Uptake of Medicinal Cannabis Prescriptions Surges in New Zealand
The latest findings from the New Zealand Drug Trends Survey (NZDTS) for 2025 indicate a substantial increase in the proportion of cannabis users obtaining medicinal cannabis prescriptions. Conducted by the NZ Drug Research Team at Massey University’s SHORE & Whariki Research Centre, the annual survey highlights significant shifts in both the legal and illicit cannabis markets in Aotearoa New Zealand.
According to the NZDTS, the percentage of medicinal cannabis users who have received a prescription rose from 2% in 2020 to 44% in 2025. This increase is consistent with administrative data from the Ministry of Health, which reported over 380,000 medicinal cannabis products supplied in 2025, an increase from just over 180,000 in 2023. The survey also revealed that cannabis clinics have become the primary source for these prescriptions, with 83% of medicinal users obtaining their scripts from such clinics, compared to 21% from General Practitioners. Online consultations were reported by 75% of users, significantly more frequent than face-to-face appointments.
Associate Professor Marta Rychert of the NZ Drug Research Team noted that while these clinics have improved access to cannabis-based products for medicinal use, concerns exist regarding the potential for increasing privatisation of the sector. Dr. Rychert highlighted issues such as a lack of continuity of care, separation from regular GP services, and the influence of commercial dynamics on prescribing practices. The most common reasons for prescriptions included sleep conditions (72%), pain conditions (63%), and mental health conditions (62%), as reported by 1News coverage of the survey.
Evolving Market Dynamics and Pricing
The NZDTS also provided insights into the broader cannabis market, indicating that the price of illegal cannabis has declined. The national average reported price for an ounce (28 grams) of illegal cannabis was $286 in 2025, representing a 22% decrease since 2017. The price of a pound (448 grams) declined by 33% over the same period. Dr. Rychert suggested that this price reduction could be attributed to the involvement of organised criminal groups, as evidenced by recent police operations, and potentially some competition from legally available medicinal cannabis products.
Beyond pricing, the availability and variety of cannabis products have expanded. The survey found that cannabis vapes and edibles are now commonly sold via social media, making access easier for consumers. This shift in the retail environment has coincided with changes in consumption patterns.
Consumption Patterns and Clinical Considerations
While smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis administration, the survey identified an increasing use of cannabis vaping, edibles, and oral products. The proportion of respondents reporting cannabis vaping increased from 18% in 2020 to 27% in 2025, and edible use rose from 24% to 41% over the same period. Concurrently, daily cannabis use increased from 39% in 2020 to 53% in 2025.
The proportion of cannabis consumers reporting ‘mostly’ or ‘only’ using cannabis for medicinal reasons also increased from 20% in 2020 to 34% in 2025. This reflects both the increased availability of prescribed products under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme and changing social norms. However, Dr. Rychert cautioned that while a shift from smoking to vaping or edibles may reduce harm to lungs, an increase in the amount and frequency of cannabis consumed could elevate the risk of harm, including dependency, cognitive impacts, and mental illness. The survey also noted that prescribed ‘buds’ and products containing the psychoactive ingredient THC were used by more respondents than non-intoxicating CBD products in oral liquid form. Dr. Rychert emphasised that this trend warrants further monitoring due to the association between THC use and elevated risk of adverse events and the development of cannabis dependency. The research team underscored the need for more robust data and clinical studies to understand patient experiences and health outcomes from the new online clinics compared to traditional GP prescribing models.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid-derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
