Legislation to legalise medicinal cannabis will be introduced this week.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed during her post-Cabinet press conference today that the bill would be introduced this week.
She declined to give details on the legislation, including who would be able to access cannabis and in what circumstances.
The Government legislation will be introduced as another private member's bill, introduced by Green MP Julie Anne Genter but now in the name of her colleague Chloe Swarbrick, awaits its first reading.
It would amend the Misuse of Drugs Act to make a specific exemption for any person with a qualifying medical condition to cultivate, possess or use the cannabis plant and/or cannabis products for therapeutic purposes, provided they have the support of a registered medical practitioner.