Massey University NZ Drug Trends Survey 2025: Cannabis Never Cheaper or More Available Amid Rising Medicinal Use

The latest findings from Massey University's New Zealand Drug Trends Survey (NZDTS) 2025 have shed new light on the evolving landscape of cannabis in Aotearoa New Zealand. Conducted by the SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre at Massey University, this annual anonymous online survey captures real-time insights into drug markets, use patterns, and policy perceptions from over 8,883 respondents aged 16 and older. Collected between May and October 2025, the data reveals unprecedented accessibility and affordability of cannabis, coinciding with a boom in medicinal applications. These trends underscore the university's pivotal role in informing public health strategies and drug policy debates.

Massey researchers highlight how supply dynamics, digital marketplaces, and the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme—launched in April 2020—have transformed consumption behaviors. As New Zealand grapples with balancing harm reduction and regulation, the survey provides evidence-based data that policymakers, health professionals, and educators can leverage to address emerging challenges.

Cannabis Prices Hit Historic Lows

The illicit market price for an ounce (28 grams) of cannabis averaged $286 nationally in 2025, equating to $10.20 per gram—a 22 percent drop since 2017. Larger quantities saw even steeper declines, with a pound (448 grams) falling 33 percent to $2,516. Regional variations persist, with Waikato offering the cheapest at $257 per ounce and Otago the priciest at $331.

Experts attribute this crash to increased large-scale cultivation, including operations dismantled by Auckland police in 2025, which seized 10 tonnes amid Vietnamese organized crime involvement. Competition from legal medicinal products may also pressure street prices downward, though illegal supply remains dominant.

Availability Reaches All-Time High

Ninety-two percent of respondents rated cannabis as 'easy' or 'very easy' to obtain, surpassing previous years. Product diversity has exploded beyond traditional buds: vapes, edibles, and oral sprays are now commonplace, often advertised on social media platforms. No longer confined to 'tinny houses,' users report seamless online ordering, mirroring e-commerce trends.

Home growing contributes, particularly in rural areas like Taranaki and Northland, driven by remoteness and medicinal needs. This surge reflects a maturing supply chain, but raises questions about quality control and potency, with 25 percent noting 'high' strength levels.

Medicinal Cannabis Prescriptions Double

Medicinal product supplies skyrocketed to over 380,000 in 2025, doubling from 180,000 in 2023. Among medicinal users, 44 percent now hold prescriptions—up dramatically from 2 percent in 2020. Cannabis clinics dominate, issuing 83 percent via telehealth (75 percent online), while GPs account for 21 percent.

Common conditions include insomnia (72 percent), chronic pain (63 percent), and mental health issues (62 percent). THC-dominant buds for vaporizing lead usage (73 percent), preferred over CBD liquids. Ninety-one percent of prescribed users previously sourced illegally, indicating the scheme bridges access gaps but doesn't fully displace black markets.

Shifting Consumption Patterns

Daily or near-daily use climbed to 53 percent among consumers, from 39 percent in 2020. Medicinal motivations now drive 34 percent ('mostly' or 'only'), up from 20 percent, reducing exclusive recreational use to 39 percent. Vaping rose to 27 percent (from 18 percent), edibles to 41 percent (24 percent), and sprays to 12 percent (4 percent), while bongs dipped to 47 percent (57 percent).

These shifts promise lung health benefits from reduced smoking but risk higher intake and dependency, especially with potent edibles. Women represent 42 percent of medicinal users, often citing barriers like cost and stigma, though these eased slightly.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Massey's SHORE & Whāriki: Pioneers in Drug Research

The survey stems from Massey University's SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, a hub for social health outcomes research since 1996. Led by Professor Chris Wilkins, with Associate Professor Marta Rychert, Dr. Robin van der Sanden, Dr. Jose Romeo, and Thomas Graydon-Guy, the team analyzes anonymous data to track markets and harms. Their work influences Te Whatu Ora, NGOs, and international bodies like the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy.

Rychert warns of privatization risks: 'While clinics improve access, concerns linger over care continuity and commercial prescribing.' Wilkins notes digital markets' rise, urging youth vaping regulations. Massey's PhD scholarships on cannabis policy further cement its leadership.

Public Health and Policy Implications

Enhanced access aids therapeutic use, potentially cutting reliance on opioids or sedatives, but daily use spikes signal dependency risks, cognitive effects, and mental health burdens. Clinics' dominance (online model) boosts volume but fragments primary care integration.

Stakeholders call for rigorous clinical trials on efficacy, better rural access, and potency labeling. The survey informs ongoing cannabis reform evaluations post-2020 referendum, emphasizing harm reduction amid organized crime's supply role. For more on supply data, visit the Ministry of Health's medicinal cannabis page.

Broader University Contributions to Drug Policy

Beyond Massey, New Zealand universities drive cannabis discourse. The University of Auckland explores VR for youth vaping education, while Otago examines long COVID and psychedelics. Collaborations like ANZCCP conferences foster prescriber training. These efforts position NZ HEIs as global leaders in evidence-based policy, blending epidemiology, sociology, and pharmacology.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite gains, affordability remains a barrier—legal THC flower rivals street prices ($10-15/g), but uninsured patients struggle. Stigma lingers (33 percent), especially for Māori/Pacific users. Researchers advocate longitudinal studies on outcomes, comparing clinic vs. GP prescribing. Digital sales demand new regulations to curb youth access.

Explore bulletins at NZ Drug Trends for raw data. As use evolves, Massey's ongoing monitoring will guide balanced reforms.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Case Studies

Cannabis Clinic CEOs praise access gains, but GPs worry about siloed care. Patient anecdotes highlight insomnia relief, yet dependency fears persist. Police operations underscore crime links, while harm reduction groups push decriminalization. These voices, captured via NZDTS, illustrate nuanced realities.

Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash

Global Context and NZ's Unique Path

Unlike legalized markets in Canada or Australia, NZ's scheme prioritizes unapproved imports, fostering rapid growth but quality concerns. Massey's data mirrors international trends: falling illicit prices amid medical expansion. Comparative studies could inform exports of NZ expertise.

Read the full release at Massey's news page.