New Zealand has recently modernised its hemp regulatory framework.Cabinet-approved reforms remove routine licensing requirements for hemp,increase the allowable THC threshold to less than 1 percent, and permit thesupply of Hemp plant material (including flowers and leaves) to licensedMedicinal Cannabis producers. Growers must notify the New Zealand Police andthe Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before planting, and all applicableFood Safety, Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM), andMedicinal cannabis scheme requirements continue to apply.
Further information can be found:
Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations 2026 | New Zealand Legislation
Ministry for Primary Industries: Hemp guidance for growers, processors, importers and exporters
Ministry of Health Hemp Guidelines
New Zealand Food Safety ACVM Hemp Alert
While pollen control is not explicitly prescribed in regulation, growersare responsible for ensuring their activities do not cause downstreamcompliance issues, commercial harm, or genetic contamination.
More information can be found in our Pollen Control Guidelines
The Aotearoa Hemp Alliance (AHA) was established in 2021 to enable and facilitate commercial pathways to market for low THC Hemp derived products in New Zealand and abroad, by engagement with parallel industry partners, regulatory bodies and government, that will support the successful development of a regional Industrial Hemp (iHemp) industry in New Zealand. The founding members of the alliance are three vertically integrated iHemp companies located in three diverse regions of NZ - Midlands (Canterbury), KANAPU Hemp Foods (Hawke’s Bay) and Hemp Connect (Horowhenua).
The ambition of the alliance is to achieve changes to current NZ legislation for iHemp and Cannabidiol (CBD) that will open-up new and existing opportunities for growth, enabling better farm-gate returns and an economically sustainable industry for the regions.
