The New Rules for Home Hemp Growing in New Zealand
Recent amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations have changed the rules around growing low-THC hemp in New Zealand, allowing individuals to cultivate approved low-THC hemp varieties without a commercial licence under certain conditions. While you are not required to hold a licence, it is strongly recommended that you proactively notify your local Police to avoid any misunderstanding about your plants.
This template gives you a simple, clear letter you can send or hand-deliver to your local police station before you start growing. The notification lasts for 12 months.
Letter Template: Home Grower Notification to Police
[Your Name]
[Street Address]
[City, Region, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
The Officer in Charge
[Local Police Station Name]
[Police Station Address]
Dear Officer in Charge,
RE: Notification of Low-THC Hemp Cultivation at Residential Property
I am writing to inform you that I intend to grow low-THC industrial hemp at my residential property, as permitted under the recent amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations in New Zealand.
I am providing this notification voluntarily and in good faith so that you are aware of my plants should any query arise.
My Growing Details
- Name: [Your Full Name]
- Property Address: [Full address where hemp will be grown]
- Number of Plants: [e.g., 5 plants]
- Growing Location on Property: [e.g., backyard garden, raised bed]
- Intended Use: [e.g., personal use, seed saving, fibre, food — hemp seed oil, hulled seeds]
- Planned Start Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Confirmation of Low-THC Status
The seeds I am using are a certified low-THC variety with THC content well below the legal threshold under the amended regulations. I am happy to provide seed documentation or variety information upon request.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]
What to Do With This Letter
- Print two copies — one to hand in, one to keep for yourself.
- Visit or post it to your local police station before you plant.
- Ask for a receipt or acknowledgement — even an email reply confirming they received it is useful.
- Keep your seed packaging and any documentation showing the variety is low-THC.
- If police have questions, stay calm and refer them to the Misuse of Drugs (Hemp) Regulations amendment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many plants can I grow?
Check the current regulations for any plant number limits that apply to home growers. The rules may specify a maximum number of plants for personal cultivation at this stage they do not.
Can I sell what I grow?
Home growing under the amended regulations is generally for personal use only. Commercial sale of hemp products requires a separate license although it appears non licensed growers can sell biomass to licensed cultivators. Always check your obligations before selling with MOH or licensed cultivators.
Where do I get approved seeds?
It is important to source seeds from a reputable supplier who can confirm the variety is a certified low-THC cultivar. Using unknown or unverified seeds could put you at risk.
Disclaimer
This template is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations may change — always verify the current rules with the New Zealand Ministry of Health or a legal professional before you begin growing.
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