New Zealand releases proposed cannabis regulations; aims for 2020 launch
2 min read
New Zealand released highly-anticipated proposed medical cannabis regulations today, representing a “huge milestone” for country’s burgeoning industry as it looks to become a hub for innovation and production, industry sources say.
The government aims to finalize the regulations by Dec. 18, 2019 in order to implement the medical cannabis program in the first quarter of 2020.
Paul Manning, co-founder of Auckland-based Helius Therapeutics, called the proposals “excellent” and said the standards for cultivation and manufacturing are “high yet workable.”
“These regulations, if implemented, could allow New Zealand to establish itself a world-class hub for medical cannabis innovation and production in the APAC region,” he told Marijuana Business Daily.
Parliamentarians approved the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme in early 2018.
The Ministry of Health has committed to enabling the commercial cultivation of medical marijuana and the manufacture of medical products in the country.
Read the proposed regulations here.
The document proposes detailed rules to manage:
- Quality standards;
- Licensing of products;
- Distribution of products;
- Prescribing requirements;
- Licence fees; and
- How products will be monitored.
The government is soliciting feedback on the proposals until Aug. 9 to shape the final regulations.
After the consultations are complete, the Ministry of Health it will analyze the feedback and work with the Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Group before making recommendations to the government.
The ministry will then seek approval from cabinet on the regulatory proposals and work with the Parliamentary Counsel Office to draft the complete Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Regulations.
One of the most important aspects of the proposed rules would see the establishment of the Medicinal Cannabis Agency, which will be charged with regulated cannabis products from seed to sale.
Some of the agency’s responsibilities will include:
- Licensing of cultivators, manufacturers, suppliers and researchers;
- Controls on advertising;
- Monitoring compliance with licence conditions and quality standards;
- Enforcing compliance;
- Sampling and testing for compliance and other requirements, including labeling information; and
- Collecting and assessing information about the products.
This developing story will be updated throughout the day.
Matt Lamers can be reached at [email protected]
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/new-zealand-releases-proposed-cannabis-regulations-aims-for-2020-launch/
