The 2026 Regulatory Changes
Important Information
Supporting Documents
Reference Links
NZHIA Seed Supply Programme (Pre-order/Register your interest here)
Full review details on the 2026 Regulations are here
The 2026 Hemp Industry Regulation Changes
From Thursday, 28 May 2026, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 will be revoked. No more “industrial hemp,” as we become “hemp” under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977.
What does this mean?
- Anyone can grow hemp, anywhere, with growers needing to notify the Police (notification lasts 1 year)
- THC in hemp may be up to 1%
- Notify the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before cultivation
- Leaf and flower (biomass) can be used by the medicinal cannabis industry
While we celebrate the great news for the growers of hemp, there are serious implications:
- Biosecurity risks: Any importation of hemp seeds needs to comply with the Import Health Standards
- Pollen drift: Cross-contamination from wind-blown pollen
- Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM): MPI ban on hemp for use with production or companion animals
- Food Safety: Hemp Food Products in the food code do not include the whole seed
- Knowing what and how to grow for your markets (GAP/GMP)
- What does compliance/notification look like post 28 May
The industry needs to work together to professionally manage these risks, and guidance is required to encourage best practices.
The coalition is working with the government departments (Police and MPI) on this guidance.
The NZHIA, NZMCC, and AHA (the Coalition) all have a future desire to work with the government through the Hemp Industry Liaison Group (HILG) forum to facilitate positive outcomes for the iHemp industry. As a follow-up to the August 2022 HILG meeting, these parties collated a set of 5 key objectives for the wider industry that require regulatory intervention to be achieved; see the Hemp Industry Strategic Proposal for Regulatory Change Report.
A copy of the full strategic proposal was presented to the industry at the iHemp Summit in Christchurch on 23 August 2023. The supporting information across each of these objectives (Barriers, Solutions, and Targeted Outcomes) was included to ensure that the government is well-informed on the required change and the positive outcomes expected across the economy, health (social, community, and physical), and environment that regulatory change will generate for the iHemp industry and all of Aotearoa.
The coalition’s strategic proposal was sent to the government on 4 September 2023. It was ignored (change of government) until we brought it up again in October 2024. NZHIA presented to PPSC on 21 November 2024 and had various meetings with MP’s/Ministries in Oct/Nov 2024.
On 21 February 2025, the Ministry for Regulation announced the review; 24 March 2025 saw the NZHIA and our sponsors arrange a factory and field visit for MPs’ and officials.
The announcement of the regulatory reform was made on 11 December 2025, and now the deregulated industry for growing hemp will be enacted on 28 May 2026.
Important Information from MPI; Hemp: guidance for growers, processors, importers, and exporters
Find out about the changes and the important rules that continue to apply to those involved in the hemp industry via the MPI website.
Important Information from MoH
Please see the updated regulations around hemp making it easier for the industry to operate via the MoH website.
Supporting Documents
Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations Revocation Order 2026
Addition to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977, Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations 2026
Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Regulations 2026, implement changes to the hemp regulatory scheme