Here’s their latest alert
The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations) set the minimum quality standard that medicinal cannabis products and cannabis-based ingredients must meet before they can be supplied in New Zealand.
Regulation 7 includes a list of pesticides that must be tested for in non-imported starting material for export, cannabis-based ingredients (CBI) and medicinal cannabis products.
Due to ongoing technical issues with the availability for Daminozide and Chlormequat chloride in New Zealand, the Medicinal Cannabis Agency will accept applications with limited pesticide testing provided there is appropriate justification for the limitation in testing.
The justification should include confirmation that these untested pesticides are not used in cultivation. It must also include details of measures in place to prevent cross-contamination.
In addition, starting material for export should include a statement that the receiver is aware that the pesticide testing has not been performed to the requirements of regulation 7(2). The acceptance of limited pesticide testing will be reviewed as and when pesticide testing capabilities become more widely available in New Zealand.
Exporting cannabis seeds
The Medicinal Cannabis Agency has received enquiries regarding the export of cannabis seed. No licences issued under the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations) permit the export of medicinal cannabis seeds.
However, cannabis seeds can be exported by a holder of a Licence to Deal in Controlled Drugs. Holders of a licence issued under the Regulations that authorises the supply of cannabis seeds can apply for a Licence to Deal in Controlled Drugs.
A Licences to Export Controlled Drugs would also be required. Licences to Deal in Controlled Drugs and Licences to Export Controlled Drugs are administered by Medicines Control.
If you have any further questions, please email the Medicinal Cannabis Agency at: medicinal_cannabis@health.
