End-of-Year Message from CIC Co-Chairs
CIC Co-Chairs Dr Callie Seaman and Jamie Bartley offer their thoughts on the past year
As 2024 draws to a close, we are delighted to reflect on a year of significant progress and collaboration within the cannabis industry.
Our collective efforts have not only advanced our industry but have also positioned us at the forefront of patient access and environmental stewardship.
Cannabis prescriptions rise
The “number of items for private prescribing of unlicensed cannabis-based medicines” increased from 6,137 in September 2021 to 22,431 in September 2023, according to NHS figures. While a report from the Care Quality Commission found that the number of CBPM items dispensed increased from 81,476 in 2021/22 to 177,566 in 2022/23.
However, an FoI request by the CIC on NHS Foundation Trusts found that not one had prescribed cannabis flower between 2019 and 2023.
Overall, patient numbers have been tipped to rise to 63,000 by the end of 2024, according to Prohibition Partners.
The UK cultivation sector continues to develop, with domestic growers and drug developers now increasingly able to provide product to the UK market.
Clinical trial challenges
There continues to be a challenge in getting recognised clinical trials off the ground for whole plant treatments. The CIC continues to advocate for greater recognition of real-world evidence in clinical decision-making, but the position from regulators remains unchanged at present.
Some new clinical trials have commenced, and while welcome, this will do little to move the dial in terms of wider acceptance and prescribing of cannabis medicines.
Advancements in hemp licensing
In April, the UK government announced pivotal changes to industrial hemp licensing, recognising it as a field-grown agricultural crop. These reforms, developed in collaboration with experienced growers, include:
- Allowing licence holders to cultivate hemp anywhere on a licensed farm, eliminating the need to specify exact fields.
- Extending the maximum licence period from three to six years, subject to compliance.
- Introducing an option to apply for a licence with a deferred start date of up to one year.
These changes, set to take effect for the 2025 growing season, aim to reduce administrative burdens and encourage more farmers to incorporate hemp into their crop rotations, thereby supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) has also written to the Government to recommend that the permissible THC level in hemp in the field rise to 0.3%.
Global recognition at COP29
On the international stage, the adoption of Article 6.4 at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, marks a significant milestone. This agreement establishes a centralised UN-supervised carbon market, facilitating the trading of carbon credits and promoting global emission reductions.
For the industrial hemp sector, this development is particularly relevant, as hemp’s capacity for carbon sequestration positions it as a valuable asset in achieving climate targets. The operationalisation of this mechanism is expected to unlock substantial investment flows, potentially reaching $250 billion annually, thereby enhancing the role of industrial hemp in the global carbon market.
Celebrating Excellence
This year’s Cannabis Industry Awards, presented by SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals, was a testament to the innovation and dedication that define our community. The event brought together pioneers and leaders whose contributions are driving the industry forward.
Celebrating these achievements underscores the vibrant and dynamic nature of our sector, and we extend our congratulations to all the deserving nominees and winners.
Looking Ahead
The progress in 2024 reflects a maturing medical cannabis sector in the UK, characterised by increased prescription numbers, and the strengthening of domestic cultivation and research capabilities.
As we transition into 2025, the industrial hemp sector stands at the cusp of unprecedented opportunities. The alignment of supportive domestic policies and international frameworks underscores the growing recognition of hemp’s multifaceted benefits.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all members of the CIC and our partners for your unwavering commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only cultivating a crop but also nurturing a movement that champions patient health, environmental wellbeing, and economic vitality.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with continued success and shared achievements.
To hear more from Callie, check out episode 2 of the Cannabis Industry Podcast.
