Medsafe have announced melatonin will soon be available OTC and has approved the medicinal use of Magic Mushrooms.
At the moment, melatonin is a restricted medication and requires patients to have a prescription and is used to treat insomnia.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour said many Kiwis asked why they couldn’t readily and easily purchase the medication at home
“In time, adults will be able to buy melatonin directly from a pharmacy with no prescription needed.”
This is a commonsense decision that will make melatonin more accessible in New Zealand than in many other countries and encourage suppliers to bring more products to our shelves,” he added.
Some New Zealanders who use it currently have to pay $30 for the prescription, while some purchase online from countries with more supply.
Psilocybin rules have also been relaxed and have been approved for medicinal use for the first time outside of clinical trials.
It can now be prescribed by an experienced psychiatrist for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Photo Credit: UW Medicine
