CIC Policy & Regulatory Pillar 1 – 2026 Updates
Activities under Pillar 1, the CIC’s Policy & Regulatory pillar, have really picked up speed this year. In 2026, we have launched two Taskforces: one dedicated to British Cultivators (including those in the Channel Islands) and the other for MHRA MS/WDA licence holders, which also covers API licence holders. The first online meeting for the Cultivators Taskforce took place on 18th March 2026, followed by the MS/WDA group on 27th March 2026. To showcase the CIC’s proactive support for its members, we invited non-members to these inaugural meetings. However, moving forward, participation will be exclusive to CIC members. Anyone wishing to stay involved will need to be members of the CIC.
These Taskforces are designed to be safe spaces for open, honest dialogue, with confidentiality at the core and only agreed outcomes shared publicly. The second Cultivators Taskforce meeting was held at Irwin Mitchell’s London office on 6th May 2026, with both in-person and online attendees. It sparked lively debate and we extend our thanks to Ricardo Gidea for hosting.
Already, the Cultivators Taskforce has set clear objectives, including opening a dialogue with the MHRA in the coming days. The topics for discussion have been agreed on, and formal communication is now being drafted.
The date for the second MS/WDA Taskforce meeting will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Its main focus will be to identify a couple of priority areas that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART), ensuring targeted progress for our members.
We’ve drafted a Charter outlining the purpose, principles, scope, ways of working, and authority for decision-making within the Taskforces. This Charter has been shared with attendees for review and agreement—it will guide our Taskforce operations going forward.
On behalf of CIC members, we responded to DEFRA’s Call for Information regarding the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement. Our submission was acknowledged, and Greer Deal, Pillar Lead, has been invited to attend the FSA Trade Association Roundtable on the UK-EU SPS Agreement on 20th May 2026. She’ll be there to observe and share input, especially around the support cultivators may need to prepare for “dynamic alignment”—which could be critical if the British Cannabis/Cannabinoid sector isn’t exempted from the agreement. If any members would like to contribute to this roundtable, please email Greer at greer.deal@cicouncil.org.uk with your feedback, and she will ensure your views are represented.
Right now, we’re focusing on these two Taskforces, with further Taskforce launches on the horizon! Stay tuned for CIC announcements and seize the opportunity to get involved. Together, we can make a real difference for the UK’s medical cannabis sector.
Any CIC members interested in contributing to Pillar 1 activities are encouraged to get in touch with Pillar lead Greer Deal at greer.deal@cicouncil.org.uk.
