New Zealand Sees Rise in Medical Cannabis Prescriptions
New Zealand’s medical cannabis landscape is evolving, with a significant increase in the number of patients obtaining prescriptions for legal access. According to the latest New Zealand Drug Trends Survey (NZDTS), 37% of medical cannabis users now have a prescription, a steep rise from less than 10% just two years ago.
Legal Medical Cannabis Access on the Rise
The increase in prescriptions reflects a growing acceptance of medical cannabis in New Zealand. The country first legalized it in 2018, with the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme launching in 2020. Initially, access was limited, and most patients relied on unregulated sources. However, the 2024 NZDTS findings indicate a shift toward legal procurement.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 37% of medical cannabis patients now have a prescription, up from under 10% in 2022/23.
- 60% of patients have not approached a healthcare professional for medical cannabis, a decrease from 85% in 2022/23.
- The availability of domestically produced medical cannabis has increased since 2022.
How New Zealand Compares to Global Trends
New Zealand’s increasing reliance on prescriptions mirrors global patterns. Several countries, including Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa, have recently introduced national cannabis legalization measures. Meanwhile, nearly 60 nations now allow some form of medical cannabis.
Despite this progress, New Zealanders narrowly voted against full recreational cannabis legalization in 2020. At the time, only Uruguay and Canada had nationwide legalization. The shift toward prescriptions suggests a potential softening of public and medical attitudes toward cannabis.
Changes in Substance Use Patterns
The survey also uncovered shifts in how cannabis use affects other substance consumption in New Zealand. Findings from over 23,000 respondents revealed:
- 60% reported consuming less alcohol after beginning cannabis use.
- 60% reduced synthetic cannabinoid use.
- 44% used less morphine.
- 40% reported reduced methamphetamine use.
Personal Perspective
It reflects a growing trust in regulated access, which could signal a broader shift in public perception. While recreational legalization remains off the table for now, the rise in legal medical use suggests that attitudes toward cannabis are evolving.
The reduction in alcohol and other substance use among cannabis consumers is also significant. If these trends continue, New Zealand could see long-term shifts in how people approach substance use. Whether this leads to further policy changes remains to be seen, but the numbers indicate a clear move toward mainstream acceptance.
