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.
CIC member? Share your news by contacting us.
Latest news
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
CIC calls for overhaul of ‘discriminatory’ cannabis driving laws
The current rules for prescription cannabis patients who drive are potentially ‘discriminatory’, according to a new report from the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). The report, entitled ‘Cannabis & Driving’, found that current driving legislation has not kept up-to-date with the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018. Cannabis is on the
Industry leaders elected as new CIC Co-Chairs
Industry leaders Dr. Callie Seaman and Jamie Bartley have been elected as the new Co-Chairs of the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC), taking on the baton from Professor Mike Barnes. Industry pioneer and consultant neurologist Professor Barnes supervised the first NHS prescription for medical cannabis back in 2018. He founded the
‘Protect our Patients’ campaign launched
A new campaign calling for GPs to be allowed to prescribe medical cannabis to their patients has been launched by a group of leading industry organisations. The campaign, led by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC), the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS), Volteface, and Maple Tree Consultants, is calling for GPs
First CIC Student Ambassador announced
The Cannabis Industry Council has announced Libby Furminger as its first Student Ambassador. Libby is a final year psychology student at Swansea University, and recently completed her dissertation on cannabis research. She also volunteers as an honorary research assistant for Drug Science, and is Co-chair of the Drug Science Student Society Network.
Support 4/20 parliamentary debate
A parliamentary debate is being held on Thursday 20 April on the economic contribution of medicinal cannabis, which the Cannabis Industry Council is proud to support. Use this link to contact your MP, asking them to speak out in support our industry. Doing so will take just two minutes, and
New additions to CIC Executive Committee
The Cannabis Industry Council can confirm three new additions to our Executive Committee. They are as follows: Hamish Clegg, Finance representative Ricardo Geada, Legal representative Pierre van Weperen, Supply chain representative CIC Chair Professor Mike Barnes commented: “The Cannabis Industry Council is very pleased to welcome three highly experienced and
CIC introduces new supporter categories
The Cannabis Industry Council is pleased to announce two new categories for individuals – Supporter and Student Supporter. Individuals supportive of the CIC’s work can join today to receive a number of benefits, namely: Receive the monthly CIC newsletter Attend selected CIC events Attend the CIC annual conference Opportunities to
Drugs advisory council urged to back rescheduling of cannabis
The Government’s Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is being “strongly urged” to support the rescheduling of cannabis “to help patients in need”. In an open letter, the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC), a leading membership organisation for medical cannabis businesses, has called on the ACMD to formally recommend
Industry events schedule 2023
The Cannabis Industry Council is pleased to be partnering on or supporting a number of industry events being held in 2023, as follows: Future Cannabis Strategies – 25 – 26 January, London, UK CT Cann 2023, 15 – 16 February, London, UK Cannabis Europa, 2 – 3 May, London, UK