Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) says it is to open a new Brussels office as it expands its membership offering into the European Union (EU) for the first time.
ACI was established in 2019 with a founding vision of creating an innovative and ethical sector with the highest standards of product quality, consumer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
Since its formation ACI has rapidly become a prominent actor in the regulatory and policy landscape for cannabinoid products in the UK, engaging widely with the Food Standards Agency, Food Safety Scotland, the Home Office and the Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs Act.
In 2020 ACI launched a safety study consortium to generate new data to meet the compliance requirements of the new novel foods regulations. This year the association has been working with the UK’s new Taskgroup on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform to establish a footprint for the industry in policy and politics. Its report and recommendations will be published this week.
This European expansion coincides with a further strengthening of the ACI team, adding a wealth of experience in the European legal cannabinoid extract supply chain.
ACI says that in the wake of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, companies in the region and around the globe now face challenges in navigating an evolving regulatory framework in both the UK and Europe. Having a European presence will allow the group to assist European companies looking to enter the lucrative UK market whilst also providing a platform for engagement with the European regulatory authorities for its members, which includes companies from around the world.
“Our expansion into Brussels perfectly complements our existing work in the UK and strengthens our consultancy team who are advising clients on their European interests, particularly in the wake of Brexit and the accelerating regulation of legal cannabinoid products around the world”
“Having emerged as the most credible option for companies requiring market authorisation for their cannabinoid products in the UK,” says Dr Parveen Bhatatah, who heads up ACI’s consultancy team, “we are delighted to be able to bring this wealth of experience to European market authorisation applications.”
“Our expansion into Brussels perfectly complements our existing work in the UK and strengthens our consultancy team who are advising clients on their European interests, particularly in the wake of Brexit and the accelerating regulation of legal cannabinoid products around the world,” noted Steve Moore, ACI co-founder and Lead Counsel.
