Fast-Tracking Green Exports: NZ Medicinal Cannabis Sector Sees Regulatory Relief

Associate Health Minister David Seymour confirms medicinal cannabis export license processing has dropped to 6.4 days, with the government eyeing permanent licenses to cut red tape.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 4:47 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Efficiency Gains in Licensing

Historically, the administrative "red tape" associated with controlled drug exports has been a major hurdle for local growers. However, recent data shows a marked improvement in Medsafe's processing efficiency:

2026 Average: 6.4 working days.

2024/2025 Average: 10.0 working days.

2022/2023 Average: 22.5 working days.

Minister Seymour noted that this reduction makes New Zealand companies "more reliable trading partners" by ensuring they can meet international demand without being stalled by paperwork.