Access to medicinal cannabis has become more established in New Zealand, but for someone considering it for the first time, understanding what happens after speaking with a healthcare professional can still feel unfamiliar.

For patients who are prescribed dried medical herb for inhalation, getting set up may also involve choosing a suitable medical vaporizer. With different devices, features and price points available, knowing what to look for can make the process much easier.

Getting a Medicinal Cannabis Prescription

Medicinal cannabis products are prescription medicines in New Zealand. The first step is speaking with an appropriate healthcare professional who can discuss your medical history, current medications and whether a medicinal cannabis product may be suitable for you.

If prescribed, the product can then be supplied through the appropriate pharmacy channels. Prescriptions can take different forms, including oral products and dried medical herb, so a vaporizer will not be relevant for every patient.

When dried material is prescribed for inhalation, a medical vaporizer may form part of the setup.

Choosing a Suitable Medical Vaporizer

A medical vaporizer heats dried medical herb to a controlled temperature so it can be inhaled as vapor rather than burned. In New Zealand, it is important to look for a device that has been approved as a medical device and is suitable for use with prescribed medical herb.

There is no single device that will suit everyone. Instead, it is worth considering how and where the device will be used.

Portable models are designed for people who want something compact and easy to move around, while desktop devices are generally larger and intended to remain at home. Other factors such as temperature control, heat-up time, battery life and the size of the device can also influence which option makes the most sense.

Patients can compare a range of certified medical vaporizers before deciding which features are most useful for their circumstances.

Look Beyond the Initial Purchase

Price will naturally be part of the decision, but it should not be the only consideration.

A medical vaporizer may be used regularly over a long period, so it is worth looking at the availability of replacement components and accessories as well. Screens, mouthpieces, chargers, seals and other parts can wear or require replacement depending on the device.

Choosing a model with readily available parts can make it easier to keep the device in working order rather than having difficulty sourcing a small component later.

Warranty support is another consideration. Buying locally can make it considerably simpler to deal with a fault or warranty issue than purchasing a device from an overseas retailer.

Why a Specialist Retailer Can Be Useful

Medical vaporizers are quite different from many of the general vaping products people may already be familiar with. For someone purchasing their first device, being able to compare certified options and find compatible parts in one place can simplify the process.

A specialist retailer can also provide product-specific information about the devices it sells, including specifications, compatible accessories and replacement components.

Helenskinz stocks certified medical vaporizers alongside compatible parts and accessories, with both portable and desktop options available.

It is important to keep the roles separate, however. Advice about medicinal cannabis itself, including the product prescribed and how it should be used, should come from the patient's healthcare professional. A device retailer can provide information about the equipment, but it does not replace medical advice.

Finding the Right Setup

Getting started with prescribed medicinal cannabis does not need to mean choosing the first device available.

Once a patient knows the type of product they have been prescribed, they can look at the medical vaporizers available and consider which features fit their needs, budget and day-to-day use.

Taking the time to compare certified devices, local support and the availability of replacement parts can make it easier to choose a setup that will continue to work well beyond the initial purchase.

Three men have been charged with selling cannabis and possession of cannabis for supply, following an operation targeting the supply of illicit drugs in Masterton.

The men – aged 21, 22 and 43 – were arrested on Tuesday 2 December after the execution of a search warrant at a residential Masterton address.

During the search warrant, Police located 273.6 grams of cannabis, packaged and ready for sale, along with various items used in the sale and supply of illicit drugs.

Police also located several imitation and modified air rifles.

Further charges are being considered in relation to these firearms.

The men appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday and have been remanded to appear again on 8 January 2026.

"The sale and supply of illicit drugs causes significant harm in our communities," says Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Skoglund.

"We are determined to stamp out this offending wherever we find it, but we can't do it alone."

"We encourage anyone with concerns around potential illicit drug supply in their community to let us know so we can investigate."

Information can be provided to police via 105 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Aotearoa's leading medicinal cannabis prescriber, Cannabis Clinic, is standing by patients ahead of the new roadside drug testing law coming into effect. Random roadside saliva drug testing is scheduled to begin in Wellington from the 15th of December 2025, with nationwide coverage expected by mid-2026.

The tests will screen four key drugs: methamphetamine, MDMA or ecstasy, cocaine, and THC, which is found in cannabis. Under the Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2025, the decision aims to improve the safety of Aotearoa's roads.

Cannabis Clinic CEO, Dr Waseem Alzaher, appreciates the sentiment behind the new law, but believes these tests will not reliably assess impairment.

"Global evidence shows that the proposed legislation is not fit for purpose or shown to make our roads safer from a THC perspective, and we voiced this in our submission to the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee last year," he says.

"It's widely understood that saliva tests can detect drugs long after they've been used and long after someone is impaired by them. Unlike alcohol, where its presence in your blood or breath directly correlates to levels of intoxication, a medicine or drug can be detected in your saliva long after its effects have worn off. And depending on the medication and THC dose, there's scientific evidence that many medicinal cannabis patients are not impaired, even immediately after taking it as prescribed."

The rollout of the new law means that Kiwis taking legal medicinal cannabis products under medical supervision are at risk of suspension of their licence, fines, demerit points, or other legal consequences. In the immediate instance, if a saliva test is positive with one or more drugs detected, the person will be asked to take a second saliva test. If this also tests positive, they will be barred from driving for 12 hours.

Under the legislation, individuals who return a positive lab test, blood test, or test positive for THC in a roadside saliva test twice in two years, and do not have a medical defence, could face more serious legal consequences.

Details on the testing device and their sensitivity levels have not yet been confirmed. Cannabis Clinic is calling for clarification to ensure clinics across Aotearoa can give patients accurate and up-to-date guidance on driving while using prescription medicinal cannabis.

Under the Land Transport Act 1998, medicinal cannabis patients in New Zealand have the right to a medical defence. However, having an up‑to‑date prescription or medication label does not automatically provide a defence at the roadside. If a patient receives an infringement notice, Cannabis Clinic will assist by helping them dispute the claim, providing formal letters, proof of prescription and clinical backing.

Cannabis Clinic Clinical Director, Dr William Parkyn, says "We've already heard concerns from our patients about what this testing means for them, and I'm sure Kiwis all over the country share these concerns. We're prepared to assist them wherever necessary to prove that they were using their medication as clinically advised, and support them to dispute claims as they have the right to do."

"At the end of the day, we believe it is unfair to punish law‑abiding, unimpaired patients using THC under prescription. The current approach is discriminatory against medicinal cannabis users and only adds further stigma to those using their medication responsibly."

Cannabis Clinic emphasises harm minimisation and a patient‑centric approach to healthcare. Its doctors and nurses provide patients with advice on driving and impairment based on current scientific evidence, helping ensure that use of prescription medicinal cannabis is both legal and safe. The clinic also has up‑to‑date resources available during consultations and on their website here.

"We want to open a dialogue with the Ministry and NZ Police to find an alternative testing path that creates safer roads while allowing patients to access the legal medication they have a right to," adds Dr Parkyn.

Cannabis Clinic encourages patients with questions about the new roadside drug testing law to contact the team at support@cannabisclinic.co.nz.

Three people have been arrested and charged following an investigation into the unlawful sale of cannabis in the Canterbury area.

Today, Police executed a search warrant in the Middle Christchurch area after an investigation found that a group of individuals, operating under the guise of a medicinal cannabis licence cultivated cannabis legally, however were allegedly engaged in the illegal distribution of cannabis.

It is alleged the individuals have acted as part of an organised criminal group over the period of around five years.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Brad Grainger says the medicinal cannabis licensing system exists to support patients who require cannabis-based products for health reasons.

"The alleged actions of these individuals undermines the public trust in that system, and exploits a framework designed to help vulnerable people.

"We continue to ensure medicinal cannabis regulations are upheld and remain determined to target organised criminal activity that seeks to profit from illicit drug distribution harm in our communities."

One person was located during the search warrant today and were taken into custody without incident.

Two other people were arrested during prior search warrants throughout this month.

A 35-year-old man is due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on 18 December and a 26-year-old man is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 26 November – they both face charges relating to selling cannabis and participation in an organised criminal group.

A 46-year-old man is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 2 December, charged with failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.

Cannabis may be putting hundreds of thousands of Kiwis at far greater risk of serious heart problems, according to new research that has prompted strong warnings from a heart health organisation.

A study published in the Heart journal found a 2.5‑fold increase in major adverse cardiac events (MACE) over six years among people using cannabis.

This has prompted Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa to issue a warning to cannabis users that smoking this illicit drug can have negative effects on the heart.

Trust Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the new research challenges long‑held assumptions.

"Cannabis is often seen as fairly harmless, but this study raises real red flags for cardiac health."

"Many Kiwis think smoking cannabis is not harmful to your health, but the reality is that it does damage to your heart."

A 2.5‑fold rise in serious heart events is something we cannot shrug off, Ms Harding says.

The latest New Zealand Health Survey estimates that 610,000 people over 15 used cannabis in the past year – roughly 1 in 8 Kiwis. About 210,000 people say they used it weekly or more frequently in the last three months.

Trust Medical Director Dr Sarah Fairley says the study should prompt changes in both clinical conversations and public awareness.

"Research into the links between cardiovascular disease and cannabis has steadily been growing, and this latest study confirms that health professionals can't underestimate the impact cannabis has on the heart."

"Checking cannabis use needs to become a normal part of assessing someone's cardiac risk."

The Trust is advising that health professionals routinely ask people about cannabis use – just as they do with smoking, alcohol, or other known risk factors.

Five months after its launch, Cannabis Clinic's Supported Access Programme (SAP) has saved patients nearly $300,000, with plans to continue expanding the initiative to reduce financial barriers to medicinal cannabis for vulnerable New Zealanders. 

The nationwide concession programme, which reduces the cost of select products for those with a Community Services Card (CSC) by up to 37%, has fulfilled more than 5,500 orders since launching in April 2025. 

Dr. Waseem Alzaher, Chief Executive Officer of Cannabis Clinic, says, “As more research comes out, it’s clear that cost remains a key barrier for people to accessing medicinal cannabis, which can mean they continue to rely on the illicit market, deal with the side effects of traditional pharmaceuticals, or live with painful symptoms.” 

“It’s fantastic to see the uptake in the programme, but there is still a lot of work to do to improve healthcare access and affordability for everyone who needs it.”

Expanding the programme, expanding access

Initially including just two products, the SAP has now expanded to cover five qualifying products, with more expected to be added in the near future. 

Feedback from both patients and clinicians has been overwhelmingly positive, with the programme enabling more Community Services Card (CSC) holders to access legal, clinician-supervised treatment. For many CSC patients, the out-of-pocket cost is often lower than what they report paying on the illicit market, which supports safer access and continuity of care.

Ben Whitson, Product Strategy Manager at Cannabis Clinic and Supported Access Scheme Lead, says, “When we first launched the SAP programme, we had great uptake but it was clear that our patients needed more choice. After putting together a case for expanding the programme, I’m so proud that we have more than doubled our range of high quality products under this initiative. It’s been far more popular than we expected and it shows there’s a real need to keep it going.”

The SAP is a significant step toward a more equitable alternative healthcare system in New Zealand. Cannabis Clinic continues to lead with a patient-first approach, minimising risks associated with unregulated sources and prioritising access for those who need it most.

"We’re committed to innovating new ways to ease the financial burden on our patients. This is just the beginning," Dr. Alzaher said. "We plan to continue scaling the programme, collaborating with more suppliers to make a meaningful difference for Kiwis across the country," adds Dr Alzaher.

Leading medicinal cannabis company Ora Pharm heads to Europe this week as part of a unique trade mission to promote New Zealand pharmaceutical products based on cannabis in the fast-growing European market.

"European Cannabis Week is a huge opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis industry and promote what we do well," said Ora Pharm Chief Executive and founder Zoe Reece.

The NZTE trade mission to European Cannabis Week takes Ora Pharm and other companies to the world’s largest cannabis expo in Berlin and to the Cannabis Europa Conference in London.

"We want to show the European market that Ora Pharm is uniquely placed to solve the issues it faces from fragmented supply, inconsistent quality and problems reliably meeting demand. What Ora Pharm does is unite our growers under a single export-focused platform, which allows us to coordinate supply and produce high quality pharmaceutical products consistently."

Ora Pharm currently contracts about two thirds of the licensed New Zealand cannabis cultivators.

"Ora Pharm can be a one-stop shop for European customers - we aim to give them confidence that we can provide the quality products they need, tailored to the preferences of their patients, and at scale given our partnership with growers.

"Complying with regulations is critically important and New Zealand’s regulatory framework is modelled on EU-GMP - the regulatory framework that ensures medicines are safe, effective, and of high quality so that should also help build confidence in our products."

Germany is the leading market for medicinal cannabis with forecast growth of over 26% (compound annual growth). In the first nine months of 2024 Germany imported nearly 40 tonnes of medicinal cannabis, and New Zealand made up just 0.6% of that. Demand is also growing strongly in the UK, Switzerland and Poland.

"Right now, European producers can’t keep up with demand. New Zealand with its enviable reputation for high quality agricultural and horticultural products is well placed to take advantage of that and build a long-term trading relationship."

Zoe Reece will be delivering a keynote address at the BvCW Expert Conference in Berlin.

"This trade mission will position the industry well for future growth. I can’t wait to tell our great medicinal cannabis story."
 

Three industry leaders unite under Helius Health to reset the standard for medicinal cannabis in New Zealand.

In a landmark move poised to reshape New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis landscape, Helius Therapeutics, Green Leaf Group, and Elysian Group have announced their intent to merge, forming a single, integrated innovator: Helius Health.

The merger will mark a bold step forward for a sector that, five years on from the launch of the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, has been constrained by fragmentation, limited access, and affordability challenges. With this union, the new entity aims to deliver the scale, efficiency, and clinical integration needed to put patients at the centre of a more accessible and effective system.

“This industry has long needed a reset — and that reset starts with patients,” says Guy Haddleton, Chairman of Helius Health. “By bringing together the full value chain - prescribing, manufacturing, and dispensing - we will build a seamless, patient-first ecosystem that delivers on the promise of medicinal cannabis in New Zealand.”

At the heart of Helius Health’s mission is a commitment to consistency, safety, and speed. Patients will benefit from improved access, shorter wait times, and regulated treatments that meet the highest standards of quality and care.

“Too many New Zealanders are still turning to the black market because legal options have felt out of reach. Unfortunately, the lack of guardrails there compromises safety with no guarantees of product efficacy, formulations, and quality,” Haddleton continues. “This merger will create the critical mass to change that, driving down costs, accelerating delivery, and ensuring more people can access trusted, clinician-led care.”

A Strategic Alliance of Industry Leaders

The new model will bring together the knowledge and expertise of all three businesses at both governance and management levels:

Helius Therapeutics – New Zealand’s first GMP-certified medicinal cannabis company and the country’s most advanced cannabis medicines manufacturer brings industry leading production capabilities.

Green Leaf Group and Elysian Group – Operators of two of New Zealand's leading specialist clinics: Cannabis Clinic and CannaPlus+, delivering deep clinical experience and patient care leadership.

Lake Road Pharmacy – Dispensing expertise that strengthens continuity of care across the treatment journey.

Together, these organisations will operate under the Helius Health banner — a unified platform built to meet the needs of today’s patients, while future-proofing for tomorrow.

Groundbreaking research suggests cannabis use during pregnancy is directly linked to negative impacts on babies’ brain development. 

Led by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) School of Biological Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr Amy Osborne, the study has for the first time found prenatal cannabis use is associated with molecular changes in the genes of exposed children. 

“We know cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with childhood and adolescent brain development and cognitive function,” Dr Osborne says. “However, previous studies haven’t been able to prove that cannabis exposure has specifically caused the adverse effects on neurodevelopment that have been observed.” 

She says the new study is important because cannabis use during pregnancy is a growing issue. “Cannabis is now the most commonly used drug, excluding alcohol and tobacco, among pregnant women in the United States and the frequency has been rising since the Covid-19 pandemic.” 

The research, which is a collaboration between UC and the University of Oxford, in the United Kingdom, uses genomic data from two longitudinal studies; the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in the UK, and the Christchurch Health and Development Study. The findings reveal genome-wide significant DNA changes in the offspring of mothers who smoked cannabis during pregnancy.

“Using data from individuals at birth, aged seven, 15-17, and 27, we showed a molecular signature of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) in exposed individuals,” Dr Osborne says. “In a world-first, we identified a significant number of molecular changes in genes involved in neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disease, across the life course. This is a key finding because it suggests there is a molecular link between prenatal cannabis exposure and impacts on the genes involved in neurodevelopment.”

Dr Osborne says the results add to growing evidence suggesting a causative link between PCE and adverse outcomes in exposed children.

This is of serious concern because, internationally, many pregnant women are using cannabis and cannabis-containing products to alleviate pregnancy symptoms and anxiety, she says.

“With the wider availability of cannabis products overseas, and eventually in New Zealand, the use of cannabis during pregnancy will continue to rise, however, the harms of this practice are not well known. 

“We hope our research will inspire further investigation with larger cohorts and there will soon be clearer advice to pregnant women about the impact of cannabis use. Otherwise, the potential risk to children remains, and will likely grow.”

The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry journal, was funded through a Major Project Grant from the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation.  

Greenfern Industries successfully harvested its first batch of medicinal cannabis in October 2023 at its Taranaki facility, passing New Zealand's stringent quality tests.

The batch was registered with Medsafe as a New Medicinal Cannabis Product, enabling export to Europe after receiving permits.

The second harvest was sold to Ampyl Sciences as part of a multi-year deal, with the third batch awaiting test results. Harvests are planned every 30-40 days.

The company has been approached by other prospective buyers, indicating demand for premium New Zealand medicinal cannabis, and plans to scale operations strategically.

Greenfern Industries has announced that it has met the country's quality standards for its first commercial harvest at its cultivation, drying and packaging facility in Taranaki.

The company's cannabis flower product is set to be exported to the EU and UK through its partner Ampyl Sciences.

Germany is predicted to have cannabis revenues of more than $700m this year, making it one of the largest medicinal cannabis markets worldwide.

With binding agreements in place, Greenfern is well-positioned to break into the global market for cannabis products.

Rua Bioscience, has launched its first medicine, marking a significant milestone for New Zealand patients, prescribers and the medicinal cannabis industry. 

Available on prescription in New Zealand, GPs and specialists who are registered medical practitioners will now be able to include Rua’s medicine in patient treatment plans.

Rua Bioscience CEO Rob Mitchell says the medicine’s launch, complemented by New Zealand’s first compassionate access scheme for medicinal cannabis, is an important moment for the company and the community it was created for.

“It’s incredible to think that we have been able to work through the medical regulatory system and establish the capability we need to manufacture medicine to world-class GMP standards, all from Te Tairāwhiti. It doesn’t just put us on the ladder, it puts us on the map.

“It’s a credit to the vision of our co-founders, Manu Caddie and Panapa Ehau, and to our community who have been dreaming of this moment since the very early days of the company’s inception,” he says.

Rua is one of just two companies in New Zealand manufacturing medicinal cannabis that has met the minimum quality standards as set out by the Medicinal Cannabis Agency. Rua stands alone as the only manufacturer with an explicit social mission to benefit its founding community.  

Dr Andi Grant, Chief Commercial Officer, says this is the news Rua shareholders have been waiting for, many of whom have been steadfast in their support throughout the company’s journey towards commercialisation.

“Rua is committed to creating a range of quality medicines with significant health benefits. We have a full product pipeline, destined for local and global markets. This has come with significant investment. We’re delighted to now play our part in expanding patient choice here in Aotearoa and deliver some return on that investment for our shareholders.”

Dr Grant acknowledges that cost remains a barrier for those looking to add medicinal cannabis to their treatment plans, particularly as they need to pay for their medicines privately.  

The company continues to work towards equitable access to medicines and is leading by example, launching New Zealand’s first compassionate access programme for medicinal cannabis products.

Through the programme, in the first instance, Rua will make its medicines available at no cost for a limited group of qualifying people in Te Tairāwhiti, dependent on clinical need and circumstance.

“We view this as a meaningful and commercially sustainable way to help some of those most in need access the medicine,” says Grant.

Owner and pharmacist at Horouta Pharmacy in Gisborne and former President of Ngā Kaitiaki o Te Puna Rongoā o Aotearoa – The Māori Pharmacists’ Association, Kevin Pewhairangi, says having another choice in the market is a big step in the right direction.

“This is a significant milestone for New Zealand patients wanting to use medicinal cannabis, especially for Whānau Māori and Whānau from the coast, this will allow us to see the chain of events that flow on from producing medicinal cannabis. 

“Given Rua’s deep roots on the coast, their focus on how to help people in our local community is really important, this gives patients and prescribers a locally produced option to include in treatment plans.

“Having more products on the market is a step towards improving patient access, however wider uptake remains dependent on education and engagement of prescribers.”

The medicine, which is manufactured in Rua’s purpose-built facility in Gisborne, will be distributed nationally via CDC Pharmaceuticals.

Data released by the Ministry of Health under the Official Information Act shows that the number of packs of medicinal cannabis prescribed and supplied in New Zealand is growing at an average rate of 250 per cent annually. The number of packs supplied in New Zealand in the year to 30 June 2021 was over 31,000; compared to just 2,000 in 2018. 

According to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice, cannabinoid medicines are commonly prescribed in New Zealand for pain, epilepsy and anxiety*.

For more information about the medicine, please read the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet, available at https://www.ruabio.com/cmi. 

Research Cited

* Gulbransen, 2020. Medicinal Cannabis for Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Insomnia and Opioid Overuse: Review of my First 200 CBD Prescriptions in Aotearoa NZ.