Guernsey resident elected as Co-Chair of UK Cannabis Council

Thursday 19 August 2021

James Smith of Guernsey-based Medical Cannabis company 4C Labs, has been elected to lead the Medicinal Cannabis subgroup for the UK’s Cannabis Industry Council.

The CIC announced that Mr Smith, Chief Revenue Officer of 4C Labs, as well as Dr. Sunil Arora would serve as co-chairs for the newly-formed medical cannabis sub-committee.

The CIC was founded to improve access to safe cannabis based products across the UK and is made up of over 80 organisations working across different facets of the cannabis sector.

The UK’s medical cannabis sector is growing exponentially with thousands of new patients obtaining prescriptions every month. Mr Smith is calling for patients – adults and children – to be better supported by the sector and for the government to address legislation and red tape which is restricting growth of the industry and the quality of care received by patients.

Patients who are often affected by conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy and autoimmune disorders are currently being impacted by a limited range of medicines, as well as severe supply chain issues.

Of his appointment, Mr Smith said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have been elected and to be working alongside the very knowledgeable Dr Arora. We are looking forward to joining the industry experts, organisations, and businesses involved and will strive to be part of a collective, trusted voice for the sector as well as helping to drive real change for patients.

“This is a big win for us - it puts both Guernsey and 4C Labs on the map and firmly on the frontline in the UK Medical Cannabis industry.”

He continued: “While Guernsey’s medical cannabis sector is in its infancy, it has the potential to help transform the lives of patients both in the Channel Islands and the UK.

"An inability for cultivators to grow medical cannabis on the UK mainland, as well as supply chain issues from other legal jurisdictions means that the Channel Islands are uniquely positioned to help solve these challenges.”