When we talk about whether weed is legal in New Zealand, the law is very clear that weed is illegal in all states of New Zealand, whether you smoke in public or at home. Most of the U.S. travelers think that it will be okay, but the truth is that the laws of New Zealand are stricter compared to those in Colorado or California.
Another question raised here is “Is cannabis decriminalized in New Zealand?” The answer is no. Sometimes, the police of New Zealand issue a health referral or a warning for a small amount, but that’s not the right decriminalization. The weed possession penalty in NZ includes a fine of up to $500 or even jail time in serious cases.
Medical Cannabis in New Zealand (What Americans Should Know)
According to the medical cannabis New Zealand law, cannabis is accessed on the prescription of a doctor. The majority of prescriptions are regarding CBD products with less than 2% of THC, and Sativex (THC spray) can be used, but it should be imported.
A strong amount of THC can only be given to patients who have multiple sclerosis spasticity or a terminal illness. Access is more difficult and options are restricted compared to most states in the United States.
The travelers can bring prescribed cannabis to the country, but they are required to declare it at customs and cannot carry more than one month’s supply.
What is the Cannabis Referendum & Reform in New Zealand?
In 2020, New Zealand conducted a national referendum called the cannabis referendum, in which citizens were asked whether they wanted recreational use to be legalized. The results are very close: approximately 48% of the voters cast their votes in favor of the Yes-votes, and about 51% of the voters cast their votes in favor of the No-votes, which means that legalization was unsuccessful by a small margin.
The cannabis reform in New Zealand has since been stopped, but in the survey, people have indicated that their support for change has risen. In comparison to the U.S, where several states proceeded to legalize recreational cannabis following the same debate, New Zealand has remained conservative, with recreational cannabis remaining illegal despite international pressure on reform.
Growing Weed in New Zealand: Is It Legal?
The short answer to this question is no, as the country bans the personal cultivation under cannabis laws in New Zealand and has strict New Zealand weed regulations. Growers can be charged with just a few plants, and penalties for cultivation include fines and prison (maybe up to seven years; even longer in cases when supply/trafficking is at play).
Cannabis can be accessed only by licensed producers as part of the medical system (Medicinal Cannabis Scheme). Industrial hemp is separate and can be used only under a government licence. New Zealand’s drug policy on weed is generally conservative compared to most states in the U.S., so don’t plan it at home ever.
Hemp vs Cannabis Laws in New Zealand
Understanding the difference between hemp vs cannabis laws in NZ is essential. In New Zealand, legal Industrial hemp is allowed to grow if it includes less than 0.35% THC and the hemp farmer has been licensed by the government.
Hemp is used as a source of fiber, food, and wellness products, not to get high. On the other hand, psychoactive cannabis (weed) is strictly constrained under New Zealand’s drug policy on weed, and cultivation or use can only be allowed through prescription or licensed manufacturers.
For U.S. readers, it is similar to the situation with hemp being federally legal under the Farm Bill, but marijuana being state-dependent, such as is weed legal in South Carolina? where the laws are also restrictive.
Why New Zealand Drug Policy on Weed is so strict?
The drug policy of weed in New Zealand is widely regarded as stricter compared to Western countries. Even though there are still arguments about marijuana legalization in New Zealand and the attempts at cannabis reform in New Zealand, the government is still applying strict limitations.
According to the current New Zealand weed regulations, recreational use is still illegal, and the legal status of marijuana use in NZ is strictly controlled. Even though medical cannabis can be obtained with a prescription (primarily, with CBD and low-potency medicines such as Sativex), daily users are fined or even sent to jail due to possession or growing.
To American readers, this is the complete opposite of what happens in the U.S., which has several states allowing recreational use and even home growing. Travelers must keep in mind that these freedoms are not given by New Zealand.
When it comes to selecting the best weed and feed for your lawns in the US, cannabis users should follow the NZ law carefully, because here, personal weed is still a serious legal issue.
