Cannabis Laws

Cannabis is currently illegal to possess, use, grow, or supply under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, although police may exercise discretion when dealing with minor possession. New Zealand voted ‘no’ in the 2020 election referendum on legalisation of cannabis, however a seperate question was not asked on the removal of penalties for users. Decriminalisation would end criminal charges for possessing cannabis for personal use, replacing them with civil penalties such as fines or referrals to health services.