Midlands cannabis firm first in UK to get approval

Celadon Pharmaceuticals has announced that its Midlands facility, based on the outskirts of Birmingham, has been registered for the good manufacturing practice standard by the UK’s health watchdog for the production of its medicinal cannabis.

The company focused on cannabis-based medicines said it has become one of a small number of companies globally with the capability to produce an GMP high-THC cannabis active pharmaceutical ingredient.

The registration, provided by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, represents the first registration of a UK pharmaceutical facility for high-THC cannabis-based active pharmaceutical ingredient since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018.

In order to sell the medicinal cannabis in the UK, the company needs the GMP registration and a Home Office license.

James Short, chief executive of Celadon, said: “With the receipt of GMP registration, Celadon has joined a very select group of cannabis-focused pharmaceutical companies globally. This is a tremendous milestone for the Company given the significant capital and regulatory requirements in this sector.

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of four years of hard work. I would like to thank the team and our loyal shareholders for their support and belief in our vision as we continue our journey of putting the patient first in ensuring they can access the cannabis-based medicines they so desperately need.”