News & Events
News from the CIC and members
Whether you are looking for insights into cannabis industry advancements, legislative changes, or updates from members, our latest news stories cover a wide range of topics, including collaborative projects, policy updates, and global trends that impact the legal UK and international cannabis sectors. By bringing together news from across the industry, we aim to keep you informed and engaged, supporting growth and innovation.
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Latest news

FSA Reassures CBD Sector as SPS Negotiations Continue
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a letter to stakeholders to clarify the potential impact of the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement on novel foods, including CBD products. Following enquiries from retailers about what a future SPS agreement could mean for the CBD market, the FSA

UK Medical Cannabis Industry Calls for Long-Awaited ACMD Review
The CIC is closely monitoring the anticipated publication of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) report on medical cannabis, which has been expected to publish this summer and has yet to be released. The CIC made a submission to the call for evidence back in autumn 2025. The report is

New Chapter for UK Medical Cannabis Policy
The CIC welcomes the appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister and Yvette Cooper as Secretary of State for Health & Social Care. We are optimistic that the new government presents an opportunity for constructive, evidence-led engagement on the future of medical cannabis in the UK. The UK’s medical cannabis

FOI Data Highlights Pharmacists’ Role in CBPM Prescribing in the UK
New FOI data has revealed that pharmacist independent prescribers are responsible for the majority of cannabis-based medicinal product (CBPM) prescriptions issued in the UK. The analysis found that pharmacist independent prescribers accounted for 955,471 prescription items, representing 61.9% of the 1.54 million CBPM items prescribed between January 2019 and May

CQC Annual Report Highlights Continued Growth in UK Medical Cannabis Prescribing
The latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) annual update on controlled drugs offers another encouraging snapshot of the continued development of the UK’s medical cannabis sector. Some of key takeaways include: A 2.3x increase in cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) prescribed in the year to 31 March 2025, demonstrating continued

Nominations Open for the Cannabis Industry Awards 2026
Nominations are now open for the Cannabis Industry Awards 2026, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the UK’s cannabis sector. The event is kindly presented by Aurora Medicine and MediStack. Hosted by the Cannabis Industry Council, the Cannabis Industry Awards celebrate excellence, leadership and innovation across the UK’s

Discover the Benefits of CIC Membership in 2026
The CIC is proud to represent more than 100 member organisations spanning the UK’s cannabis ecosystem, including manufacturers, distributors, clinics, pharmacies, patient organisations, research bodies, professional services, and CBD and industrial hemp businesses. Together, our members account for a significant proportion of prescribing activity, product supply and regulatory engagement across

Partner with the Cannabis Industry Council in 2026/27
As the leading trade body voice of the UK’s cannabis industry, the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) exists to professionalise the sector, influence policy, and create a credible, collaborative platform for businesses shaping the future of cannabis in the UK and globally. Our sponsorship and advertising partners play a vital role

Cannabis Industry Council Appoints David Skinner and Chris Hayes as Non-Executive Board Directors
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026 – The Cannabis Industry Council “(CIC)”, the leading membership organisation representing the UK’s regulated cannabis sector, announced today the appointment of David Skinner and Dr Chris Hayes as Non-Executive Directors to its Board, voted in by CIC members in e-ballot. The appointment

CIC Standards & Awareness Pillar 3 – 2026 Updates
Activities under Pillar 3, the CIC’s Education, Awareness & Standards pillar, are progressing this year, with a growing focus on improving patient education, awareness, and the development of meaningful industry standards across the UK medical cannabis industry. Following the release of the CIC’s “Travelling with Medical Cannabis” guide earlier this

CIC Networking & Collaboration Pillar 2 – 2026 Updates
In 2026, the Cannabis Industry Council significantly expanded its events and networking programme through our Networking & Events Pillar (Pillar 2), reinforcing our role as the leading convening body for the UK cannabis sector. Through a carefully curated series of newly established CIC Socials, Masterclasses and flagship gatherings, the CIC

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

Building the Future of the CIC – Pillars, Taskforces & 2026 Vision Update
Following valuable feedback gathered through the June 2025 CIC Members Survey, the Cannabis Industry Council has undertaken a significant restructuring to ensure the organisation is better positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes for members and the wider UK cannabis sector. Moving away from the previous working group model, the CIC has

Cannabis Industry Council Releases Global Guide for Patients Travelling with Medical Cannabis
The Cannabis Industry Council “(CIC)”, the leading membership organisation representing the UK’s regulated cannabis sector, announced today the publishing of a new patient-focused guide, Travelling with Medical Cannabis, offering practical advice for UK patients navigating the complex and often inconsistent rules around travelling with prescribed medical cannabis. Whilst medical cannabis

DEFRA ‘Call for Information’: UK–EU SPS Agreement – Impact on UK Medical Cannabis Cultivation
The CIC has responded to DEFRA’s “Call for Information” on a proposed UK–EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement. We are concerned that the SPS Agreement risks undermining the UK’s domestic cultivation sector at a critical stage of its development, especially if no exemptions can be negotiated with the EU. The

The Cannabis Industry Podcast: Episode 10
In episode 10 of the CIC Podcast, CIC Co-Chairs Tom Gray (of Lumino) and Frances Crewdson (of CannDo Consulting) chat with Luke Strong about their plans and priorities for the CIC, which were guided by feedback from CIC members. This is the final episode of the first series of the

Apply to join the CIC Board
Canindcou Limited (trading as Cannabis Industry Council) is interested in appointing a new Board Director. Full details and how to apply can be found below. Role Overview: The Board Director will play a crucial role in the strategic direction, oversight, and governance of Canindcou Ltd (trading as Cannabis Industry Council).

Join CIC regulatory taskforces
CIC will shortly be launching our initial taskforces, focused on improving the regulatory and commercial environment for businesses in the supply chain. These will all have a clear remit to deliver outcomes within a defined timescale. Each will consist of businesses with the following, respectively: UK cultivation licence MS /

Welcoming Our New CIC Pillar Leads
We are delighted to welcome our new Pillar Leads, who bring extensive expertise and fresh energy to the Cannabis Industry Council. Greer Deal (Global Regulatory Services) – Policy and Regulatory PillarSam Cannon (Beyond Green) – Networking and Collaboration PillarAdam Windish (British Cannabis) – Standards and Awareness Pillar Each Pillar Lead

Cannabis Industry Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence Across the Sector
On 6 November 2025, the Cannabis Industry Council hosted the 2025 Cannabis Industry Awards, bringing together clinicians, innovators, advocates and industry leaders to recognise individuals making a meaningful impact across the UK medical cannabis sector. The evening celebrated excellence, leadership and collaboration across our community. Congratulations to this year’s winners:

New Guidance | Business setup, contracts, and payment
The Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) has published new guidance aimed at supporting members and industry professionals with setting up businesses in the UK, managing contracts, and addressing payment practices. The guidance responds to multiple requests from CIC members for practical and legal support around business formation, contractual obligations, and payment

Cannabis Industry Awards 2025 Shortlist Announced
The Cannabis Industry Council is delighted to announce the shortlist for the Cannabis Industry Awards 2025. These nominees represent the very best of our industry – individuals whose dedication, innovation, and compassion exemplify excellence in the UK cannabis sector. Winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Thursday 6

GPhC Publishes Themed Review of Pharmacies Providing Cannabis-Based Products
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has published a thematic review focusing on the supply of cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) by registered pharmacies in the UK. Key Findings The review provides assurance that most pharmacies met the required standards for the safe procurement, storage, and dispensing of CBPMs. This

The Cannabis Industry Podcast: Episode 8
In this month’s episode, Luke speaks to John Shute, CEO and co-founder of PufCreativ. John shares his passion for creative marketing campaigns, which, combined with his commitment to social equity in cannabis, has been the driving force behind PufCreativ. The podcast can be listened to now via Spotify, Amazon, Apple

ACMD Call for Evidence on Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal Use
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is conducting a comprehensive review of the 2018 changes to cannabis medicines regulations in the UK. This review will directly shape how CBPMs are regulated, prescribed, and accessed for years to come. The consultation runs until 17 October 2025, 11:59 PM.
