David Hardstaff and John Binns write for Open Access Government exploring shifting sands in the UK CBD industry

David Hardstaff and John Binns write for Open Access Government exploring shifting sands in the UK CBD industry

UK-based CBD companies may feel they have had a rough ride recently as the FSA introduces the new novel food application process, which requires non-medicinal CBD products to be the subject of an application for authorisation. BCL partner John Binns and senior associate David Hardstaff explore the changes in the UK CBD industry in their recent article for Open Government Access.

Here is a short extract from the article*. If you wish to read the full article, please visit Open Access Government website.

Cannabis-based products for medicinal use, or “CBPMs”, have been available for prescription in the UK since 2018; however, access is strictly limited through existing and bespoke regulatory controls. In addition to the regulatory barriers to access, funding has long been cited as a problem, with limited patient access through the UK’s National Health Service. In drilling down the issue, a lack of UK-based research as to the efficacy of CBPMs is the starting point.

Several laudable initiatives have sought to plug the research gap, including Project Twenty21, which is the UK’s largest observational medicinal cannabis study. However, observational studies have their limitations, which is why most have recently welcomed with open arms the UK Health Research Authority approved trial, Canpain.

Canpain is planned to run for three years and aims to conduct clinical trials involving up to 5,000 patients suffering from chronic pain. The trial will be the first of its kind in the UK and could be significant in opening access to CBPMs for the UK’s estimated 1.4 million patients currently accessing cannabis through the illicit market.

* This article was first published by Open Access Government on 11 May 2022.  If you wish you read the full article please visit Open Access Government website.

 

John Binns is a specialist in proceeds of crime laws, cannabis regulation, sanctions, and tax investigations. He has extensive experience in financial crime, which also involves bribery and corruption, extradition, Interpol, fraud, market abuse, and the conduct of related civil proceedings. He is a prolific writer and speaker on a variety of topics.

David Hardstaff is an associate solicitor at BCL specialising in criminal and regulatory law. He advises individuals and companies in relation to controlled drug licensing and AML/Proceeds of Crime considerations in the context of the domestic and international cannabis market. He has particular experience in advising and representing individuals accused of sexual offences, drugs offences and offences involving violence. He is an experienced police station representative and advocate and represents clients in a broad range of proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.

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