Carey Olsen advises on another first for Guernsey

Wednesday 09 February 2022

One of Guernsey's law firms has advised on the launch of the first medicinal cannabis and psychedelics fund to be regulated locally.

Carey Olsen's Guernsey corporate team advised the early-stage venture capital firm Leafy Tunnel on the launch of its fund, which has been set up as a route two 'qualifying private investor' private investment fund (PIF).

Leafy Tunnel Fund 1, L.P. will target investments in businesses and teams that "aim to maximise the potential of alternative medicine with a focus on providing relief from pain and physical and mental disabilities while improving the quality of life for both patients and their families". 

Working alongside onshore counsel DLA Piper UK LLP and Guernsey fund administrator Imperium, the Carey Olsen team was led by corporate partner Tom Carey, pictured above, assisted by senior associates Alex Mauger and Matt Brehaut and associate Oliver Orton. Partner Mark Dunster and counsel Simon Florance provided additional specialised regulatory advice. 

Mr Carey said: "Huge congratulations to the Leafy Tunnel team. It has been fascinating to work with them on the launch of the first-ever medicinal cannabis and psychedelics fund to be regulated in Guernsey.

"There is increasing global interest in cannabis and psilocybin investments and this launch demonstrates that Guernsey is well equipped to service innovative asset classes, such as this rapidly growing sector."

Bek Muslimov, co-founding partner of Leafy Tunnel, said: "The Carey Olsen team were instrumental in advising Leafy Tunnel throughout the fund formation process as a Guernsey-based legal counsel of the fund.

"From assisting the Leafy Tunnel team with regulatory queries to their help with the fund establishment, Tom, Alex and Matt along with the rest of the Carey Olsen team were very professional and timely with their advice.

"We are proud to be the first-ever fund of this nature in Guernsey and believe this jurisdiction will play a vital role in facilitating the growth of medical cannabis and psychedelic medicine soon."

Co-founding partner of Leafy Tunnel, Nikolay Tretiyakov, said: "Mental health and pain disorders affect every fourth in the world. Left unaddressed, the toll on society will come at a huge cost and result not only in lost human capital wealth but a continuous spike of mental disorders, exacerbated by covid-19.

"Medical cannabis and psychedelics are being increasingly recognised for their superior safety and efficacy compared to conventional pharmaceuticals. The Leafy Tunnel Fund has embarked on the mission to address these urgent healthcare challenges and rally investors looking to capitalise on financial opportunities these medicines hold."