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
New report on extract market
A new report entitled ‘Extracting Opportunities’ has been published by SW4 Partners, in collaboration with CIC member Lawrence Stephens and Artemis Growth Partners. The report focuses on the evolving extract-based cannabis medicines market in Europe, and combines detailed analysis with engaging content to highlight the opportunities and complexities of this
New CIC Advocacy Representative
The CIC is pleased to announce that Paul North has become our new Advocacy Representative. Paul will also sit on the CIC’s Executive Committee. Paul is the Director of CIC member Volteface, a leading organisation in the cannabis industry – which both provides commercial services, and manages one of the
Cannabis flower monograph published
The new European Pharmacopoeia monograph on Cannabis flower (3028) has reportedly been officially published in Ph. Eur. Supplement 11.5, according to GMP-Compliance. The monograph had been pre-published in October 2023 on the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), Council of Europe website. GMP-Compliance notes a number
CIC signs Armed Forces Covenant
A commitment to supporting the UK’s military community and veterans – known as the Armed Forces Covenant – has been signed by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). The signed pledge states: “We commit to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the contribution that
Innovative business leader Stef Kulik joins CIC Board
Highly experienced and innovative business leader Stef Kulik has joined the Board of the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) as a Non Executive Director. Stef is currently managing director of the health division of a well-known British brand. He has previously worked in the consumer goods industry, in private equity, venture
Growing cannabis market helps women and minorities, says new report
Expanding the prescription cannabis market will lead to improved outcomes for ethnic minorities, women, and the LGBT community, according to a new report from the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). The report, entitled ‘ESG Benefits of an Expanded Medicinal Cannabis Market’, highlights how the current situation results in many potential patients
Number of patients reaches 32,000
The total number of prescription cannabis patients has now reached 32,000, according to CIC Honorary President Prof. Mike Barnes. Prof. Barnes gave the latest estimate during his speech at this year’s Patient Conference, held on 3 November in London. Commenting later on X (Twitter), Prof. Barnes clarified the process for
Complete our patient survey now
A patient survey has been launched by the Cannabis Industry Council, to coincide with Medical Cannabis Awareness Week (1-7 November). Both current and former prescription cannabis patients can complete the survey here. The survey results will better enable the Cannabis Industry Council to understand the challenges patients face, and to
UK medical cannabis imports triple in size
Drugs Minister Chris Philp MP has stated that the amount of medical cannabis imported into the UK in 2023 has more than tripled, when compared to last year. Responding to a Parliamentary question, Mr Philp said that up to 19 September this year, the UK had imported 23,890 KG of
CIC publishes Bill to enable GPs to prescribe cannabis medicines
A draft Bill to enable general medical practitioners (GPs) to initiate cannabis medicine prescriptions has been published by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). The CIC and its lawyers believe that the most straightforward process would be to make three simple amendments to section 4 of The Misuse of Drugs (Amendments) (Cannabis
Exclusive medical cannabis training
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society is now offering CIC Members access to their exclusive monthly CPD-accredited medical cannabis training for just £99. In this 3-hour online session led by Prof Mike Barnes, clinicians and non-clinicians alike can deepen their understanding of the treatment. Topics covered include the history of CBMPs,
CIC responds to new FSA CBD guidance
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released new guidance recommending consumer CBD dosage limits of 10mg / day in foods and food supplements. FSA announcement – https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/food-standards-agency-and-food-standards-scotland-update-consumer-advice-for-cbd Position paper from FSA subcommittee – https://acnfp.food.gov.uk/JointpositionpaperfromACNFP%26COTonestablishingprovisionalADIforpureformCBDinfoods CIC CBD (wellness) Working Group Chair Damien Bove commented: “The Cannabis Industry Council will review the
Cannabis industry ‘debanking’ survey launched
A survey to understand the scale of UK cannabis industry banking challenges has been launched by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). This follows ongoing anecdotal concerns across the industry about accessibility issues for bank accounts and other financial services. Without a business bank account, not only are company operations impacted,
EDQM pre-publishes Cannabis flower monograph
The new European Pharmacopoeia monograph on Cannabis flower (3028) was pre-published last week on the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), Council of Europe website. The monograph will be officially published in Ph. Eur. Supplement 11.5 in January 2024, and is due to come into effect
Medical Cannabis Awareness Week approaches
The fifth anniversary of the legalisation of prescription cannabis is being marked at Medical Cannabis Awareness Week (#MCAW) on 1 – 7 November 2023. Started by PLEA in 2020, during Medical Cannabis Awareness Week we remember what we are all ultimately fighting for: improved quality, better regulations, and wider access
New role: Non-Executive Board Director
Role Overview:The Non-Executive Director (NED) will play a crucial role in the strategic direction, oversight, and governance of Canindcou Ltd (trading as Cannabis Industry Council). As a key member of the Board of Directors, the NED will contribute their extensive experience, insights, and independent perspective to support the organisation’s growth
Employers risk breaching Equality Act over cannabis patients
Employers are currently at risk of breaching the Equality Act over their approach to prescription cannabis patients, according to a new report from the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). Entitled ‘The Use of Prescription Cannabis at Work’, the report notes that employers must provide reasonable adjustments to accommodate those with disabilities.
CIC responds to Home Affairs Committee drugs report
The House of Commons Home Affairs Committee has just published their latest report on drugs policy. Responding to the report, Co-chair of the CIC Research Working Group, Melissa Sturgess, said: “The Cannabis Industry Council welcomes the Home Affairs Committee recognising the fact that cannabis medicines can help those with chronic
Register now for CIC Conference
The CIC is holding a member conference on Thursday 2 November in London, during Medical Cannabis Awareness Week. The first part of the event will run from 1.30 – 5pm, and will include updates from the CIC team and working groups. It will also involve a workshop session to discuss
CIC holds parliamentary campaign launch
The CIC launched our latest report, ‘Why GPs should be able to prescribe cannabis medicines’, on Monday 17 July in Parliament. Thank you from the CIC to all who attended the event, including various MPs and Peers. Speakers on the day were as follows: Crispin Blunt MP, Chair of
Report: Cannabis prescribing can cut NHS waiting lists and crime
Allowing GPs to prescribe medical cannabis can drive down NHS waiting lists and reduce crime, according to a new report from the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). The report, entitled ‘Why GPs should be able to prescribe cannabis medicines’, assesses the state-of-play in the UK, where NHS waiting lists have now
Urge your MP to back GPs prescribing
An ‘early day motion’ (EDM) has been tabled in Parliament, which calls for GPs to be allowed to initiate prescriptions of medical cannabis (in the same manner as specialists can). Please send the template letter to your MP today to encourage them to sign EDM 1410. Before sending, we encourage
CIC event set for 2 November
The CIC is to hold a member conference on Thursday 2 November in London, during Medical Cannabis Awareness Week. The first part of the event will include presentations and updates from the CIC, members, and guest speakers. This will be followed by a networking reception for the industry and medical
CIC co-signs Home Office CBD products letter
The CIC has co-signed a letter to the Home Office, alongside the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA), the British Hemp Alliance (BHA), and the Cannabis Trades Association (CTA). The letter, prepared by EIHA, discusses THC limits on finished consumer CBD products in the UK. It proposes that the Home Office
Additional member benefits launched
CIC Members can now receive free training and access discounted third-party professional services, such as legal, insurance and finance. The first offering available is from CIC Member The Tax Credit Company, who offer a 15% discount across a range of tax credit and grant services. Find out more here. CIC