The Cannabis Report: April 2025
- Maple Tree Consultants
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
From stories making mainstream headlines in the UK, to regulatory developments across the globe, catch up on the latest news in the medical cannabis sector with Maple Tree's monthly digest. Sign up to the Cannabis Report at the bottom of the page to receive in your inbox every month.
🇬🇧 Quarter of UK adults still unaware medical cannabis is legal
New research, commissioned by Wellford Medical Clinics, found that while four in every five respondents (79%) were aware of medical cannabis, only 26% of people know that it can be prescribed for certain health conditions by both NHS and private healthcare professionals.
According to the findings, from a survey of 2,000 people, the over-55s were significantly more likely to be aware of medical cannabis (85%) compared to those under 35 (69%).
📙 FSA to publish guidelines on THC levels in CBD products
The FSA has issued a response to concerns raised by the Cannabis Trades Association following suggestions of a move towards 0% THC levels in CBD products. In a letter to the organisation, Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy, said its independent scientific advisory committees are expected to publish advice on THC safety levels in ‘April or May 2025’, which will include a safe upper limit for THC and will consider detection challenges.
Sudworth also confirmed that this advice will be issued ‘without the need for agreement from the Home Office’, as it falls within the FSA’s remit.
📘 MHRA also updates guidance on advertising CBD products
The MHRA has also shared an update to the guidelines around the advertising of CBD products, for the first time since 2016. The regulator has reaffirmed its position that any CBD product making medical claims will be ‘considered to fall within the definition of a medical product’ and must obtain a Marketing Authorisation. It places firm responsibility on companies to ensure that their products comply with the relevant regulations and to be ‘mindful that products may contain residual levels of THC’.
👤 Ananda Pharma appoints former GW COO to advisory board
Ananda Pharma (formerly Ananda Developments) announced this month that the former Chief Operating Officer of GW and Jazz Pharmaceuticals will join its team. Chris Tovey, who played a critical role in the regulatory approval and commercialisaton of the first cannabinoid-derived medicine, will join Ananda as an advisor to help guide Ananda's corporate, operational, commercial and drug development programmes.
🇨🇿 Czech Republic introduces new regulations, expanding access to medical cannabis
As of 1 April, general practitioners are now authorised to prescribe medical cannabis in the Czech Republic, without the need for a specialist consultation.
The regulation also permits prescriptions for up to a three-month supply, aiming to streamline treatment for patients with qualifying conditions. Under specific conditions, children may also now be prescribed cannabis therapies by physicians specialising in palliative care or paediatric oncology.
🇮🇹 Italy’s hemp industry dealt two major blows
Italy’s hemp industry was dealt two major blows this month as the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) rejected an appeal, rendering CBD oil a narcotic.
It came days after Article 18 of Italy’s Security Bill, which equates industrial hemp flower with high-THC cannabis, was forced through under emergency measures. Following the decision, Italy has effectively banned the sale of oral CBD products as food or supplements, limiting them to prescription-only medicines.
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