Major plans in the works that 'will completely revolutionise growing industry'

Saturday 16 February 2019

A legal hemp and medicinal cannabis industry could be set to flourish in Guernsey due to a groundbreaking cooperative between local growers that could see 20 acres of land used for production, research and export.

Deputy Marc Leadbeater told Express he is working with a company on an initiative that would ‘completely revolutionise our growing industry’ and put Guernsey at the forefront of one of the ‘fastest growing markets in the world’.

The Home Affairs committee member said: “I am working with a company who are looking to establish a cooperative with one centralised extraction facility in Guernsey.

“Things are progressing at quite a pace now. There’s an application going to HSC shortly [for a license]. That application is commercially sensitive at this point, but there are many local growers who are really very keen on the idea. 

“It is looking really good, with 20 acres of glass between the growers who are keen. They have to run the figures and make sure it is financially viable while also having to apply for their own licences as each license is site-specific.”

The joint venture would see the products processed on-island and exported on the wholesale market. It would also see Guernsey become a hub for research and development.

The initiative is separate and unrelated to the license granted this week to Celebrated Ltd to cultivate cannabis at the former Le Douit Vinery. 

Pictured: Le Douit Vinery is set to become a cannabis farm, with planting expected to begin within the next few weeks in a state of the art growing and processing facility. 

Deputy Leadbeater said it was an exciting time for Guernsey's largely dormant growing industry.

“It has got the potential to completely revolutionise our growing industry. The model is completely different [to Celebrate Limited’s] and is looking to sell to the wholesale market.

“It is also a joint venture with different scientists around the world and there are some very significant people involved in this project.

“This is the fastest growing market in the world and Guernsey has the potential to become a centre of excellence.”

Following Celebrated Ltd's success in procuring a license to cultivate cannabis from HSC, Tina Bolding, also the managing director of The Original Alternative Guernsey shop, said:

"Hundreds of islanders have already tried our cannabis oilsand are reaping the benefits. Currently the oils need to be imported onto the island, but by having control over the complete process, we believe we can refine our oils and produce even better products.

"This decision will not only benefit our customers, but it also means we can resurrect Guernsey’s proud growing tradition: where the once thriving tomato growing industry has given way to derelict glasshouses, we will now able to breathe new life into the sector. We will be on hand to advise and help locals develop the industry and guide them through the licensing process."

Pictured: Tina Bolding 

She added: "Our fully-equipped laboratory will mean we can grow and develop the finest oils, which will conform to any legislation in any country allowing Guernsey to be a leading light and trend setter in the current cannabis evolution. 

"To be able to produce these products on-island, and support our local economy, is something that fills me with both excitement and pride."

Pictured top: Deputy Marc Leadbeater.