In December 2018 it was amended to permit terminally ill patients to use marijuana without risk of prosecution.

[3][4] On 18 December 2018, the Government announced that it would also hold a referendum on legalizing recreational cannabis during the 2020 general election.

^Note 2 : Temazepam and flunitrazepam are subject to more legal restrictions and tougher penalties than are other Class C substances.

The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (EACD) makes scheduling decisions, based on scientific and medical evidence and/or international treaty obligations.

National Drug Policy New Zealand notes, "The Conventions place certain obligations on signatory countries.