New Zealand has finally removed the controlled drug status of cannabidiol (CBD), bringing the country in line with Australia.
MORE: New Zealand ‘doesn’t want’ cannabis industry says PM
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne announced today that doctors can now prescribe the cannabis extract without government approval, reports the NZ Herald.
CBD is largely used for chronic pain relief and has no psychoactive properties.
“In practical terms, the changes mean CBD would be able to be prescribed by a doctor to their patient and supplied in a manner similar to any other prescription medicine,” said Dunne.
It could potentially still be difficult for patients to access the drug, with obstacles including import/export laws in NZ and overseas.
In April, Prime Minister Bill English claimed the country “don’t want an official marijuana industry”.
