In a significant move, New Zealand’s Medsafe has reclassified cannabidiol (CBD), a medicinal cannabis product, from a prescription-only medicine to a restricted medicine available at pharmacies. This change aligns New Zealand with Australia’s approach, which underwent a similar modification in December 2020.

While currently, no CBD products are approved in New Zealand, this reclassification opens the door for future low-dose CBD products to be supplied by registered pharmacists to patients over 18. These products are generally intended for treating minor ailments.

The decision, which involved consultations with healthcare professionals, industry experts, and the public, reflects a careful evaluation of the risk-benefit profile of low-dose CBD by Medsafe. It also potentially paves the way for more research into the clinical efficacy and safety of CBD, which could lead to the approval of low-dose CBD medicines.

Previously, CBD in New Zealand was available only via prescription as a medicinal cannabis product meeting minimum quality standards. The new classification means that, upon future approval, CBD products demonstrating a positive risk-benefit balance could be supplied directly at pharmacies.

For more detailed information, visit the Medsafe website.