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Ora Pharm has completed its acquisition of Helius Therapeutics, creating New Zealand's largest end-to-end medicinal cannabis and hemp supply chain. The deal merges Helius' EU GMP-certified manufacturing with Ora Pharm's grower network, unlocking new export opportunities for the sector.

Note: this article was published in March 2022 and reflects the position at that time.Nearly 1,500 New Zealand doctors and pharmacists have now registered on MCinfo.com – a dedicated and comprehensive medicinal cannabis information service. The surge in interest follows a recent Zoom series of educational presentations organised and hosted by MCinfo.com. The latest one titled ‘Medicinal Cannabis: A pharmacist’s perspective’ featured James Yu, charge pharmacist and co-owner of

Note: this article was published in October 2021 and reflects the position at that time. Two new kiwi manufactured medicinal cannabis medicines will be available on prescription from Thursday after the Medicinal Cannabis Agency announced they have been verified as meeting its stringent quality standards. The news couldn't come soon enough for kiwi patients following transitional arrangements in the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme came to an end on September 30th removing the availa

Note: this article was published in August 2021 and reflects the position at that time. With the availability of highly desired local medicinal cannabis products fast approaching, healthcare professionals are being encouraged to attend MedCan 2022. The call comes as MedSafe has issued the local industry’s first GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Licence to Manufacture Medicines to Helius Therapeutics. With other local companies also set for GMP certification, New Zealand medic

Note: this article was published in August 2021 and reflects the position at that time. Under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, transitional arrangements for existing medicinal cannabis products in New Zealand will end on 30 September 2021. From 1 October 2021, all medicinal cannabis products (imported and manufactured in New Zealand) must be verified as meeting the medicinal cannabis quality standards before they can be supplied in New Zealand. The Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Ca

Note: this article was published in August 2021 and reflects the position at that time. New Zealand’s largest licenced medicinal cannabis company, Helius Therapeutics, has been issued with the industry’s first GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certificate by MedSafe, allowing the company to begin manufacturing locally-made medicines for patients. “This is our most significant milestone yet. GMP certification means Helius can now move forward to manufacture New Zealand patient

Note: this article was published in June 2021 and reflects the position at that time. "With over $100 million invested so far in New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis industry, 2021 is our year to shine,” says Dr Zahra Champion, Executive Director of BioTechNZ and MedCan Summit 2021 organiser. Academics, researchers, government officials, doctors, businesspeople, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators, growers, and patients cannot afford to miss October’s MedCan Summit 2021. It m

Note: this article was published in March 2021 and reflects the position at that time. In a statement today, the Medicinal Cannabis Agency has advised that transitional arrangements the country's Medicinal Cannabis Scheme will be extended for six more months. Analytical testing of cannabinoids – Helius Therapeutics Extending the Scheme's transitional arrangements will give local producers and importers more time to comply with New Zealand's new minimum quality standard for me

Note: this article was published in March 2021 and reflects the position at that time. An updated Member's bill, to be put forward by Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Dr Shane Reti, proposes the introduction of a Medicinal Cannabis Card for all eligible patients assessed by healthcare professionals. Introduced by Dr Shane Reti, this Member’s bill amends the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 by providing a medicinal cannabis scheme that will license high quality domestic medicinal cann