NZ regulatory structure for medicinal cannabis under the NZ Medicinal Cannabis Scheme
Regulatory Structure Verified 2026-04-20
Workflow steps
Medicinal Cannabis Agency — MCA — division of Ministry of Health
Manages the NZ Medicinal Cannabis Scheme (NZMCS). Issues licenses for cultivation, manufacture, and supply. Assesses products against the Minimum Quality Standard (MQS).
Cultivation licenses
Manufacturing licenses
Product assessments against MQS
Import/export permits
Ministry of Health — Policy oversight
Policy oversight of medicinal cannabis framework. Enacted the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2018 which enabled the NZMCS. Sets national drug policy.
Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 2018
National drug policy
Oversight of MCA operations
Licensed Cultivators / Manufacturers — Domestic sector under NZMCS
Domestic cultivation and manufacturing sector growing under the NZMCS. Currently many products are imported but domestic production capacity is expanding.
Pharmacies — Dispensing
Dispense medicinal cannabis products against valid prescriptions. Must hold pharmacy license and comply with Medicines Act requirements.
Patients — End recipients
End recipients of medicinal cannabis. Can access via NZMCS-approved products or through the Section 29 pathway for unapproved medicines. Any doctor can prescribe under Section 29.