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
Work for the CIC: Membership Assistant
UPDATE: This role has now been filled An exciting opportunity to work for the Cannabis Industry Council, a leading membership organisation within the UK cannabis sector. Reporting to the CEO, the Membership Assistant will support the implementation of the Council’s strategic plan and day-to-day activities. Role specification Utilising Xero for
UN calls for hemp regulatory reform
A new report from the United Nations has highlighted the benefits associated with hemp, as well as calling for regulatory reform to enable these opportunities to be realised. The report, entitled ‘Commodities at a Glance: Special issue on industrial hemp‘, says hemp cultivation should be allowed in every country. It
CIC discusses hemp on The Cannabis Conversation
On the latest edition of The Cannabis Conversation, CIC representatives discussed how hemp can play an important role in environmental sustainability. CIC Executive Committee member Jamie Bartley, and CIC CEO Mike Morgan-Giles, were in conversation with podcast host Anuj Desai. They discussed the significant opportunities from hemp, the challenges that
Six in 10 NHS Trusts not prescribing any cannabis medicines
Over six in 10 NHS Foundation Trusts in England (61%) say they did not prescribe any cannabis-based prescription medicines in 2021, according to new research from the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC). The study also found that the NHS prescribed cannabis-based medicines to just 977 individuals in 2021. This equates to
CIC welcomes first ‘International Observer’
The Cannabis Industry Council is pleased to confirm the creation of a new category called ‘International Observer’, in order to enhance collaboration with likeminded organisations abroad. The category is open to reputable cannabis industry representative bodies who are based overseas, including trade associations, membership organisations, and professional bodies. They can
New offering for the CBD industry announced
The Cannabis Industry Council (CIC) has developed a new offering for CBD companies, in order to better represent the interests of this important sector. A new CBD working group has been created by the CIC, which will kick off in early 2023. The group will discuss the key issues facing
CIC expands membership benefits
The Cannabis Industry Council is pleased to announce a range of additional benefits for members, including a new annual conference, more promotional opportunities, and further resources – such as webinars, publications and discounted third party services. Furthermore, given the challenging economic outlook, we have reviewed our approach to membership fees.
New research on real world evidence for cannabis
Important new research entitled ‘The value of real world evidence: the case of medical cannabis’, has been produced by Drug Science. The research considers whether randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are suitable for the medical cannabis industry, given the constraints they have brought about. As a solution, the researchers propose using
Support a parliamentary debate on cannabis
The Cannabis Industry Council is supporting efforts by our member Maple Tree to secure parliamentary time for a debate on the economic merits of the medical cannabis and CBD industry. We urge everyone within the sector to write to your local MP on this important matter by completing this simple
Complete our CIC business survey
The CIC has launched a quarterly member business survey, to start building a wider understanding of the size and activity within the cannabis sector. The survey includes questions specific to clinics, dispensaries, importers, and around industry priorities. These cover areas such as prescriptions, sales, turnover, and staffing numbers. The survey
CIC statement on CBD applications
Jamie Bartley, Chair of the CIC Hemp Working Group, commented: “The Cannabis Industry Council notes the announcement of recent applications and toxicology studies submitted by other industry organisations to the Food Standards Agency. “The CIC’s approach to these matters is guided by scientific and medical evidence. We are seeking clarification
Speakers confirmed for all-member meeting
The CIC is pleased to confirm two guest speakers for our all-member meeting being held in London on 24 January 2023. The speakers are as follows: Paul Tossell, Head of Novel Foods, Food Standards Agency Katya Kowalski, Head of Operations, Volteface Paul will be discussing the CBD regulatory framework, while
Webinar: How to secure tax credits and grant funding
The Tax Credit Company and Catax are hosting a free webinar for CIC members on Tuesday 6 December from 12noon – 1pm. Join us to find out how to secure tax credits and grant funding for innovative cannabis-related business activity. This is followed by a Q&A session. Speakers will include
CIC defines vision, mission and values
We are pleased to confirm that the CIC has now defined its vision, mission, and values, which are as follows: Our vision is to: Improve access to cannabis to enhance people’s health, the environment, and the economy Our mission is to: Lead the UK cannabis industry to success and enable
CIC joins European Industrial Hemp Association
The Cannabis Industry Council has joined the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA). EIHA has member associations from across Europe, including Germany, France, and Ireland. Other non-EU member associations include Switzerland, Iceland, and Albania. Participation in EIHA will enable the CIC to share and understand best practice with other members, and
Follow CIC on Instagram
You can now follow updates from the Cannabis Industry Council on our new Instagram channel @UKCanCouncil. The launch of the CIC Instagram account coincides with the start of Medical Cannabis Awareness Week (1 November). The channel adds to the CIC’s existing social presence on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Medical Cannabis Awareness Week set to kick off
Medical Cannabis Awareness Week 2022, organised by PLEA and supported by the CIC, is set to kick off next Tuesday 1 November. The awareness week runs until Monday 7 November, with a series of events being held, as follows: Tuesday 1 November, 6 – 7.30pm, online – Medical cannabis research
CIC launches crowdfunder for key NHS project
An online crowdfunder has been launched to raise the funds required to kickstart a key project developing a health economics analysis of cannabis on the NHS. The crowdfunder, being run by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC), aims to raise an additional £6,000 to £8,000 to enable the project to start.
Mike Barnes discusses cannabis on GB News
Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the CIC, has been interviewed by GB News around the speculation concerning the classification of cannabis in the UK. Mike told GB News that the “rest of the world is going in the opposite direction, they are downgrading cannabis”. He added that cannabis “was legal,
CIC supporting UK Patient Conference
The CIC is supporting the UK’s first Medical Cannabis Patient Conference, which is being held on Friday 4 November at ISH Venues, 229 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PN. The free event kicks off at 10.30am, and runs until 6.30pm. The event, which coincides with Medical Cannabis Awareness Week, is
CIC holds all-member meeting
The Cannabis Industry Council held its regular all-member meeting on Thursday 15 September in central London. Dozens of CIC members participated in-person and virtually. The meeting began with presentations from CIC Treasurer Charles Clowes and Chair Professor Mike Barnes around financial and procedural matters at the Association. Charles confirmed that
First CIC Annual Report published
The Cannabis Industry Council has published our first Annual Report, covering 2021/22. The Annual Report includes a statement from our Chair, Professor Mike Barnes, as well as updates from our member-led groups. Professor Mike Barnes commented in the Annual Report: “In May 2022, we celebrated the Council’s first anniversary, in
Have your say in our Members’ survey
We are really keen to hear your views on how the CIC can best serve the needs of your organisation. Please spend 2-3 minutes completing our short survey to help inform the development of the CIC. There are questions around a member code of conduct, and the types of benefits
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
Cannabis Industry Council appoints first CEO
Experienced membership and third sector leader Mike Morgan-Giles has started as CEO of the Cannabis Industry Council. The CIC launched in late 2021, and Mike becomes the organisation’s first full-time CEO. The organisation has been run by founder Professor Mike Barnes and Kate Thorpe since its formation. Mike Morgan-Giles has
