Guernsey Press

Moves for hemp and cannabis growing industry

A HOME AFFAIRS committee member is working with the Cannabis Trades Association to establish a legal hemp and medicinal cannabis industry in Guernsey.

Published
Deputy Marc Leadbeater. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 22262776)

Marc Leadbeater revealed he had been in conversations with the UK association regarding a project that could see such products cultivated on-island.

He made the comments in response to a social media post by CBD Bros, who are partnered with local healthcare store the Original Alternative, which suggested their products were grown in Guernsey and that the States had ‘reached out’ to the company for assistance ahead of amending its Misuse of Drugs Law.

‘I can confirm that I am currently working with the CTA and some of its members on a project looking to establish a legal hemp and medical cannabis industry in Guernsey, and I can also confirm that CBD Bros have not taken part in any of these discussions,’ said Deputy Leadbeater.

‘CBD Bros, like many other interested parties, may have enquired to the Committee for Health & Social Care as to the process of obtaining a cultivation licence for Guernsey, but contrary to their claims, they have had no input whatsoever into the amendments to our law.’

He later retracted and clarified parts of his original statement after being contacted by Original Alternative owner Tina Bolding to discuss his concerns following the ‘misunderstanding on social media’.

‘Both parties remain committed to the successful introduction of CBD oil in Guernsey and the promotion of any retailers that sell CBD products and any products that enhances quality of life and well-being in Guernsey,’ he said.

Jersey’s historic hemp industry has recently made a comeback after a licence was granted by Health minister Senator Andrew Green last year.

Following the success of the first crop, which was harvested earlier this year, 277 vergees are due to be planted at a number of locations around Jersey as part of a larger initiative to diversify the island’s agriculture industry.

n Further to a story last week we have been asked to point out that Vazon Vapes Limited also sell CBD products from its store in St Peter Port.