
The other fees under these regulations must be paid only if the initial check confirms that the application appears to be in order.
(6)
The Director-General may waive or refund any fee under these regulations, in whole or part and in any particular case or class of cases, if satisfied that the waiver or refund—
(a)
will better match the fees paid with the costs of the services for which they are paid; or
(b)
is in the public interest.
Regulation 34(2) table: amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 24 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
35 Other fees: licence for cultivation (or to cultivate prohibited plant)
(1)
This regulation applies when a person—
(a)
is applying for a cultivation activity in relation to a medicinal cannabis licence; or
(b)
holds a medicinal cannabis licence for a cultivation activity.
(c)
[Revoked](2)
The person may declare in writing that, in accordance with the licence, they will procure no more than 50 seeds and 20 plants of a variety of cannabis that is established in New Zealand.
(3)
However, the person can make more than 1 declaration for each variety of cannabis.
(4)
The person must pay a fee of $650, exclusive of GST, when providing each declaration.
(5)
For a licence described by subclause (1)(c), on the making of the declaration, the licence is treated as permitting the holder to possess and cultivate the declared seeds and plants, despite any condition in the licence.
Regulation 35(1)(c): revoked, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 25 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
36 Other fees: licence for supply activity
(1)
This regulation applies when an applicant is applying for a supply activity in respect of any of the following that are not already specified in their licence (or in the licence that they are renewing):
(a)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(b)
a medicinal cannabis product, whether a dried product or dosage product.
(2)
The applicant must pay the fee specified in the following table (exclusive of GST) for the assessment of the ingredient or product, under regulation 40(5):
| What is assessed | Fee for assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis-based ingredient | $6,700 | |
| Dried product | $6,700 | |
| Dosage product | $6,700 |
(3)
The fee for assessment of a dosage product does not cover the assessment of its cannabis-based ingredients.
Regulation 36: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 26 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
37 Director-General’s initial check of applications
(1)
On receipt of an application, the Director-General must check whether the application appears to be in order.
(2)
If the application does not appear to be in order, the Director-General must return the application to the applicant and advise them that—
(a)
the application is incomplete and that a new application will be required; or
(b)
they do not appear to be eligible to hold the licence sought.
38 Director-General may verify adequate security arrangements at locations
The Director-General may inspect every location specified in the application to verify that it has the adequate security arrangements described in the application.
39 Director-General to ask Ministry of Justice for information about applicant
In order to ascertain whether an applicant, any director or partner of an applicant, or any individual nominated as a responsible person has a conviction for a crime or an offence referred to in this Part, the Director-General must ask the chief executive of the Ministry of Justice to check whether the person has a conviction of that type.
Issue and renewal of, and changes to, licences
40 Decision to issue licence or to decline licence
(1)
The Director-General may approve an application if the Director-General—
(a)
is satisfied that the applicant is eligible, under these regulations, to hold the licence sought; and
(b)
approves at least 1 nominated individual as a responsible person; and
(c)
is satisfied that the activities for which the licence is sought are intended to be done for the proper purpose of those types of licensed activity; and
(d)
is satisfied that every location specified in the application has the adequate security arrangements described in the application; and
(e)
is satisfied with the information described in regulation 32(3) that is provided in the application.
(2)
If, after considering an application, the Director-General is not satisfied about any of those matters or does not approve at least 1 nominated individual as a responsible person, the Director-General must decline the application.
(3)
In deciding whether to approve an application, the Director-General may have regard to whether the applicant, any director or partner of the applicant, or any individual nominated as a responsible person has been convicted of—
(a)
a crime involving dishonesty within the meaning of the Crimes Act 1961; or
(b)
an offence outside New Zealand that, if committed in New Zealand, would fall within paragraph (a) or regulation 29(c)(ii).
(4)
If the Director-General decides to decline an application, the Director-General must notify the applicant of the decision and the reasons for the decision.
(5)
The Director-General must not approve a cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product to be specified in a licence for supply in New Zealand unless the Director-General—
(a)
has assessed the evidence in the application, of which—
(i)
there must be a representative sample from each of 3 batches of the ingredient or product (3 representative samples in total); and
(ii)
each batch must be at least 10% of the full production scale; and
(b)
is satisfied that each of the 3 representative samples complies with the minimum quality standard.
(6)
The Director-General may approve a cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product to be specified in a licence for export for a non-therapeutic purpose without requiring compliance with the minimum quality standard or in circumstances described in regulation 6(2)(g).
Regulation 40(5): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 27 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 40(6): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 27 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
41 Review of decision to decline licence
(1)
An applicant whose application is declined under regulation 40 may apply to the Director-General for a review of the decision.
(2)
The applicant must apply no later than 14 days after the day on which the notice of decision is given to them.
(3)
The Director-General must appoint a person to conduct the review (the reviewer), who may be an employee of the responsible department but must not have had any previous involvement in the case.
(4)
If, after conducting the review, the reviewer—
(a)
considers the decision to decline the licence well founded, the reviewer must recommend that the decision be confirmed:
(b)
does not consider the decision to decline the licence well founded, the reviewer must recommend that the decision be cancelled and reconsidered.
(5)
After considering the recommendation given by the reviewer, the Director-General must—
(a)
confirm the decision, or cancel and reconsider the decision; and
(b)
give notice to the applicant of the confirmed or new decision.
(6)
A notice under subclause (5) has effect as soon as it is given to the applicant.
42 Director-General may impose conditions
(1)
In issuing or changing a licence, the Director-General may impose any conditions, in addition to the conditions imposed by these regulations, that the Director-General considers, in the circumstances of the particular case, necessary or desirable to meet the purpose of these regulations.
(2)
Any conditions imposed when a licence is changed must relate to the changes.
43 Issue and form of licence
(1)
As soon as practicable after approving an application, the Director-General must issue a licence that states the following:
(a)
the name of the licence holder:
(b)
if the licence is issued to a body corporate or a partnership, the name of every responsible person:
(c)
the types of licensed activity, and the specific activities of each type, that are authorised:
(d)
for each type of licensed activity, each location where any cannabis, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product may be—
(i)
stored; and
(ii)
if applicable, cultivated; and
(iii)
if applicable, produced, manufactured, or possessed for manufacture:
(e)
for a licence for a cultivation activity, whether cultivation is restricted to approved cultivars under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006:
(f)
for a licence for a supply activity, each cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product to which the licence applies, including whether the ingredients or products are for export only:
(g)
the period for which the licence is in force:
(h)
any conditions imposed by the Director-General.
(2)
The Director-General must sign and date the licence and give or send it to the licence holder.
Regulation 43(1)(f): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 28 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
44 Duration of licence
(1)
A licence is in force for the period stated in the licence.
(2)
The stated period must not exceed 1 year.
45 Renewal of licence
(1)
If an application for renewal of a licence is made no earlier than 90 days, and no later than 30 days, before the expiry of the licence, the licence continues in force until the application for renewal is determined.
(2)
These regulations apply to an application for a renewal of a licence as if it were an application for a new licence, except for the fees payable in relation to types of licensed activities.
(3)
A licence issued on an application under this regulation—
(a)
must be treated as a licence issued under regulation 43; and
(b)
starts when the earlier licence expires.
46 Surrender of licence
A licence holder may, at any time, surrender the licence to the Director-General, in which case the licence expires on the date on which the licence is received by the Director-General.
47 Certain changes not to be made without approval of Director-General
(1)
A licence holder must not change any of the following matters without the prior approval of the Director-General:
(a)
the composition of the board of directors of the body corporate or partners of the partnership:
(b)
anything at the locations specified in the licence that affects a location’s security arrangements:
(c)
the activities, or types of licensed activity, authorised by the licence:
(d)
any responsible person:
(e)
for a licence for a supply activity, any of the following matters relating to any cannabis-based ingredient or medicinal cannabis product, specified in the licence:
(i)
its trade name:
(ii)
the label or description that will accompany it:
(iii)
its composition, or its formulation (meaning its ingredients and the quantity or proportion of each ingredient):
(iv)
its method of manufacture (including packing and testing):
(v)
its container closure system:
(vi)
the facilities for its manufacture (including packing and testing):
(vii)
the recommended method of administering, applying, or using it:
(viii)
its shelf life or storage conditions.
(2)
A licence holder cannot change the locations specified in the licence.
(3)
An approval under this regulation must be sought by a written application, in a form provided by the Director-General, that—
(a)
includes the new information for the matters sought to be changed that would be required in an application for a licence; and
(b)
is accompanied by the licence; and
(c)
is made at least 60 days before a proposed change is to take effect.
(4)
The Director-General must consider whether the application satisfies the requirements of this Part that relate to the matters that are sought to be changed.
(5)
If the Director-General approves a change described in any of subclause (1)(c) to (e), the Director-General must amend the licence or issue a replacement licence to reflect the approved change.
(6)
Fees are payable if the application is for—
(a)
the addition of 1 or more new types of licensed activity to the licence; or
(b)
any change relating to a location used for a type of licensed activity, if the Director-General is satisfied that the change affects the location’s security arrangements.
(7)
The fees that are payable are—
(a)
the fee payable under regulation 34 for the initial check of whether an application appears to be in order:
(b)
if the initial check confirms that the application appears to be in order, the fee payable under regulation 34 for the consideration of an application to add each new type of licensed activity to which subclause (6) applies.
(8)
Fees are also payable—
(a)
under regulation 35 if the applicant makes a declaration under that regulation when applying; or
(b)
under regulation 36 if the application relates to a supply activity and—
(i)
is an application for a change described in subclause (1)(e), in which case the ingredient or product that is being changed must be assessed under regulation 40(5) as if it were not already specified in the licence; or
(ii)
that regulation otherwise applies.
Regulation 47(1)(e): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 29(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 47(8)(b)(i): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 29(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
48 Replacement of responsible person
(1)
This regulation applies if there is no responsible person in respect of a licence held by a body corporate or partnership because the individual who was the responsible person has—
(a)
died, become incapacitated, or for any other reason has become unable to hold the position of responsible person; or
(b)
ceased to be a responsible person as a result of a cancellation of approval under regulation 49.
(2)
The licence holder must, as soon as practicable, seek the Director-General’s approval, under regulation 47, for an eligible individual to replace the individual who has ceased to be a responsible person.
49 Cancellation of approval of responsible person
(1)
The Director-General may cancel the approval of an individual given under regulation 40 if the Director-General is satisfied that the individual—
(a)
has ceased to be eligible under regulation 31; or
(b)
has breached a provision of these regulations or a condition of the licence.
(2)
Before cancelling the approval of an individual, the Director-General must—
(a)
notify the individual of the proposal to cancel the approval; and
(b)
give the individual an opportunity to make submissions on the proposal within a reasonable period; and
(c)
take into account any submissions received within that period.
(3)
The Director-General must give notice of a cancellation under this regulation to the individual and to the licence holder.
50 Certain changes to be notified to Director-General
Whenever there is a change in the place where a licence holder’s records are kept or a change in the address or the contact details of a licence holder or responsible person, the licence holder must, no later than 15 days after the change, give the Director-General notice of the change.
51 Licence must be securely kept
The licence holder must keep their licence in a secure place at all times when the licence is not required to be produced under these regulations.
Terms and conditions relating to authorised activities
52 Activity may be carried out only in specified locations
An activity authorised by a licence may be carried out only in the location or locations specified for the activity in the licence.
53 Activity must be carried out under control of licence holder or responsible person
An activity authorised under a licence may be carried out only if it is carried out under the control of—
(a)
the licence holder, if the licence holder is an individual; or
(b)
a responsible person, if the licence holder is a body corporate or a partnership.
54 Cannabis, starting material, ingredients, and products to be dealt with responsibly
Every licence holder and every responsible person must deal with any cannabis, starting material, cannabis-based ingredients, and medicinal cannabis products that are in their possession or control in a way that effectively guards against the risk of misuse for unlawful purposes.
Regulation 54: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 30 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
55 Compliance with conditions and provisions
(1)
Every licence holder and every responsible person must—
(a)
comply with all conditions imposed on the licence holder by or under these regulations and with all other provisions of these regulations; and
(b)
take all reasonable steps to ensure that every employee, agent, and contractor complies with the conditions and provisions.
(2)
The expenses incurred in complying with the conditions and provisions must be met by the licence holder.
56 Security of cannabis, starting material, ingredients, and products
(1)
A licence holder must ensure that all cannabis, starting material, cannabis-based ingredients, and medicinal cannabis products are securely protected against access by unauthorised individuals and any animals.
(2)
A licence holder must take all reasonable steps to ensure that cannabis does not spread outside the locations to which the licence applies.
Regulation 56: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 31 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
57 Police and Director-General to be notified of unauthorised removal, loss, or activity
(1)
This regulation applies if—
(a)
the licence of a licence holder is removed without authority or lost; or
(b)
any cannabis, starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product that is in the licence holder’s possession or control is removed without authority or lost; or
(c)
there is any unauthorised activity at a place where cannabis is cultivated or stored.
(2)
After the licence holder, or any employee or agent of the licence holder, becomes aware of the removal, loss, or activity, the licence holder must report it—
(a)
immediately to a member of the Police; and
(b)
as soon as practicable, but within 3 days, to the Director-General.
Regulation 57(1)(b): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 32 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
58 Locations must be available for inspection
(1)
If an authorised person wishes to inspect, at a reasonable time, a location specified in a licence, the licence holder must permit the authorised person to enter the land that comprises or includes the location.
(2)
The licence holder and every employee or agent of the licence holder must give an authorised person who inspects a location any reasonable assistance that the authorised person requires for the purposes of the inspection.
(3)
In subclause (2), assistance includes—
(a)
giving the authorised person records kept under these regulations; and
(b)
copying those records or permitting the authorised person to remove those records for copying; and
(c)
co-operating with the authorised person in the inspection of the premises, processes, and materials at the location, and the taking of samples of cannabis, starting material, cannabis-based ingredients, or medicinal cannabis products.
(4)
An authorised person who carries out an inspection under this regulation must carry identification and other documentation that confirms the person’s authority to inspect, and must show that identification and authorising documentation on request.
(5)
In this regulation, authorised person means a person authorised in writing by the Director-General to exercise the powers under this regulation.
Regulation 58(3)(c): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 33 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
59 Samples taken for testing
(1)
The Director-General may, at any time, take samples of the following from a location specified in the licence holder’s licence:
(a)
any cannabis:
(b)
any starting material:
(c)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(d)
a medicinal cannabis product:
(e)
any label, packaging, or description relating to those things.
(2)
The samples may be taken only for the purposes of examining or testing them.
Regulation 59(1): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 34 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
60 Destruction of cannabis, starting material, ingredients, and products
(1)
The licence holder must, at their own cost, destroy each of the following that they have and that is not required, or to be supplied, under the licence:
(a)
any cannabis:
(b)
any starting material:
(c)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(d)
a medicinal cannabis product.
(2)
The licence holder must provide evidence of the destruction to the Director-General on request.
Regulation 60: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 35 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
61 Abandoned cannabis
(1)
If the Director-General believes on reasonable grounds that a current or former licence holder has abandoned any growing or harvested cannabis that is subject to the licence holder’s licence, the Director-General may treat the cannabis as surrendered to the Director-General.
(2)
The Director-General may recover from the licence holder any costs incurred in managing or disposing of the cannabis.
(3)
This regulation applies whether or not the licence of the licence holder has expired or been revoked.
Record-keeping and reporting
62 Records for cultivation activity
(1)
The holder of a licence for a cultivation activity must keep records of the amounts of cannabis that the holder, under the licence,—
(a)
cultivates; or
(b)
maintains for the purposes of propagation; or
(c)
produces and stores; or
(d)
supplies within New Zealand to—
(i)
the holder of a licence, including a licence specified under regulation 23(2)(e); or
(ii)
a person who is authorised to receive it by any enactment; or
(e)
destroys or disposes of.
(2)
The holder must also keep records of the following for activities authorised by the licence:
(a)
a failure by the holder, in any season, to sow cannabis seeds intended for sowing:
(b)
a failure of any cannabis seeds sown by the holder to germinate, or of any crop of cannabis plants to attain maturity, for any reason.
Regulation 62(1)(d): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 36 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
63 Records for seed supply activity
The holder of a licence for seed supply must keep records of—
(a)
the amounts of cannabis seed that the holder supplies under the licence; and
(b)
the amounts of cannabis seed that the holder possesses under the licence; and
(c)
the amounts of cannabis seed that the holder destroys or disposes of.
Regulation 63: replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 37 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
64 Records for research activity
The holder of a licence for a research activity must keep records of—
(a)
the amounts of each medicinal cannabis product that the holder supplies or administers under the licence; and
(b)
the amounts of starting material, cannabis-based ingredients, and medicinal cannabis products that the holder possesses under the licence; and
(c)
the amounts of starting material, cannabis-based ingredients, and medicinal cannabis products that the holder destroys or disposes of.
Regulation 64(c): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 38 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
65 Records for possession for manufacture activity
The holder of a licence for a possession for manufacture activity must keep records of the following for activities carried out under the licence:
(a)
the amounts of medicinal cannabis products that the holder possesses after manufacturing them:
(b)
the amounts of starting material and cannabis-based ingredients that the holder possesses:
(c)
the amounts of starting material and cannabis-based ingredients and medicinal cannabis products that the holder destroys or disposes of.
Regulation 65(c): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 39 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
66 Records for supply activity
The holder of a licence for a supply activity must keep records of—
(a)
the amounts of starting material, cannabis-based ingredients, and medicinal cannabis products that the holder supplies under the licence; and
(b)
the amounts of starting material, cannabis-based ingredients, and medicinal cannabis products that the holder possesses under the licence; and
(c)
the amounts of starting material, cannabis-based ingredients, and medicinal cannabis products that the holder destroys or disposes of.
Regulation 66(c): inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 40 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
67 Records of stocktake for any activity
(1)
This regulation applies in respect of each of the following (a material) that a person possesses in accordance with a licence at the end of any year (the time of stocktake):
(a)
any cannabis:
(b)
any starting material:
(c)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(d)
a medicinal cannabis product.
(2)
The person must—
(a)
record the actual amount of the material that they possess at the time of stocktake; and
(b)
prepare an account that compares the recorded amounts of the material that they possess during the year with the actual amount at the time of stocktake, including an explanation of any differences between the recorded and actual amounts.
(3)
The records and account of the stocktake must state the amount of material held on 31 December in each year and be reported to the Director-General by 31 January in the next year.
Regulation 67(1): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 41(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 67(3): replaced, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 41(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
68 Keeping of records
(1)
Every matter that must be recorded must be kept up to date.
(2)
The records must be retained for at least 5 years after they are made.
(3)
The records may be kept on paper or in electronic form.
(4)
The records must be readily accessible, retrievable, and secure from tampering.
69 Copy of records to be provided on request
(1)
Every licence holder must provide to the Director-General a copy of any record as soon as practicable after the Director-General requests a copy.
(2)
The copy may be provided on paper or in electronic form.
70 Returns for export or supply
Regulation 47 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 applies to any export or supply under a medicinal cannabis licence—
(a)
as if the holder of the medicinal cannabis licence were a person licensed under those regulations to deal in controlled drugs; and
(b)
as if that regulation applied to disposal by wholesale or retail; and
(c)
with any other necessary modifications.
Suspension and cancellation of licences
71 Suspension of licence
(1)
The Director-General may, by notice to the licence holder, suspend a licence if satisfied that the licence holder has—
(a)
provided any false information in the application for the licence or for a change to the licence; or
(b)
breached any condition of the licence or provision of these regulations.
(2)
The notice must provide the following information:
(a)
the start date of the suspension (which must not be before the date on which the notice is given to the licence holder):
(b)
the end date of the suspension (which must not be more than 30 days after the start date):
(c)
the false information that was provided or the breach that has occurred:
(d)
the corrective action to be taken to remedy or mitigate the false information or breach:
(e)
the right of the licence holder to apply for a review of the suspension.
(3)
The notice must also state that—
(a)
the Director-General will, unless the suspension is cancelled on review, keep a record of the suspension:
(b)
the record will be taken into account in the consideration of any future application that involves the licence holder, any directors or partners of the licence holder, or any individual who is a responsible person for the licence.
72 Duration of suspension
(1)
The period of suspension starts on the date stated in the notice.
(2)
The period of suspension ends on the date stated in the notice unless at any time during that period the Director-General, by notice to the licence holder,—
(a)
extends that period by a further period of no more than 30 days; or
(b)
substitutes an earlier end date for the period.
(3)
The Director-General may extend the period of suspension only once.
(4)
The Director-General may, under subclause (2)(b), substitute an earlier date only if satisfied that the licence holder has taken the corrective action stated in the notice given under regulation 71 or that the action is not, or no longer, required.
73 Effect of suspension
(1)
While the licence of a licence holder is suspended, the licence holder—
(a)
is not authorised to carry out any authorised activity under that licence without the prior written permission of the Director-General; but
(b)
may tend growing cannabis and, if necessary, harvest it, if those are authorised activities under the licence.
(2)
A permission given under subclause (1)(a) may be subject to any stated restrictions or conditions, or both.
74 Revocation of licence
(1)
The Director-General may, by notice to the licence holder, revoke the licence of the licence holder if satisfied that—
(a)
the licence holder has, within any period during which the licence holder’s licence was suspended, failed to take the corrective action stated in the notice given under regulation 71; or
(b)
the licence holder or any director or partner of the licence holder has been convicted of an offence against the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 or any other drug-related offence; or
(c)
the licence holder has knowingly provided any false information in the application for the licence or for a change to the licence; or
(d)
the licence holder has deliberately breached a condition of the licence imposed by or under these regulations.
(2)
The notice must provide the following information:
(a)
the date on which the revocation takes effect (which must not be before the 14th day after the date on which the notice is given to the licence holder):
(b)
the reasons for the revocation:
(c)
the right of the licence holder to apply for a review of the revocation.
(3)
The notice must also state that—
(a)
the Director-General will, unless the revocation is cancelled on review, keep a record of the revocation:
(b)
the record will be taken into account in the consideration of any future application that involves the licence holder, any directors or partners of the licence holder, or any individual who is a responsible person for the licence.
75 Duty to return licence when revocation takes effect
(1)
As soon as the revocation of a licence takes effect, the person who held that licence must return the licence to the Director-General.
(2)
For the purposes of these regulations, the revocation of a licence takes effect on the date stated under regulation 74(2)(a) unless the licence holder concerned applies for a review in accordance with regulation 76, in which case it takes effect if and when notice is given, under regulation 76(5), that the decision to revoke has been confirmed.
76 Review of suspension or revocation
(1)
A licence holder whose licence has been suspended under regulation 71 or revoked under regulation 74 may apply to the Director-General for a review of the suspension or revocation.
(2)
The licence holder must apply no later than 14 days after the day on which the notice of suspension or revocation is given to them.
(3)
The Director-General must appoint a person to conduct the review (the reviewer), who may be an employee of the responsible department but must not have had any previous involvement in the case.
(4)
If, after conducting the review, the reviewer—
(a)
considers the decision to suspend or revoke the licence well founded, the reviewer must recommend that the decision be confirmed:
(b)
does not consider the decision to suspend or revoke the licence well founded, the reviewer must recommend that the decision be cancelled.
(5)
After considering the recommendation given by the reviewer, the Director-General must, by notice to the licence holder, confirm or cancel the decision.
(6)
A notice under subclause (5) has effect as soon as it is given to the licence holder.
(7)
In the period starting on the day on which an application for review of the revocation of a licence is lodged and ending at the end of the day on which the application is withdrawn or determined, the applicant—
(a)
is not authorised to carry out any authorised activity under that licence; but
(b)
may tend growing cannabis and, if necessary, harvest it, if those are authorised activities under the licence.
77 Record of suspensions and revocations
(1)
The Director-General must keep a record of every suspension and revocation of a licence that has not been cancelled on review.
(2)
The Director-General may, to the extent that it is relevant to do so, use the record—
(a)
to determine the eligibility of an applicant for a licence; and
(b)
to take into account the suitability of a person as a licence holder or as a responsible person.
Offences
78 Offence to knowingly provide false information in application
A person commits an offence if they knowingly provide any false information in an application for a licence or for a change to a licence.
79 Offence to supply to unauthorised persons
A person commits an offence if, acting or purporting to act under a medicinal cannabis licence, they—
(a)
supply any cannabis, starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product within New Zealand to a person who is not authorised to procure or receive it under any of the following:
(i)
any enactment:
(ii)
a medicinal cannabis licence:
(iii)
a licence issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 or any other regulations made under that Act; or
(b)
export any cannabis, starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product from New Zealand to a person in an overseas country who is not authorised, under the law of that country, to procure it.
Regulation 79(a): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 42(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Regulation 79(b): amended, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 42(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
80 Offence to breach conditions
A person commits an offence if, being the licence holder of a licence or a responsible person, they breach a condition of the licence imposed by or under these regulations.
81 Penalty
A person who commits an offence against these regulations is liable to a fine not exceeding $500, and, if the offence is a continuing one, to a further fine not exceeding $20 for every day or part of a day during which the offence has continued.
Notices
82 Giving of notices
(1)
A notice that is required to be given to a person under these regulations must be in writing and be given to the person in 1 of the following ways:
(a)
by giving it to the person:
(b)
by leaving it at the person’s place of residence or place of business:
(c)
by sending it to the person by email.
(2)
A requirement under these regulations to give a notice to a licence holder who is a body corporate or a partnership is satisfied if the notice is given, in accordance with subclause (1), to an individual who is a responsible person for the licence.
Part 3 Amendments to other regulations
Amendments to Medicines Regulations 1984
83 Amendments to Medicines Regulations 1984
Regulations 84 and 85 amend the Medicines Regulations 1984.
84 New regulation 4A inserted (Standard for CBD products)
After regulation 4, insert:
4A Standard for CBD products
(1)
The minimum quality standard imposed by Part 1 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 applies to a CBD product as if it were both a cannabis-based ingredient and a medicinal cannabis product under those regulations.
(2)
However, the minimum quality standard does not apply to a CBD product that is imported by—
(a)
a medical practitioner whose purpose is to prescribe, supply, or administer it for the treatment of a particular patient under their care; or
(b)
a pharmacist for a prescription to which paragraph (a) applies.
(3)
Subclause (4) applies to a CBD product of a type that, at the commencement of this regulation, has been imported into New Zealand by the holder of a licence issued under the Medicines Act 1981.
(4)
The minimum quality standard does not apply to any of that product of the licence holder during the 6-month period that starts at the commencement of this regulation.
(5)
In this regulation, CBD product has the meaning given by section 2A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
85 New regulation 45B inserted (Licences that relate to CBD products)
After regulation 45A, insert:
45B Licences that relate to CBD products
(1)
A licence to manufacture medicines, to sell medicines by wholesale, to pack medicines, or to operate a pharmacy that is issued under these regulations does not apply to a CBD product (as defined by section 2A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975) unless expressly authorised by the licence.
(2)
The licence must not be issued, or amended, to expressly authorise its application to a CBD product unless the product has been assessed as complying with the minimum quality standard under the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019.
(3)
A product is assessed as complying with the minimum quality standard under those regulations if—
(a)
an application is made under those regulations to assess the CBD product, in which case those regulations (including the requirement to pay fees) apply for that purpose as if the product were being assessed as a medicinal cannabis product; and
(b)
the Director-General assesses the evidence in the application and is satisfied that a representative sample of at least 10% of each of 3 batches of the product complied with the minimum quality standard.
Amendments to Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977
86 Amendments to Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977
87 New regulation 3C inserted (Application to medicinal cannabis products)
After regulation 3B, insert:
3C Application to medicinal cannabis products
A licence to cultivate a prohibited plant, or to possess controlled drugs, must not be issued under these regulations in respect of any of the following, as defined by the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019:
(a)
any starting material:
(b)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(c)
a medicinal cannabis product.
88 Regulation 7 amended (Import and export licences)
After regulation 7(8), insert:
(9)
A licence to import, or a licence to export, controlled drugs must not be granted in respect of any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product (all as defined by the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019) unless—
(a)
the applicant holds a medicinal cannabis licence (as defined by those regulations); or
(b)
the applicant is a medical practitioner whose purpose is to import the controlled drugs to prescribe, supply, or administer them for the treatment of particular patients under their care, and the Minister gives written approval to the grant of the licence; or
(c)
the applicant is a pharmacist whose purpose is to import the controlled drugs for a prescription to which paragraph (b) applies.
89 Regulation 22 amended (Restriction on supply of certain controlled drugs)
After regulation 22(2)(b), insert:
(c)
any of the following that have been assessed as complying with the minimum quality standard, and specified in a medicinal cannabis licence accordingly, under the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019:
(i)
a consignment of starting material for export:
(ii)
a cannabis-based ingredient:
(iii)
a medicinal cannabis product.
Amendment to Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006
90 Amendment to Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006
91 New regulation 8A inserted (Limited supply of hemp for medicinal cannabis products)
After regulation 8, insert:
8A Limited supply of hemp for medicinal cannabis products
(1)
This regulation applies to a licence holder of 1 or more licences (whether a general or a research and breeding licence) that authorise the supply within New Zealand of industrial hemp.
(2)
The licence holder is also authorised to supply, within New Zealand, no more than 50 seeds and 20 plants of industrial hemp to each holder of a medicinal cannabis licence for a cultivation activity under the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019.
(3)
However, a licence issued under these regulations does not authorise the licence holder to carry out any activity for which a medicinal cannabis licence is required under those regulations.
Schedule 1 Transitional, savings, and related provisions
Part 1 Provisions relating to these regulations as made
1 Existing licences to import controlled drugs
(1)
This clause applies to a medicinal cannabis product of a type—
(a)
that, at the commencement of these regulations, has been imported into New Zealand by the holder of a licence to import controlled drugs issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977; and
(b)
for which that licence holder has applied for a medicinal cannabis licence for a supply activity no later than 30 days after the commencement of these regulations.
(2)
The minimum quality standard does not apply to any of that product of the licence holder until 1 October 2021.
Schedule 1 clause 1(2): amended, on 30 March 2021, by regulation 4 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/43).
Schedule 1 clause 1(2): amended, on 30 September 2020, by regulation 4 of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2020 (LI 2020/261).
2 Existing licences to possess controlled drugs
(1)
This clause applies to a person who, at the commencement of these regulations, holds a licence to possess controlled drugs that is issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 and authorises any activity for which a medicinal cannabis licence is required under these regulations.
(2)
The person may continue to act in accordance with the licence only until the later of the following:
(a)
the date that is 30 days after the commencement of these regulations:
(b)
the time when an application for a medicinal cannabis licence that was made within those 30 days is determined.
3 Existing licences to cultivate for scientific or research purposes
(1)
This clause applies to the holder of a licence to cultivate a prohibited plant, for scientific or research purposes, that was issued under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 and held at the commencement of these regulations.
(2)
If the licence holder also becomes the holder of a medicinal cannabis licence for a cultivation activity, they may retain all cannabis seeds and no more than 50 cannabis plants for the purposes of the medicinal cannabis licence, despite any condition in the licence to cultivate a prohibited plant.
Part 2 Provisions relating to Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024
Schedule 1 Part 2: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 43(a) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
4 Interpretation
In this Part, amendment regulations means the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024.
Schedule 1 clause 4: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 43(a) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
5 Licences and activities affected by amendment regulations
(1)
The provisions of this clause apply on and after the commencement of the amendment regulations to—
(a)
licences described in this clause and in force immediately before the commencement; and
(b)
activities described in this clause.
(2)
A licence with cultivation activity allows the export of cannabis seed, cuttings, rootstock, and tissue for propagation.
(3)
A licence with nursery activity allows the export of seed.
(4)
A licence with nursery activity continues in force if an application for seed supply is made in accordance with regulation 45, as if it were a renewal of the licence.
(5)
A possession for manufacture activity allows—
(a)
the testing of any starting material, cannabis-based ingredient, or medicinal cannabis product:
(b)
the manufacture of initial extracts for use as starting material.
(6)
A licence with supply activity allows the export of starting material without meeting the minimum quality standard.
(7)
For the purpose of exporting, testing, manufacturing, or doing anything else allowed by this clause, a person may possess, procure, and supply the thing to be exported, tested, manufactured, or otherwise dealt with.
Schedule 1 clause 5: inserted, on 5 July 2024, by regulation 43(a) of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129).
Michael Webster,
Clerk of the Executive Council.
Issued under the authority of the Legislation Act 2019.
Date of notification in Gazette: 19 December 2019.
Notes
1 General
This is a consolidation of the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.
2 Legal status
A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.
Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.
3 Editorial and format changes
The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.
4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation
Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SL 2024/129)
Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/43)
Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2020 (LI 2020/261)