Can I grow industrial hemp in New Zealand?
Yes! Growing industrial hemp in New Zealand is now easier and more accessible.
Following regulatory changes introduced on 28 May 2026, you no longer need an industrial hemp licence to grow hemp in New Zealand, whether for personal, non-commercial or commercial purposes.
Under the updated regulations, industrial hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa containing no more than 1% THC by dry weight, increased from the previous limit of 0.35%.
The previous list of approved cultivars has also been removed, meaning growers can cultivate any variety that meets the legal THC threshold.
However, all growers must notify New Zealand Police and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before planting and comply with the relevant regulations.
Do I need a licence to grow industrial hemp?
No. An industrial hemp cultivation licence is no longer required.
The Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006 were revoked on 28 May 2026 and replaced with permission-based provisions under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977. This means you can cultivate industrial hemp without applying for a licence, provided you meet the legal requirements.
The changes also allow a range of other hemp-related activities without an industrial hemp licence, including breeding new cultivars, researching hemp varieties, and producing or manufacturing permitted hemp products.
Important: Hemp plants, whole seeds and other plant material remain controlled drugs under New Zealand law. Certain activities, including importing or exporting hemp seeds or plant material, and extracting substances from hemp, still require appropriate licensing.
What do I need to do before growing hemp?
Before planting industrial hemp, you must notify both New Zealand Police and MPI.
1. Notify New Zealand Police
Download the NZ Police Hemp Notification Form here. Complete the form, then email it to: hempnotifications@police.govt.nz.
Your notification must include:
- Your name and contact details.
- The address and location of your intended growing area, including a map or site plan if the location cannot easily be identified from the address.
- A description of the nature and scale of your intended cultivation.
Police notifications are valid for one year, and a new notification must be submitted each year if you intend to continue growing.
2. Notify the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Email info@mpi.govt.nz with your:
- Name.
- Address.
- Contact details.
- Intention to cultivate industrial hemp.
MPI uses this information to provide guidance on managing risks relating to trade, food safety and animal welfare.
Both notifications must be completed before cultivation begins. Failure to notify Police may result in enforcement action.
How much does it cost to grow industrial hemp?
There is no longer an industrial hemp cultivation licence fee.
The previous general licence and research and breeding licence fees have been removed with the introduction of the new regulations.
Growers must still complete the required notifications to NZ Police and MPI and meet any other applicable regulatory obligations.
Are there any other rules or responsibilities for hemp growers?
Yes. Although the licensing system has been removed, growers must still comply with New Zealand’s laws governing industrial hemp.
Key requirements include:
- THC limits: Hemp must contain no more than 1% THC by dry weight.
- Annual notification: Notify NZ Police and MPI before growing, and renew your Police notification annually if continuing cultivation.
- Food production: Hemp seed food products must meet applicable food safety requirements under the Food Act 2014.
- Animal feed: Hemp and hemp-derived products intended for animal use must be registered under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act before use. This includes grazing livestock on hemp crops.
- Biosecurity: Growers must comply with applicable biosecurity requirements.
- Import and export: Importing or exporting hemp seeds and controlled hemp plant material still requires appropriate licensing.
The new regulations create greater opportunities for industrial hemp cultivation, research and product development, but growers remain responsible for understanding and meeting their legal obligations.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For information about growing industrial hemp and your responsibilities, contact:
New Zealand Police – Hemp Notifications
Email: hempnotifications@police.govt.nz
Police hemp cultivation guidance
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Email: info@mpi.govt.nz
MPI hemp guidance for growers
Ministry of Health
Hemp regulations and legal requirements
The NZHIA encourages everyone interested in growing industrial hemp to familiarise themselves with the regulations and complete the necessary notifications before planting.