Psychoactive substances are regulated in New Zealand by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013. The aim of the Act is to protect the health of, and minimise harm to, individuals who use psychoactive substances. The Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority administers the Act.
Synthetic cannabis
In July 2018, the Coroner advised that since 1 June 2017 there were 40 to 45 deaths across New Zealand which provisionally appear to be attributable to synthetic cannabis toxicity. Agencies are working together to address how best to reduce the harms from synthetic cannabinoids. Read more
Psychoactive Substances Act 2013
The Act aims to regulate the availability of psychoactive substances in New Zealand to protect the health of, and minimise harm to, individuals who use psychoactive substances. Read more
- The definitions and history of psychoactive substances in New Zealand
- Review of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013
How to get a product approved
Information for applicants submitting a product approval application. Read more
- The Code of Manufacturing Practice outlines the quality control requirements for manufacturers of psychoactive substances.
- Register of Product Approvals - Note: There are no approved products and no applications for a product have been received.
How to get a licence
Find out about the cost of and how to apply for a licence to import, research, manufacture, wholesale, retail, sell unapproved substances. Read more
Information for healthcare professionals
Information about clinical advice and clinical coding for synthetic cannabis. Read more
Psychoactive Substances Expert Advisory Committee
The Psychoactive Substances Expert Advisory Committee provides technical advice to the Authority. Read more.
The Psychoactive Substances Appeals Committee
The Psychoactive Substances Appeals Committee (PSAC) hears appeals against decisions made by the Psychoactive Substances Regulatory Authority. Read more