CIC calls for reform of EU rules on cannabis
The Cannabis Industry Council, along with the Cannabis Trades Association, the British Hemp Alliance, and the Scottish Hemp Association, has written to the two Conservative party leadership contenders around EU regulations on cannabis. The Northern Ireland Hemp Association has also now signed the open letter.
The letters to Liz Truss MP and Rishi Sunak MP highlight the how the UK is a leader in the global cannabis industry, but raises concerns over EU regulation which ‘hinders our ability to develop the UK’s own market, as well as making us uncompetitive abroad.’
The letters call for the two candidates to consider diverging from EU rules in two areas – EU Novel Food Regulations and the EU Plant Variety Database. Specifically the letters state:
- The U.K. currently uses the EU Novel Food Regulations to licence CBD products in our domestic market. These rules stifle competition, and hinder SMEs seeking to enter the market. We believe that CBD products produced safely for food supplement use should be exempt from these rules (with synthetic and isolated CBD remaining part of the rules).
- The U.K. currently uses the EU Plant Variety Database (and its linked subsidy arrangements) to determine which industrial hemp seeds farmers can cultivate. We believe that non-EU seeds should also be allowed under U.K. regulations to increase choice and competition. This would be a sign of the potential of Global Britain.
The letters also state that in the near future, the four organisations ‘would welcome discussions with Government officials on other reforms – such as enabling GPs to prescribe cannabis to their patients – to improve people’s health, boost jobs, and create economic growth.’
