Yesterday, The New Zealand Government passed its medicinal cannabis bill. The bill will allow medical marijuana to be widely available for thousands of patients. This follows years of campaigning from New Zealanders suffering from chronic pain and terminal illness.

The legislation will give patients access to quality medicinal cannabis products. Health Minister David Clark has shared “People nearing the end of their lives should not have to worry about being arrested or imprisoned for trying to manage their pain.” He continued, “This is compassionate and caring legislation that will make a real difference to people. They can use illicit cannabis without fear of prosecution.”

Patients wanting to use medicinal marijuana for conditions such as chronic pain will have a year until the new regulations, licensing rules and quality standards are actioned. Until then, the law will give patients statutory legal defence if facing prosecution.