Government approves cannabis export for 'economic development' in the Isle of Man

The Island's parliament has approved changes to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations which will now allow commercial operators to produce medical cannabis products. Credit: PA

New regulations have been passed in the Isle of Man to allow commercial operators to produce medical cannabis products.

The sector is initially estimated to bring approximately 250 new jobs and generate around £3 million in annual benefit in the coming years. 

New regulatory framework will involve stringent and flexible licensing of a broad range of cannabis products ranging from outdoor grown industrial hemp to indoor grown medicinal products.

The Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) will serve as the launch regulator for the sector.

They have laid regulations, started to issue guidance for licensing and will be accepting hemp applications from Isle of Man growers shortly, with details guidance for high-THC operators becoming available in February.

The regulations are aligned with current UK cannabis regulation and practice and do not change the Isle of Man’s domestic policy toward the use of cannabis by residents. 

The Liberal Vannin Party is therefore calling for the Health and Social Care Minister to reconsider making medicinal cannabis legally available on the Isle of Man.

Looking ahead to the House of Keys elections in September, the party will also call for a formal public consultation on the recreational use of cannabis once the next government is elected.