18992 - Purpose of first ten cannabis licences granted in 2010
We released the following information on the purpose of the first ten cannabis licences granted in 2010 on 11th July 2011: Licenses are issued…
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We released the following information on the purpose of the first ten cannabis licences granted in 2010 on 11th July 2011:
Licenses are issued for the purpose of enabling cultivation of cannabis under Regulation 12 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (MDR) 2001 and for possession of cannabis under Regulation 5 of the MDR.
In the 2010 growing season, the first 10 “cannabis” licences were issued for the following specific reasons:
- 1 licence issued to enable the activities associated with medical research to further the development of a cannabis based medicine.
Cannabis is designated under Section 7(4) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (and is placed under Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (as amended)). Designation allows for the production, possession and supply of such drugs for the purposes of “research or other special purpose” only, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so. The legislation recognises the importance of Schedule 1 research and allows it to take place, where appropriate, under licence. Where a satisfactory application is received, a licence to cover the duration of the research can be issued; there is no additional requirement for individual trials to be approved or licensed by the Home Office. These licenses are subject to the same risk-based compliance inspection regime that is applied to other drugs licence applications.
- 2 licences were issued to cultivate and possess cannabis in connection with the above research.
- 7 licences were issued to cultivate and possess cannabis for the production of industrial hemp. Industrial hemp has a number of uses from the automotive industry, as well as animal bedding, insulation and green building, cosmetics and culinary use.