Following a recent fact-finding trip to Canada undertaken by three British MPs interested in understanding the effects of a more relaxed regulatory environment for cannabis, the MPs predicted the UK would legalize cannabis for adult use in the next decade.

As the potential offered by the cannabis industry continues to intrigue more and more life sciences companies, this statement is of course interesting to consider. But with products containing extracts from cannabis plants already swarming UK store shelves, companies are also interested in understanding the current rules regarding the regulation of cannabis products and medicinal cannabis in the UK.

We provide such a primer, and also discuss current areas of legal uncertainty, in our recent client alert, “Cannabis in the UK – a regulatory environment in transition?” which is available on reedsmith.com.