No. Psilocybin spores are classified as a Class A controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, making their possession, sale, or cultivation illegal. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 does not exempt spores, and recent 2026 amendments by the Ministry of Health reinforce strict enforcement.
Key Regulations for Psilocybin Spores in New Zealand
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1975: Psilocybin spores are explicitly listed as a Class A controlled substance, subject to severe penalties including fines up to NZ$50,000 and imprisonment for up to 6 months for possession.
- Customs and Excise Act 2018: Importing spores without a license is prohibited; border authorities under the New Zealand Customs Service actively seize unauthorized shipments.
- Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Scheme: The 2026 updates to the Psychoactive Substances Act clarify that spores are not exempt, even if marketed for “research purposes,” aligning with international drug control frameworks.
The New Zealand Police and Medsafe enforce these regulations, with recent interagency task forces targeting online sales. Exemptions require approval from the Ministry of Health, reserved for licensed medical or scientific research under strict protocols.