Monique SteeleRNZ·26 Aug, 2026 10:06 PM3 mins to readSince May, some of New Zealand's rules around growing hemp have eased. Photo / RNZ, Cosmo Kentish-BarnesSince May, some of New Zealand's rules around growing hemp have eased. Photo / RNZ, Cosmo Kentish-BarnesBy Monique Steele of RNZNew Zealanders might start seeing what looks like illegal cannabis growing in more people’s backyards or lifestyle blocks, as the industrial hemp industry expands access to seeds for aspiring growers.
Cannabis sativa plants remain controlled drugs in New Zealand. However, from
