Reclassification of Low-Dose CBD Products
Medsafe has reclassified the medical cannabis product cannabidiol (CBD) from prescription drug to restricted drug (pharmaceuticals only) in New Zealand. Australia made a similar change in 2020.
Although there are currently no approved CBD products in New Zealand, this may change in the future. Any approved products may be supplied by registered pharmacists to patients over the age of 18. Currently, there are no products available in this category. Typically, these products would be used to treat minor ailments.
CBD Medications
The industry has also suggested that this classification change could open up more opportunities for research into the clinical effectiveness and safety of CBD. This, in turn, could lead to more approvals for medications containing cannabidiol.
Until now, cannabidiol has been primarily supplied as a medical cannabis product that was not approved by Medsafe but met the minimum quality standards of the Drugs of Misuse (Medical Cannabis) Regulations. This meant that it could only be obtained with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Source: nzdoctor.co.uk (EN)
Medsafe Reclassifies CBD as a Restricted Drug in New Zealand
Medsafe, the medical regulatory authority in New Zealand, has reclassified cannabidiol (CBD) from a prescription drug to a restricted drug available only through pharmacies. This change follows a similar move by Australia in 2020.
Currently, there are no approved CBD products in New Zealand, but there is the possibility of future changes. If approved, registered pharmacists would be able to supply these products to patients over the age of 18. However, at present, there are no CBD products available in this category, which are typically used for treating minor ailments.
CBD Medications
The reclassification of CBD also presents opportunities for research into its clinical efficacy and safety. This could pave the way for more approvals of medications containing cannabidiol, creating further possibilities in the medical field.
Previously, cannabidiol was mainly accessed as a medical cannabis product that did not have Medsafe approval but met the minimum quality standards outlined in the Drugs of Misuse (Medical Cannabis) Regulations. This meant it could only be obtained with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Source: nzdoctor.co.nz (EN)
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