One of New Zealand’s most popular illicit medical cannabis distributors had his business shuttered by authorities last week. Despite being aware of his activities for many years, they decided to kick in the door and ransack the greenhouses at his growing operation.
The decision by local police to charge 66-year-old Paul “Gandalf” Smith has caused outrage in the community. He is one of the nation’s so-called “green fairies” who offer medical marijuana to people with medical conditions at a lower cost than they could get with a prescription.
Protestors lined the streets outside the courthouse in Whangārei on Monday to show their support. “Leave our green fairies alone!” and “Not everyone can afford prescription weed!” were some of the phrases on picket signs held by demonstrators. Many of them suffer from conditions like PTSD, depression and even breast cancer.
Smith could face up to eight years in jail if the judge feels so inclined. He just pleaded not guilty to the three charges he faces in the courthouse and is set to return on Apr. 29 for a case review.
Smith’s daughter, Tami Ludlow, set up an online fundraiser for him. She says he has helped hundreds of people, has no interest in turning a profit and is a staple in the community.
“He is a man of great integrity and courage who gifted a vast amount of product to unwell folk who could not afford the cost,” Ludlow explained.
The nation’s Green Party leader, Chlöe Swarbrick, was quick to voice her support for the cannabis wizard fairy too.
“It’s just appalling. This is an absolute waste of police resources and time,” she said in an interview with the country’s publication Stuff.
Meanwhile in New Zealand where prescribed medicinal cannabis is legal but very expensive – a well established unregistered supplier known as "Gandalf", ensured many people who needed cannabis for medical reasons but couldn't afford it, got a medical supply for half the price -…
— Harm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa (@HRCA_info) February 27, 2025
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Two thirds of nation’s medical users acquire bud illicitly
Massey University, a public research institute in New Zealand, recently determined that only 37 per cent of the country’s medical cannabis users got their goods from licensed suppliers last year.
As highlighted previously, many cannot afford the price tag on merchandise available through the nation’s Medical Cannabis Scheme. It can cost patients a hefty sum of up to C$700 per month.
“It just seems so ridiculous, ludicrous, idiotic, insane,” Smith said following the occurrence.
rowan@mugglehead.com
