Can I grow industrial hemp in New Zealand?
Yes, but you need a licence from the Ministry of Health, you must have a secure site, more than 5 km from a school, the growing area should not be visible from the street. Two responsible people must sign the application, and Police checks will be carried out on these responsible people. You can only grow certain cultivars with less than 0.35% THC. The Director-General of Health determines which varieties of Cannabis sativa can be cultivated.
How can I get a licence?
In order to grow, trade in, or process industrial hemp as an agricultural crop, an individual, or company needs to be licensed under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) regulation 2006 Misuse of Drugs Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006.
You will need to fill in an application from the Ministry of Health website see: http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/regulation-health-and-disability-system/medicines-control/hemp-industrial-hemp. The Director-General of Health determines which varieties of Cannabis sativa can be cultivated.
How Much does a licence cost?
A licence is issued for a period of one year. A general licence is $511.11 including GST. This allows for the cultivation, processing, possession and supply of low THC cannabis varieties approved by the Director-General of Health.
A research and breeding licence is issued only if the applicant holds a general licence and is an additional $153.33 including GST. It allows for the cultivation and processing of approved and non-approved varieties.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
To apply for a licence to grow, trade in, or process industrial hemp as an agricultural crop, or if you have any further questions please contact the Controlled Drugs Advisor for Medicines Control on 04 496 2018, or email: medicinescontrol@moh.govt.nz.