Medicinal Cannabis Scheme Consultation – 10th July 2019

The Ministry of Health has opened public consultation on the proposals for the medicinal cannabis regulations needed to support the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. Consultation closes Wednesday 7 August 2019 at 5 pm.

consultation Document here
MOH Notification here
Online tool for Submissions here

Medicinal Cannabis Scheme information sessions

Auckland 22 +23rd July. Christchurch 30th July and Wellington 1st Aug, check the session times for your area of interest here .

Next steps after the consultation

The Ministry of Health will analyse the feedback and consult with the Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Group before providing advice to the Government on the outcomes of the consultation, including any proposed changes. The Ministry of Health will then seek approval from Cabinet on the regulatory proposals and work with the Parliamentary Counsel Office to draft the proposed Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations.

MOH are aiming to have the above regulations made by 18 December 2019 and to have the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme operational in the first quarter of 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1938 Popular Mechanics article  “New Billion $ crop”

UN 1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs

– Control of cannabis

Art. 28. – 1. If a Party permits the cultivation of the cannabis plant for the production of cannabis or cannabis resin, it shall apply thereto the system of controls as provided in article 23 respecting the control of the opium poppy.

– 2. This Convention shall not apply to the cultivation of the cannabis plant exclusively for industrial purposes (fiber and seed) or horticultural purposes.

– 3. The Parties shall adopt such measures as may be necessary to prevent the misuse of, and illicit traffic in, the leaves of the cannabis plant.

Applying for a licence to grow hemp in New Zealand

You can only grow certain cultivars with less than 0.35% THC. Licences cost $511.11.  Ministry of Health will require a criminal check for all responsible people.

For more information go to: http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicines-control/hemp-industrial-hemp

November 2018, the variation to the food Code agreed by the Food Ministers on 28 April 2017 is now in place 

The details of the variation have been posted on the NZHIA Website

See the Current Affairs page – ” Food” for more background information.

• MPI  – Hemp seed as food

• MOH – Information about using low-THC hemp seed as food, the review of current legislation and public consultation

A copy of the full variation has been posted on gazette.govt.nz