The States of Guernsey and the UK Home Office have signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out a framework for the licensing of medical cannabis in Guernsey.
Under the MoU, businesses can now apply to cultivate cannabis for use in cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPM) in Guernsey.
Market intelligence from Prohibition Partners estimates that the European medicinal cannabis market will be worth £16.1bn by 2024.
With the MoU now in place, successful applicants will be able to cultivate cannabis plants with high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content as they develop their products.
Prior to the agreement, only licences for the cultivation and processing of cannabidiol (CBD) products were available.
Licensing controls
Cannabis remains a controlled drug within the bailiwick. Cultivation is strictly prohibited unless carried out under licence.
The revised licensing regime, established in accordance with the commitment in the MoU, will apply to almost all businesses cultivating and processing cannabis in Guernsey.
All applications will be received by the newly created Bailiwick of Guernsey Cannabis Agency (BGCA), which will be responsible for reviewing, regulating, inspecting and licensing cannabis businesses in the bailiwick.
Further information about the application process is available here.
The newly formed Channel Islands Cannabis Industry Association (CICIA) has welcomed the MoU. Chair Paul Smith (pictured) commented: “This is a significant milestone and puts Guernsey on a level footing with Jersey and the Isle of Man.
"Guernsey businesses will now be able to expand into the medical cannabis sector and we are aware that some of our members have already submitted applications for medical cannabis licences.
“The CICIA will work closely with the Bailiwick of Guernsey Cannabis Agency to ensure the cannabis licensing regime is robust and proportionate.”