THIS will be a significant year for New Zealand as medicinal cannabis is legalised and the nation holds a vote on whether or not to legalise recreational use.
From April 1, 2020, all general practitioners can prescribe medical cannabis without oversight from a specialist.
Commercial licences for crop cultivation will be available from the summer and with over 200 firms holding hemp licences – and over 20 holding medical cannabis research licenses – demand is likely to be strong.
Business is already exploring the opportunities in New Zealand with Nelson-based business, Medical Kiwi, signing deals with UK distributors Liberty Herbal Technologies and Vitality CBD.
Vitality CBD is a leading UK CBD brand with a full range of products including including sprays, drops, skin cream, balms, and e-liquids.
Its range is currently sold across the UK including supermarket giant Tesco, pharmacy chain, Boots and other health stores.
The partnership with Liberty Herbal Technologies will allow medical cannabis users access to its non-combustion Hapac inhaler.
Liberty is a subsidiary of UK stock market company Ananda Developments. The Hapac uses a ‘heat, not burn technology ‘ and can be used with measured doses of medicinal cannabis in small packages.
Last May Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the country would be holding a referendum on the legalisation of cannabis which will take place on September 19, this year.
