Nelson medical cannabis campaigner Rose Renton facing drugs charges

Nelson medical cannabis campaigner Rose Renton has appeared in the Nelson District Court on charges of cultivating and supplying cannabis. Photo / File

Prominent medical cannabis campaigner Rose Renton has appeared in Nelson District Court today on drug charges.

She faced charges of cultivating high cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis plants, processing cannabis products and possessing cannabis for supply, Renton's lawyer Sue Grey said.

The Nelson woman could face up to 14 years in jail if convicted.

Renton appeared briefly in court before being bailed to a home address. Her case has been adjourned until November 14.

According to court documents Renton is alleged to have had in her possession cannabidiol (CBD), cannabis balm and cannabis brownies for the purpose of supply.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, which is extracted from cannabis and used for pain relief.

Doctors in New Zealand can prescribe CBD but it has to be imported.

Renton rose to prominence in 2015 when she fought for her son Alex to be treated with medicinal cannabis.

The 19-year-old, who suffered from prolonged seizures, died after becoming the first person in New Zealand to receive medicinal cannabis in hospital.