Medicinal cannabis products that meet the minimum quality standard

About the minimum quality standard

The minimum quality standard is used to verify medicinal cannabis products which have been derived from the Cannabis plant. Medicinal cannabis products that meet the minimum quality standard and can be prescribed in New Zealand are listed on this page.

The minimum quality standard for medicinal cannabis products is set out in the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019. The standard ensures the quality and consistency of medicinal cannabis products doctors prescribe to patients.

The standard applies to products derived from the cannabis plant. It does not apply to synthetic CBD and THC products.

Products that meet the minimum quality standard are not approved medicines. That means their safety and efficacy has not been assessed.

Who can prescribe medicinal cannabis products

A medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or a pharmacist prescriber, who is registered to practice in New Zealand can prescribe the medicinal cannabis products on this page. You do not need a specialist recommendation or Ministerial approval. For more information on a particular product, please contact the listed product supplier or manufacturer.

About medicinal cannabis products that meet the minimum quality standard

Medicinal cannabis products that meet the minimum quality standard and can be prescribed in New Zealand, are listed on this page. Some verified products may not be listed here at the request of the licence holder. Being listed here does not guarantee that these products are currently available in New Zealand. For the most up-to-date information on product availability, contact the licence holder.

Generally, medicinal cannabis products are only available on prescription if they have:

• been assessed by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency as meeting the minimum quality standard under the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019, or
• obtained consent for distribution under the Medicines Act 1981 (approved and provisionally approved medicines).

Dosage products

The products listed in the tables are categorised by their verified dosage form. The products meet the testing requirements and microbiological contamination limits applicable to the dosage form as listed.

Dried cannabis flower for inhalation via a vaporiser

These medicinal cannabis products are Class C1 controlled drugs. They meet the minimum quality standard for inhalation via a vaporiser.

Dried cannabis flower for preparing tea for oral consumption

These medicinal cannabis products are Class C1 controlled drugs. They meet the minimum quality standard for the preparation of tea for oral consumption.

These products do not meet the minimum quality standard for inhalation.

How to prepare dried cannabis flower tea

Steps for tea preparation 

1. Grind the product in a grinder until fine.
2. Bring 500 mL of water to the boil in a covered saucepan.
3. Add 0.5 grams of the ground product to the boiling water.
4. Turn down the heat and simmer the tea for 15 minutes. Keep the saucepan covered.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea.
6. Add a sachet of coffee creamer to the warm tea before drinking. This prevents the active ingredients from sticking to the teapot or mug when the tea cools down.

Leftover tea can be stored in a thermos if you plan to drink it on the same day.

Products with consent for distribution

These medicinal cannabis products have been approved or provisionally approved under the Medicines Act 1981. They have been assessed by Medsafe and meet New Zealand and international standards for quality, safety and efficacy.