On 28 May 2026, New Zealand’s industrial hemp (iHemp) legislation underwent its most significant reform in almost two decades. The former Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 were revoked, replacing the previous licensing system with a simpler notification-based approach for growers.
The changes have opened the door for more New Zealanders to participate in the iHemp sector, supporting innovation, education, research, and small-scale cultivation opportunities while maintaining important safeguards around compliance, food safety, and biosecurity.
The NZHIA Seed Project has been established to help make iHemp accessible to non-commercial growers who want to learn more about this remarkable plant.
There is a 3-step process to getting your sowing seed; please take the time to complete the process so you can started.
Your Responsibilities as a Grower
Before purchasing seed, participants will also be required to:
- Become a current NZHIA member.
- Place your sowing seed order and pay.
- Complete a Grower Information & Purchaser Declaration Form.
Once the necessary forms are completed, your seed order will be dispatched; the 1st shipment will be sent on 1 September 2026.
The NZHIA provides seed for small-scale non-commercial cultivation purposes only. Seed supplied through this programme is not intended for resale or commercial propagation without ensuring all relevant obligations have been met
Recipients of NZHIA seeds are responsible for ensuring they understand and comply with all applicable requirements related to cultivation, notification, food/medicinal production, and end-use of the crop.
We can help you with information and links to support your iHemp journey. Your support helps this to happen.
Legal Obligations Still Apply to Growing Hemp Seed
The new system to legally grow industrial hemp is free; you simply notify the Police and MPI, and you can be growing any quantity, anywhere, this year.
The Regulatory changes to a “notification system” in 2026 have simplified the process of growing a controlled drug – low-THC hemp, Cannabis Sativa L. While the changes help the farmer, many issues remain for the value chain. Market access restrictions to animal and health and wellness markets mean lost revenues for the iHemp industry.
Other forms of compliance and product quality standards will apply depending on the end use of your crop. Food (MPI – food control plan), Medicinal (GAP Good Agricultural Practices), Quality Control and meeting your end-use specifications will be important in how you use what you grow
Guidance has been issued on the new regulations by the Ministry of Police, Ministry of Health and Ministry for Primary Industries.
Before planting, all participants are strongly encouraged to ensure all relevant obligations have been met by carefully reviewing the following documents:
 | Government Guidance Links: Government guidance can be enforceable, so it is important you get it right • Police: Notification required before you grow; lasts one year: NZ Police Cultivating Hemp • MoH: No longer interested in iHemp; does control the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme: MoH Regulation-Legislation • MPI: Notification so they can tell you not to feed iHemp to companion or production animals: MPI Hemp Guidance • Sample notification templates, MPI and NZ Police |
 | NZHIA – Seed Project Information An overview of the new hemp rules, grower responsibilities, and practical information to help you remain compliant. • Buy your iHemp seed here: NZHIA Seed Project • 2026 Regulatory Overview and the NZHIA Seed Project: Hemp Regulations 2026 • Why are you growing industrial hemp? What is your Reason to Grow? • The pollen risk – how industry can help: Pollen Control in Hemp Production in New Zealand |
 | Growing Industrial Hemp Basics High-level summary information on important topics • An Introduction to Growing iHemp • Seed Integrity, Genetics and Pollen Management |
 | Harvest and Storage Best Practices: Guidance for harvesting, drying, cleaning, and storing hemp seed to maintain quality and reduce contamination risks. • Harvest and Storage |
 | Important Information for Growers in Specific Markets • Growing for the Food Industry publication • Growing for the Medicinal Industry (TBC) |
Before You Order
To support the ongoing work of the NZHIA and ensure the Seed Project remains sustainable and compliant, purchasers of Kompolti seed through this programme are required to hold a current NZHIA membership.
Before purchasing seed, participants will also be required to:
- Complete a Grower Information & Purchaser Declaration Form.
- Read and accept the Seed Project, Privacy & Terms and Conditions documents.
- Acknowledge the work the industry is doing to mitigate the pollen drift risk
- Encouraged to review the guidance and educational resources provided as part of the programme.
These requirements help ensure growers understand their obligations under New Zealand’s evolving iHemp framework and have access to the information needed to grow responsibly and successfully, with best practice in mind.
The NZHIA Seed Project is designed to do more than simply supply seed. Our goal is to support growers with the education, guidance, and resources needed to help build a knowledgeable and thriving iHemp community across Aotearoa.