Cannabis in the Crown Dependencies

Cannivet – Same Same, But Different

The situation in the Bailiwick of Guernsey is at present on par with Jersey. Similar legislation has been passed, licencing for cultivation has been established and several companies are active within the sector. In July 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the UK Home Office for medicinal cannabis cultivation licencing, which led to the establishment of the Bailiwick of Guernsey Cannabis Agency.

Substance Use Strategy

In June 2018, the Government of Guernsey announced a review of the existing Drug and Alcohol Strategy to guide the development of a new substance misuse strategy, which would also take into account the clinical effectiveness of medicinal cannabis.

Following a debate in the States of Deliberation in July 2020 on the Justice Review Report, which was due to include three amendments to liberalise the law on cannabis, a Sursis Motivé was adopted that required the Committee for Health & Social Care and the Committee for Home Affairs to "report back to the States with options for alternative and non-punitive approaches to the possession and use of small quantities of illegal drugs" following the publication of the Combined Substance Use Strategy.

Non-Punitive Approaches

The Review of the interaction of health and justice system in relation to the possession of drugs for personal use was commissioned by the Committee for Health & Social Care and published in July 2020, and led to the establishment of the Non-Punitive Approaches Project Board in late 2021.

Subsequently, the States of Deliberation adopted a proposition as part of the Government Work Plan to undertake the scoping work of a review of the legal status of cannabis to address the issue of decriminalisation/legalisation in Q1 2023. Unfortunately, this work was deferred in June 2023 until the next term of the States Assembly.

Proceeds of Crime

An Information Notice on Cannabis Cultivation and Production in Other Jurisdictions was published by the Policy & Resources Committee in June 2020, which was followed by Guidance on Prosecution Related to Cannabis Cultivation and Production in Other Jurisdictions from the Attorney General in February 2021.

Several cannabis investments funds have since launched in Guernsey from JPD Capital, Chrystal Capital, and Leafy Tunnel.

Guernsey Cannabis Companies

• 4C Labs Gsy Ltd.
• Celebrated Ltd. / The Original Alternative Ltd.
• Channel Islands Cannabis Industry Association
• Curaleaf International Holdings Ltd.
• Goodbody Health Ltd.
• Leafy Tunnel Fund 1 GP Ltd.
• Medicann (Guernsey) Ltd.
• Pura Health Ltd.
• Satigenics Ltd.
• Seed Innovations Ltd.
• The Green Leaf Cooperative
• The House of Green Ltd.

Guernsey Cannabis News

1. 26^th August 2000 – Medical cannabis trials to start soon in Guernsey
2. 13^th February 2014 – Cannabis use is legal - under a special HSSD licence
3. 15^th May 2014 – Up to five islanders given licence to smoke cannabis
4. 23^rd April 2015 – Campaigners seek to legalise cannabis use
5. 2^nd May 2017 – Committee for Health & Social Care to consider making cannabis-based medication available to some patients
6. 18^th June 2018 – Cannabis discussion in Guernsey expected in 2019
7. 27^th July 2018 – Cannabis update from HSC
8. 13^th August 2018 – New shop dedicated to cannabis-products opens
9. 15^th October 2018 – ‘Dope tax’ of 20% if cannabis growing licensed
10. 22^nd October 2018 – Cannabis case could add to pressure for total deregulation
11. 10^th December 2018 – Medicinal cannabis 'is worth millions'
12. 19^th December 2018 – Guernsey could be getting its first 'cannabis farm'
13. 15^th February 2019 – Cannabis farm to light up in Guernsey
14. 22^nd March 2019 – Majority ‘would not be bothered’ if the use of cannabis is legalised – deputy
15. 11^th June 2019 – Island 'one step ahead' of UK on drug misuse policy
16. 22^nd July 2019 – Medicinal cannabis legalised in Guernsey
17. 4^th December 2019 – Guidelines for cannabis growers in Guernsey launched
18. 4^th February 2020 – Second medicinal cannabis fund rolled out in Europe
19. 19^th February 2020 – CBD products now from local crop
20. 7^th July 2020 – Amendment seeks to relax laws on cannabis possession
21. 23^rd July 2020 – Review is to be held on decriminalising cannabis
22. 7^th August 2020 – Guernsey's first healthcare cannabinoid investment fund
23. 10^th August 2020 – Man with brain tumour in plea for cannabis amnesty
24. 22^nd August 2020 – HSC plans to relax medicinal cannabis laws
25. 23^rd September 2020 – Verdite becomes the first Guernsey regulated cannabis healthcare fund
26. 30^th September 2020 – Medicinal cannabis laws relaxed
27. 23^rd November 2020 – Home reviewing "alternative" sentences for personal use cannabis
28. 11^th February 2021 – Committees say no to call for amnesty on cannabis
29. 20^th March 2021 – Guernsey Structures - The Cannabis Investment Conundrum
30. 7^th April 2021 – Curaleaf Completes Acquisition of EMMAC and Secures US$130 Million Investment from a Single Strategic Institutional Investor
31. 13^th April 2021 – Curaleaf establishes Guernsey office to acquire EMMAC Life Sciences
32. 20^th April 2021 – Cannabis helping to keep the finance sector busy
33. 29^th April 2021 – Growing cannabis industry while punishing personal use "as hypocritical as Saudi Arabia hosting an international distillery"
34. 3^rd May 2021 – Fears medicinal cannabis is being sold on black market
35. 17^th May 2021 – The House of Green — Guernsey’s “Saving Grace” As Cannabis Reform Spreads Through Europe
36. 10^th June 2021 – Cannabis regulation and taxation "is the right way to go"
37. 30^th June 2021 – Medicinal Cannabis Agreement 'Imminent'
38. 14^th July 2021 – New Channel Islands Cannabis Industry Association formed to support the industry
39. 22^nd July 2021 – Guernsey welcomes licence applications for the cultivation of cannabis for use in cannabis based products medicinal (CBPM)
40. 23^rd July 2021 – Cannabis to be grown locally after UK ratification
41. 27^th July 2021 – ‘Cannabis will drive revival of horticulture’
42. 31^st July 2021 – New strategy could look at drug sentences policy
43. 13^th August 2021 – FOCUS: The reasons behind the boom in medicinal cannabis prescriptions
44. 18^th August 2021 – Guernsey resident elected to Co-Chair UK Cannabis Industry Council
45. 8^th September 2021 – New Cannabis Cultivation Licensing System Attracts Multiple Applicants
46. 9^th September 2021 – Politicians welcome growing interest in commercial cannabis cultivation
47. 13^th September 2021 – Guernsey’s first cannabis clinic opens its doors
48. 15^th September 2021 – Healthy Demand For Guernsey’s First Medical Cannabis Cultivation Licences With Applicants Bullish On Prospects
49. 23^rd September 2021 – FOCUS: “It’s mind-blowing the amount of drugs they’ve now come off”
50. 15^th October 2021 – Exponential growth in medicinal cannabis use
51. 28^th October 2021 – Cannabis call deserves consideration
52. 31^st October 2021 – Leadbeater leaves Home Affairs after drug policy stand-off with its President
53. 2^nd November 2021 – Guernsey States set to debate cannabis legalisation
54. 4^th November 2021 – Fears that "regulatory red tape" could "strangle" Guernsey’s cannabis industry
55. 15^th November 2021 – Cannabis industry pioneer joins House of Green Guernsey team
56. 16^th November 2021 – FOCUS: Kicking anti-depressants for medicinal cannabis "has been my catalyst for change"
57. 22^nd November 2021 – Economic Development President: "Jersey is all show"
58. 23^rd November 2021 – Guernsey issues its first licence to cultivate Cannabis-Based Products Medicinal
59. 25^th November 2021 – Guernsey Issues Its First Medical Cannabis Cultivation Licence To 4C Labs With More Set To Follow
60. 26^th November 2021 – Medical cannabis firm could create more than 60 jobs in Guernsey
61. 29^th November 2021 – Virtual And Physical Cannabis Clinics Planned
62. 29^th November 2021 – New import fee for medicinal cannabis into Guernsey
63. 29^th November 2021 – Construction begins on cannabis cultivation facility after first licence granted
64. 1^st December 2021 – Money laundering challenges for cannabis businesses
65. 15^th December 2021 – First Cannabis Clinic Granted Licence
66. 22^nd December 2021 – Guernsey’s first medical cannabis clinic sees surge in patients
67. 12^th January 2022 – Deputy seeks clarity on cannabis MoU between Guernsey and UK
68. 21^st January 2022 – Imperium assists with first Guernsey medicinal cannabis and psychedelics regulated fund
69. 29^th January 2022 – Growers facing £0.5m losses fear "cannabis is finished for us"
70. 31^st January 2022 – DLA Piper Support Leafy Tunnel on Europe’s First Cannabis and Psychedelics Fund Launch
71. 31^st January 2022 – Carey Olsen advises on launch of first Guernsey medicinal cannabis and psychedelics fund
72. 1^st February 2022 – Bailiwick of Guernsey Cannabis Agency issues cannabis licence in relation to CBD production
73. 4^th February 2022 – First CBD production license issued to company in Guernsey
74. 6^th February 2022 – FOCUS: The complications of a new industry with rigorous standards
75. 9^th February 2022 – HSC – medicinal cannabis industry already covered by law
76. 11^th February 2022 – Islanders asked for their views on health-oriented approaches to substance use as part of improvements under Justice
77. 14^th February 2022 – Deputy "keeping his eye on" medicinal cannabis regime
78. 2^nd March 2022 – Q&A with Greg Dobbin
79. 2^nd March 2022 – Leafy Tunnel Hopes To Pave The Way For ‘More Institutional Capital’ In European Cannabis Industry
80. 7^th March 2022 – Drug crime survey garners more than 850 responses
81. 8^th March 2022 – Making drug abuse a health issue
82. 13^th April 2022 – Guernsey Police warning over Class A CBD Gummies
83. 21^st April 2022 – Fewer than 100 gummies handed in during Class A drugs amnesty
84. 22^nd April 2022 – More than 5,000 medical cannabis licences given by States of Guernsey
85. 29^th April 2022 – Calls to legalise cannabis in Guernsey
86. 4^th May 2022 – FOCUS: Letter claims Guernsey is inadvertently "shutting down" most of the cannabis industry
87. 5^th May 2022 – Medicinal cannabis: "The reselling of any controlled drug… is illegal"
88. 6^th May 2022 – Guernsey: The Uncertain Cannabis Future
89. 13^th May 2022 – Cannabis law review moves closer - and States to debate GP costs
90. 17^th May 2022 – Guernsey to review legal status of cannabis
91. 19^th May 2022 – PODCAST: P&R VP backs HSC on cannabis review
92. 7^th June 2022 – New medical cannabis clinic opens in Guernsey
93. 9^th June 2022 – Medical cannabis at the Mallard
94. 21^st June 2022 – Deputies bid to block cannabis vote
95. 22^nd June 2022 – Testing the appetite for cannabis
96. 24^th June 2022 – Deputies' cannabis arguments are "the biggest crock of nonsense"
97. 26^th June 2022 – CI campaigners brand amendment "wrecking motion to prevent debate"
98. 26^th June 2022 – "I changed my views on cannabis laws based on advice and evidence"
99. 27^th June 2022 – 'Legalising cannabis will not stop all drug crime'
100. 27^th June 2022 – Requête on way if deputies prevent vote on cannabis review this week
101. 27^th June 2022 – OPINION: "The benefits of cannabis far outweigh the risks"
102. 27^th June 2022 – OPINION: "I am compelled to write..."
103. 28^th June 2022 – Clarity is needed over cannabis
104. 29^th June 2022 – “Smoking a bit of cannabis at home... no different to my Dad having a G&T”
105. 29^th June 2022 – Election manifestos show deputies could back cannabis law change
106. 30^th June 2022 – Cannabis debate and vote set to go ahead as deputies pull amendment
107. 1^st July 2022 – Concerns over island becoming drug haven
108. 1^st July 2022 – Guernsey to investigate legal status of cannabis
109. 1^st July 2022 – Presidents' opposition up in smoke as States back cannabis review
110. 1^st August 2022 – Cannabis - A New Industry
111. 8^th August 2022 – The Suffering Stoners of Guernsey
112. 9^th August 2022 – Distribution licence given for medicinal cannabis
113. 17^th August 2022 – “Major step forward” for Guernsey and UK medicinal cannabis patients
114. 17^th August 2022 – Inconsistency over cannabis in the crown dependencies causes confusion for compliance officers
115. 22^nd August 2022 – Could the Crown Dependencies be the Key to UK Cannabis Reform?
116. 23^rd August 2022 – Goodbody Health Announces 1:10 Share Consolidation As It Completes Redomiciliation To Guernsey
117. 29^th August 2022 – Medicinal cannabis permitted in Les Nicolles
118. 7^th October 2022 – "For over a century, the US has set the tone for international drug policy"
119. 25^th October 2022 – 'Devastated' Guernsey growers 'owed more than £500,000' by cannabis company
120. 26^th October 2022 – Cannabis taxes could be reduced to 0% for five years
121. 2^nd November 2022 – Deputies vote to maintain cannabis tax rate
122. 29^th November 2022 – Issues growing medicinal cannabis in Guernsey
123. 21^st February 2023 – Master Plant Awarded Cannabis Licence In Guernsey
124. 23^rd February 2023 – New jobs expected after second cannabis firm is licensed
125. 12^th April 2023 – New cannabis laws 'could be stopped outside of Guernsey'
126. 24^th May 2023 – The House of Green expands into Europe
127. 25^th May 2023 – Guernsey's loss is Europe's gain
128. 8^th June 2023 – Guernsey issues 12,000 prescriptions for medicinal cannabis in less than a year
129. 16^th June 2023 – P&R ‘trying to force own agenda by shelving cannabis laws review’
130. 28^th June 2023 – LISTEN: Scoping legal status of cannabis will have to wait
131. 29^th June 2023 – Medicinal cannabis ‘clubs’ on the horizon
132. 30^th June 2023 – Political moves that tripped up the cannabis industry
133. 3^rd July 2023 – Deputy urges caution over medical cannabis clubs
134. 20^th July 2023 – Review into non-punitive drug approaches amounts to very little
135. 21^st July 2023 – Jump in value of cannabis seizures last year
136. 24^th July 2023 – Home accused of cannabis “misinformation” smokescreen
137. 27^th July 2023 – DEPUTY LETTER: "Little regard is given to the disadvantages this drug can cause"
138. 27^th July 2023 – ‘Legalising cannabis not the economic boost some claim’
139. 31^st July 2023 – ‘Guernsey falling behind Jersey on cannabis law’
140. 29^th August 2023 – HSC team investigating after ‘anecdotal evidence’ about high THC products
141. 30^th November 2023 – Pura Health and 4C Labs conclude strategic distribution agreement for Guernsey
142. 8^th December 2023 – Cannabis hub could create 100 jobs in Guernsey
143. 11^th December 2023 – Cannabis prescribed in Guernsey more than 13,000 times in year
144. 20^th February 2024 – From 140 seizures a year to less than one a month
145. 20^th February 2024 – Officers attend Town shop amidst investigation into CBD product
146. 3^rd March 2024 – Leafy Tunnel Launches Pioneering Medicinal Cannabis, Psychedelics Fund in Guernsey with Imperium and Carey Olsen
147. 18^th April 2024 – Guernsey '420' event planned amid concerns over cannabis misuse

States of Alderney Cannabis Debate

On the 13^th June 2018 the States of Alderney conducted a debate without resolution on the subject of cannabis focusing on:

1. The cultivation of 'THC-free' varieties of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
2. Reducing the penalties for cannabis possession.
3. Decriminalisation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use.

Alderney Cannabis Companies

• Alderney Essential Oils Ltd.
• Island Organics Ltd.
• Master Plant Holdings Ltd.
• Pommier Renewables Ltd.

Alderney Cannabis News

1. 10^th June 2018 – Alderney will vote on whether to legalise cannabis this week as the Channel Island considers positioning itself as Britain's first Amsterdam-on-sea
2. 13^th June 2018 – Alderney not next "Amsterdam on the sea", will just talk cannabis
3. 11^th December 2018 – Company in Alderney wants to grow hemp
4. 10^th May 2019 – First cannabis crop to be planted 'this month'
5. 23^rd November 2020 – Alderney aims to become "centre of excellence" for medicinal cannabis
6. 7^th June 2021 – ‘Alderney could be new Amsterdam if Guernsey States got its act together’

Public Consultation on Cannabis

In February 2019, the Isle of Man Government undertook a Consultation on Cannabis for medicinal use and industrial hemp production, which showed public support for both aspects. A further consultation on the decriminalisation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is to follow.

Cannabis Cultivation

In June 2021, a regulatory framework for the licensing of cultivation of cannabis was introduced in the Isle of Man, overseen by the Gambling Supervision Committee.

Drugs Review

In July 2022, the Isle of Man Government announced that the Department of Home Affairs will undertake a review of the harms caused by illicit drugs on the Island, with a specific focus on cannabis.

The report on Informing Policy to Minimise the Harms Associated with Drug Use in the Isle of Man was published in October 2023.

Medicinal Cannabis

In December 2022, the Isle of Man commenced the dispensation of medicinal cannabis on the island.

Isle of Man Cannabis Companies

• Grow Lab Organics IOM Ltd.
• Isle of Man Cannabis Consultants Ltd.
• Manx Cannabis Concierge
• Manx CPV Ltd.
• Manx Green
• Peel NRE Ltd.

Isle of Man Cannabis News

1. 21^st April 2019 – Isle Of Man Could Be The First Place In The British Isles To Decriminalise Cannabis Possession
2. 18^th June 2019 – Isle of Man public back growing cannabis for medicinal use
3. 13^th July 2019 – Cannabis companies want to set up in island
4. 24^th October 2019 – Minister under fire for lack of action on cannabis
5. 17^th December 2019 – Advantages of legalising cannabis on the Island debated at Isle of Man Business Network event
6. 26^th July 2020 – Medicinal cannabis regulations expected in October Tynwald
7. 30^th September 2020 – More money for Manx medicinal marijuana
8. 21^st October 2020 – Farmer hopes first hemp 'test crop' will be sown next year
9. 26^th October 2020 – The Isle Of Man's Plan To Become A Leading European Legal Cannabis Hub
10. 20^th December 2020 – Applications to grow cannabis expected by February
11. 20^th January 2021 – Tynwald approves licensing system to grow cannabis on IoM
12. 10^th March 2021 – Medical cannabis: regulating a new export market on the Isle of Man
13. 18^th March 2021 – Legalise medicinal cannabis plans 'not a priority' for IOM
14. 11^th June 2021 – Licence applications for cannabis exports opened by Isle of Man Government
15. 23^rd June 2021 – Let's legalise cannabis for recreation
16. 2^nd August 2021 – 'Encouraging' response to medicinal cannabis export market
17. 9^th September 2021 – Isle of Man election: Garff candidates reignite cannabis debate
18. 27^th September 2021 – The Isle of Man Looks to Become a Medical Cannabis Hub
19. 8^th November 2021 – Isle of Man - Medical Cannabis is still illegal
20. 9^th November 2021 – Medicinal Cannabis Plan for Airport Tech Gateway?
21. 8^th December 2021 – No cannabis licences granted yet admits minister
22. 16^th February 2022 – Peel plans £100m cannabis production complex
23. 23^rd February 2022 – Medical cannabis on Isle of Man: Minister welcomes sector growth
24. 10^th March 2022 – Enforcing cannabis laws 'threatens police legitimacy'
25. 10^th March 2022 – Private Medicinal Cannabis Prescriptions Will Be Available Soon
26. 25^th April 2022 – New Pilot Could See Patients On The Isle Of Man Gain Access To Medical Cannabis For The First Time
27. 5^th June 2022 – Medicinal cannabis pharmacy 'a step forward'
28. 23^rd June 2022 – Karsons Pharmacy awarded cannabis licence
29. 24^th June 2022 – Isle of Man medicinal cannabis cultivation centre plans submitted
30. 29^th June 2022 – First firm granted Isle of Man medicinal cannabis licence
31. 30^th June 2022 – Getting into the Weeds: Isle of Man Regulation of Global Cannabis Investments
32. 13^th July 2022 – Cannabis facility will offer huge opportunity for island
33. 19^th July 2022 – Getting into the weeds: Isle of Man regulation of global cannabis investments
34. 20^th July 2022 – Review of harms caused by illegal drugs on Isle of Man to start
35. 17^th August 2022 – Inconsistency over cannabis in the crown dependencies causes confusion for compliance officers
36. 22^nd August 2022 – Could the Crown Dependencies be the Key to UK Cannabis Reform?
37. 26^th August 2022 – Another month before pharmacy ready to dispense medicinal cannabis
38. 30^th August 2022 – Joney Faragher: The war on drugs – prohibition, or proof?
39. 9^th September 2022 – Gary returns to island with cannabis clinic
40. 30^th September 2022 – Delay to launch of cannabis dispensing service on Island
41. 17^th October 2022 – Isle of Man Medicinal Cannabis Regulation
42. 27^th October 2022 – Further delay in launch of cannabis dispensing service
43. 29^th October 2022 – Health minister's frustration over medicinal cannabis delay
44. 1^st November 2022 – Government representatives to meet Home Office officials about medical cannabis
45. 3^rd November 2022 – Cannabis Dispensing Should Start in December
46. 10^th November 2022 – Concerns Over Cannabis Campus Plans
47. 23^rd November 2022 – Health Minister - 'Taxpayers won't foot the bill for Cannabis on prescription'
48. 30^th November 2022 – Medicinal Weed Service to Start
49. 5^th December 2022 – Allinson: 'Doctors need to be educated about medicinal cannabis benefits'
50. 5^th December 2022 – Cannabis: Medicinal V Recreational explained
51. 5^th December 2022 – Officials advise ‘patience’ as cannabis dispensing service launches on Isle of Man
52. 5^th January 2023 – Untangling the web of Medicinal Cannabis
53. 15^th May 2023 – Isle of Man to grow cannabis business to diversify economy
54. 16^th May 2023 – Plans Submitted for Cannabis Farm
55. 17^th May 2023 – Manx public asked to join focus group on harms of illegal drugs
56. 2^nd June 2023 – Own your grow
57. 30^th June 2023 – Cannabis Farm plans to be discussed at public meeting
58. 5^th July 2023 – Grow Lab Organics To Revolutionise UK Medicinal Cannabis
59. 18^th July 2023 – Almost 400 patients pay for cannabis prescriptions
60. 31^st July 2023 – Environmental campaigners object to medical cannabis facility plans
61. 14^th August 2023 – Mailen Design submits plans for Isle of Man cannabis farm
62. 24^th October 2023 – Ways to reduce drug harm to be discussed by Tynwald
63. 22^nd November 2023 – Manx medicinal cannabis trial to continue while long-term policy set
64. 22^nd November 2023 – Work underway to develop Isle of Man's drug policy