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New Zealand’s body of senior ministers has approved rule changes that will make it easier for the nation’s medical marijuana operators to export their products.
In perhaps the biggest change to the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme – as the country’s MMJ program is called – exports now must meet only “the standards of the importing jurisdiction,” not the quality standard set by New Zealand law, broadcaster TVNZ reported.
According to a news release from Auckland-based MMJ operator Helius Therapeutics, the other changes involve:
- Streamlining the licensing process.
- Updating testing and laboratory requirements.
- “Improving a range of other matters which reduce costs and time for the sector, whilst still maintaining trusted high standards.”
The rule changes took effect immediately, according to TVNZ, the country’s Auckland-based, state-owned, commercially funded broadcaster.
“The export potential of the medicinal cannabis industry is huge – it could rival the wine industry in a few years,” Bruce Wallace, Helius’ chief quality officer, told the broadcasting company.
New Zealand’s senior ministers made the change at a mid-July meeting, TVNZ reported.
The Oceania nation launched a medical cannabis program in April 2020 but has not yet approved adult use.
MMJ prescriptions in New Zealand have doubled over the past year, but cannabis products are still expensive.
Industry stakeholders hope allowing exports will lower the cost of cannabis for patients, according to TVNS.
