For almost a century, industrial hemp in New Zealand has been shaped by regulation, restriction and licensing.
Following the Government’s 2026 reforms, New Zealanders can once again cultivate industrial hemp without first obtaining an industrial hemp cultivation licence, opening the door to a new generation of growers, innovators and enthusiasts.
A Brief History of Hemp in New Zealand
Before the introduction of the Dangerous Drugs legislation in 1927, hemp and cannabis-derived products were far more accessible in New Zealand than they are today.
Industrial hemp was cultivated in New Zealand during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and historical records suggest that hemp products could be legally purchased through pharmacies.
In 1941, the New Zealand Government began trials investigating industrial hemp as a potential fibre crop. The results were promising, with hemp performing exceptionally well under New Zealand growing conditions.
However, by 1948, those trials had ended after authorities recognised that the crop being grown was Cannabis sativa.
Over the following decades, hemp became increasingly associated with drug-control legislation rather than agriculture, manufacturing and sustainable production.
Industrial hemp eventually returned under the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006, but cultivation remained subject to a licensing system that limited participation to approved growers.
The 2026 Reforms Changed Everything
On 28 May 2026, New Zealand’s industrial hemp regulations underwent their most significant reform in almost two decades.
The previous licensing system was removed and replaced with a simpler notification-based approach.
While growers are still required to notify New Zealand Police and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before cultivation, obtaining an industrial hemp cultivation licence is no longer necessary.
For many New Zealanders, this represents the first realistic opportunity to legally explore growing industrial hemp for education, research and small-scale cultivation.
A timeline: 1927 → 2026 = nearly a century of prohibition/control
1941: NZ Government successfully grows industrial hemp
1948: Government stops the trials because it is identified as cannabis
1961: cannabis cultivation becomes explicitly illegal
2006: industrial hemp returns under a licensing regime
2026: licensing is finally removed
The NZHIA Seed Project
The NZHIA Seed Project was established to help make industrial hemp more accessible to everyday New Zealanders.
Whether you’re interested in learning more about the plant, experimenting with small-scale cultivation, exploring future business opportunities or simply becoming part of the growing hemp community, the project provides a practical starting point.
Participants will receive access to approved low-THC hemp seed, along with educational resources, guidance and support through the NZHIA network.
Industrial hemp has a long history in New Zealand. It has been used for fibre, food, construction materials, textiles and countless other applications around the world.
Now, a new chapter is beginning.
After almost 100 years of restriction and licensing, industrial hemp is once again becoming accessible to New Zealanders.
The opportunity is here.
Educate. Advocate. Grow the Change.
Before purchasing seed, growers must comply with all applicable requirements, including notifications to New Zealand Police and MPI. Industrial hemp must meet New Zealand’s low-THC requirements. Please refer to the NZHIA Seed Project terms and conditions for full details.