Reminder - End of Medicinal Cannabis Scheme transitional arrangements for existing products on 30 September 2021

From 1 October 2021, all medicinal cannabis products (imported and manufactured in New Zealand) must be verified as meeting the medicinal cannabis quality standards before they can be supplied in New Zealand.

At 20 July 2021, four products have been assessed and verified as meeting the minimum quality standards, two cannabidiol (CBD) products and two products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

More information on these products can be found on the Ministry of Health website: Medicinal cannabis products that meet the minimum quality standards. The Ministry is currently assessing further products against the quality standards and will notify prescribers of any further products that are verified as meeting the minimum quality standards.

If you are currently prescribing medicinal cannabis products that have not been verified as meeting the minimum quality standards, you should discuss these changes with your patient.

Prescribers should be aware that unverified products have not been assessed for quality, safety or efficacy and may contain contaminants or varying quantities of active ingredients. This includes unverified products containing synthetically manufactured CBD or other non-cannabis-derived CBD (such as CBD derived from yeast).                                     

Unverified medicinal cannabis products can only be imported by doctors for specific named patients. If the products contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other specified substances, a controlled drug import licence and Ministerial approval to prescribe under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 is also required. Doctors should ensure they are familiar with the requirements of the Medicines Act and the Medsafe guidance on the use of unapproved medicines. 

If you have any further questions please email the Medicinal Cannabis Agency.