No, Delta-9 THC remains illegal in New Zealand under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, with no legal recreational or therapeutic pathway established. The Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has not approved any Delta-9 THC products, and the 2026 amendments to the Medicines Act exclude cannabinoids from Schedule 4 unless explicitly exempted. Enforcement prioritizes unlicensed possession, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment under Section 6(1)(a) of the Act.
Key Regulations for Delta 9 THC in New Zealand
- Prescription Prohibition: Delta-9 THC is not listed in Schedule 4 of the Medicines Act, blocking medical prescriptions despite global trends.
- Industrial Hemp Exclusion: Only Cannabis sativa strains with <0.35% Delta-9 THC are permitted for fiber/oil under the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006.
- Border Controls: Customs (NZ Customs Service) seizes Delta-9 THC products at ports, aligning with international drug trafficking laws under the Customs and Excise Act 2018.
The PSRA’s 2023 guidance reiterates that synthetic or naturally derived Delta-9 THC falls under Class B1 controlled substances, with no pending legislative changes. Local authorities (e.g., NZ Police) actively prosecute possession, cultivation, or distribution under the Crimes Act 1961.