"It's encouraging to hear that talks are underway that could lead to the improved availability of medicinal cannabis within Scotland's NHS."
An Australian company is adamant to build the first legal cannabis farm in Scotland after talks with a local authority.
LeafCann was recently granted a licence to manufacture medicinal cannabis and they have been in discussions with North Ayrshire Council about identifying potential sites in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
Local authority bosses have stated that nothing has been agreed yet.
A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of interest from LeafCann and we’ve had initial discussions with them.
“There is nothing imminent or close to being agreed.”
Monica Lennon, Scottish Labour’s health spokesperson, welcomed the news.
She said: “It’s encouraging to hear that talks are underway that could lead to the improved availability of medicinal cannabis within Scotland’s NHS.”
It emerged in January that cannabis could be grown legally in the UK, under plans for a special farm to be set up in England. London-based Sativa Investments were given planning permission for a 7.5-acre greenhouse to be constructed in rural Wiltshire. It has been estimated that the facility could earn the firm around £32 million per harvest. Its exact location has not been disclosed.
In May, LeafCann Group Pty Ltd announced that a subsidiary had been granted a licence to manufacture medicinal cannabis by the Australian Office of Drug Control.
Chief executive Elisabetta Faenza said at the time: “After several years of company development, I am delighted that LeafCann can now begin in earnest to execute our business plan towards delivering medicinal cannabis products to the many patients whose conditions are not treated effectively by existing pharmaceuticals, and whose quality of life could be substantially improved.”
LeafCann Group’s chief scientist, Dr Jaroslav Boublik, added: “Our team is focused on delivering the highest quality product, focusing on high-tech indoor facilities.”
Scottish Tory shadow health secretary Miles Briggs MSP said: “So long as it is strictly controlled then there should be no issue with it being grown. “However, any potential site must be agreed with the local community to make sure the views of local residents are taken into account, with site security clearly paramount.” “Urgent action is needed to help people who would benefit from medicinal cannabis… I welcome any plans that will make this a reality.”
Source – Daily Record
Image – lorraine1 (p)
