Unit to open in capital for medicinal cannabis study
AGROUND-BREAKING research facility which will study the medical benefits of cannabis is set to be unveiled this summer.
MediPen, which launched a cannabis-based “vaporiser” last year, says it will run a “strenuous” course of clinical trials into the medicinal applications of cannabis from its 1,800sq ft site in Cardiff.
The company says it will work with industry-leading scientists and product designers at its “state-of-the-art” testing facilities in Caxton Place, Pontprennau.
A spokesman said: “With the launch of their dedicated cannabis research facility, MediPen Ltd are excited to further propel the UK to the forefront of global cannabinoid research and innovation.”
One of its first studies will involve looking at a cannabis-based product which aims to reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and vomiting.
It is now the second UK company to be actively developing a cannabinoid-based medicine for cancer patients.
The spokesman added: “There is a large amount of existing scientific and anecdotal evidence supporting this mission which MediPen Ltd are extremely keen to study and reaffirm through a series of placebo-controlled, double-blind scientific trials.
“It’s something which, due to current prohibition laws and difficulty obtaining licensing, has been almost impossible until now.”
MediPen believes that by testing products with the help of the NHS and other health organisations, the public’s perception of cannabis will change.
It says it wants to “end the criminalisation of over one million medicinal users” and make cannabisbased medication readily available to those who need it.
Speaking in August 2016, managing director Jordan Owen said: “Our contract is for the purposes of safety, quality control and to ensure the consistency of cannabinoid concentration throughout each batch.
“This is something that is extremely important in an industry subject to so many negative connotations, by testing our proprietary formula through a reputable body such as the NHS we are confident that this will have a very positive impact on the public’s perception of cannabis.”
Products containing cannabidiol – also known as CBD – are now classed as medicines by the UK regulatory body.
It was found to have a “restoring, correcting or modifying” effect on physiological functions when administered to humans.
But the Class B drug itself has not been recognised as having any benefits and is still illegal to possess.