Tilray Medical has confirmed they are leaving the New Zealand medical cannabis market to better focus on the Australian medical market. 

The company recently confirmed its exit with New Zealand publication The Post, with its final day of sales in the country set for May 31.

Although the company was not immediately available for response to a media request from StratCann, they told The Post in a statement: “Our priority is to manage this transition effectively, minimising any disruption and ensuring Tilray patients in New Zealand have access to necessary treatments during and after the transition period.

“Zero Tilray employees were impacted by this strategic decision,” it added in the statement.

In Tilray Brands Inc.’s most recent quarterly report for the three months ended February 28, 2025 (Q3 2025), the company recognized US$0.3 million of restructuring charges related to its decision to exit the New Zealand medical cannabis market.

In 2021, the company became one of the first licensed cannabis producers to operate in New Zealand following 2020 legislation that created the country’s medical cannabis system. The company sold cannabis flower and extracts (oils) in New Zealand. The company received approval for its first limited shipment to New Zealand even earlier, in 2017.

On April 17, 2025, Tilray Medical announced its first launch of cannabis edibles in the Australian market.   

Tilray also operates in Canada, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Argentina, as well as the United States.

Recent posts on a subreddit dedicated to the New Zealand medical cannabis market make similar references to Tilray’s exit. 

Recently updated data on the supply of medical cannabis in the New Zealand market shows the number of packs of products reported as containing cannabidiol as the primary active ingredient only declining in 2024, while products reported as containing tetrahydrocannabinol remained relatively level. Packs of products reported as containing both tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol as active ingredients increased in 2024. 

As of March 20, 2025, the country’s health agency lists 41 active licence holders, sixteen for oral liquids (five of which are from Tilray), four for sublingual solutions, one for sublingual spray, 16 for dried cannabis flower options for inhalation via a vaporiser (two from Tilray), and 18 dried cannabis flower options for preparing tea for oral consumption.

A handful of Canadian companies, such as Tilray and MedReleaf, have shipped cannabis products to New Zealand and established a footprint in the country’s domestic operations through local partnerships. Aurora recently announced its first shipment of cannabis to New Zealand in 2024.

Tilray’s international cannabis sales in its most recently reported quarter were US$13.9 million.

New Zealand Medical Cannabis Council executive director Sally King told The Post that despite Tilray’s departure, other companies, including Canadian-based Aurora Cannabis, are expanding. 

“Aurora is in the process of really establishing themselves in the New Zealand market,” she said. “It’s a real sign of confidence in the New Zealand market that they want to be here.”

King told StratCann that she doesn’t expect the move to have a significant impact on the market.

“They had a limited range and there are other imported and local options that will meet patient needs here.

“Aurora has recently taken a more proactive position in [New Zealand]—perhaps that had an influence on Tilray’s exit? Aurora has some new flower products which are being well received by prescribers and patients and is considering other formulations that we would like to see in NZ.”

She also notes that New Zealand’s accounting of cannabis sales can be misleading.

“Pack sales are misleading as there has been a shift from 10 gram to 30 gram packs for flower; it is very difficult to get clear data on the volume and product type in NZ.”

Several sources told The Post that high regulatory costs in New Zealand are challenging for companies operating there. A legalization bill was put to a referendum in New Zealand on October 17, 2020, exactly two years after Canada formally legalized the plant. The referendum, however, failed to gain enough support.

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