“Police found evidence of cannabis and paraphernalia at one of the properties allegedly believed to be for personal use,” Grainger said.
“This appears to be outside the authority the licence allowed and amounted to offending against the Misuse of Drugs Act.
“The medicinal cannabis licensing system exists to support patients who require cannabis-based products for health reasons, not for someone to allegedly hide behind it for their own personal use and profit.”
Grainger said police were “actively keeping an eye on unlawful sale and supply of drugs” in Canterbury and “will hold those to account that undermine any systems designed to help vulnerable people”.
Medical cannabis. Photo / Supplied
He said the investigation into the 40-year-old was ongoing.
“Police are continuing to assess information obtained during the execution of the search warrants,” he said.
“Further charges or arrests aren’t ruled out.”
Police have also referred the incident to the Medicinal Cannabis Agency, the authority responsible for the licensing scheme.
“Police remain committed to ensuring New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis regulatory framework operates lawfully and with integrity,” Grainger said.
“Police will continue to work alongside regulatory partners where potential offending is identified.”