Since the legalization of medicinal cannabis in the UK, the demand for prescriptions has skyrocketed, highlighting the urgent need for production facilities to keep pace with this burgeoning market. Recently, the first factory dedicated entirely to the cultivation, packaging, and distribution of medicinal cannabis opened its doors, albeit under strict security and confidentiality measures. This facility, which requires visitors to prove their identities and pass through multiple secure gates, strives to pioneer safe, regulated cannabis production.
The company behind this operation, Dalgety, has made impressive strides since its inception. Founded by James Leavesley along with his father and family friends, the business draws on Leavesley’s background and interest which piqued six years ago. Initially involved in the oil and gas industry, Leavesley's interest shifted when cannabis was legalized for medicinal purposes back in 2018. “There was a government survey showing there are 1.8 million people in the UK sourcing illicit cannabis to alleviate their medical conditions,” he recalled, underscoring the need for legal alternatives.
To get the operation up and running, Dalgety found it necessary to enlist the expertise of professionals, particularly those with experience from Canada, where cannabis has been legal longer. Leavesley explained, “Growing cannabis is completely different from any other crop really; we wanted somebody who had experience.” Enter Brady Green, whose previous work involved setting up licensed facilities across Canada. Initially onboarded as a consultant, Green now serves as Dalgety’s head grower and is instrumental in designing the facility, particularly its extensive security measures.
Working legally entails jumping through numerous hoops, one being acquiring licenses from the Home Office. Not only does Dalgety require permission to grow cannabis, but they must also meet stringent growing standards and test their products before bringing them to market. After investing between £8 million and £10 million to build the necessary infrastructure, the company finally received its Home Office license to start cultivating cannabis back in January 2023. By April, they were fully operational, cultivating clones which are genetically identical. Despite their uniformity, each crop is rigorously tested to guarantee quality and consistency.
Upon entering the facility, one is met with unexpected decor. Rather than the expected sprawling cannabis fields, Rows of hospital-like corridors lead to compact laboratories where the growing and processing takes place. “The lighting has been bespoke-made, and we actually create artificial wind to eliminate microclimates,” Leavesley explained, emphasizing the sophisticated approach to growing these plants.
Once the cannabis has matured, it spends approximately two weeks drying, followed by additional time for final preparation before packaging. This complex process requires skilled personnel, handpicked for their expertise and genuine interest. Their efforts culminate with the goal of getting the finished product ready for patients. And they’re making swift progress. Just this September, the facility secured its second license allowing them to sell cannabis directly.
Leavesley is excited about the prospect of bringing medicinal cannabis to market by January. They anticipate being able to fulfill 4,000 monthly prescriptions and already maintain partnerships with several prescribers and clinics. Currently, about 50,000 individuals utilize medicinal cannabis prescriptions from private pharmacies, but NHS allowances are limited. The issue stems from the fact not all cannabis products meet National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approval, which can restrict available options for patients seeking relief through medicinal cannabis.
Patients often find themselves paying significant fees for access to these legal products. A gram of legitimate medicinal cannabis can cost between £5 and £10, which quickly adds up considering the average patient consumes about 0.5 grams daily, potentially reaching £150 per month. For those relying on illegal options, prices remain competitive but come with significant risk. Additional costs arise from mandatory check-ups at legal clinics, which can incur fees starting around £180 annually.
Balancing patient needs with regulatory constraints is tricky. While specialists might prescribe non-NHS approved products if deemed beneficial, they often struggle to secure funding for such prescriptions. The Department of Health and Social Care emphasizes the importance of conducting more research on cannabis’s effects before making sweeping changes to its availability on the NHS. NHS England has pointed out available licensed cannabis-based treatments but also acknowledges the hesitancy surrounding unlicensed products.
So, who is turning to medicinal cannabis? The stories of individuals like Laura, a broke black market buyer turned legal patient, provide insight. With numerous health challenges including musculoskeletal pain and nerve damage, she has turned to legal alternatives, hoping to mitigate her daily struggles. “I’ve bought black market cannabis to help with various medical conditions,” she explained. These tales paint a poignant picture of those desperate for relief, many of whom navigate the challenges of the current system to access these medicinal products.
The opening of this state-of-the-art facility marks not just progress for Dalgety but for the entire medicinal cannabis industry within the UK. It symbolizes hope for patients and serves as evidence of shifting perceptions surrounding cannabis, paving the way for more comprehensive availability of medical-grade cannabis products. With such strong market demand and strategic planning, the future of medicinal cannabis appears bright on the horizon.