Jersey Cannabis Agency

WQ.155/2025

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

BY DEPUTY K.M. WILSON OF ST. CLEMENT

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 7th APRIL 2025

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 14th APRIL 2025

Question

"Will the Minister detail the current work of the Jersey Cannabis Agency and will he clarify whether this agency has considered any further development of psilocybin cultivation in the Island, and, if so, provide details of –

1. the number of individuals or companies that have registered an interest in the development of a market in this area;
2. any progress that has been made to develop the market conditions for this product in the Island;
3. the business areas under consideration (e.g. cultivation, export, retail);
4. the potential economic value to the Island; and
5. the number of licences applied for to develop these products?"

Answer

The Jersey Cannabis Agency (JCA) was established as the designated licensing authority to enable the development of medicinal cannabis cultivation. The role is carried out by the Minster for Health and Social Services (MHSS). Current work programmes supported by the Chief Pharmacist focus on helping cultivators with the regulatory and operational frameworks they require to operate. This includes guidance, new license applications, licence reapplications, support with upholding licence T&Cs, and compliance with Convention.

The remit of the JCA is to consider applications for cannabis cultivation under the auspices of the MoU with UK Home Office Memorandum of Understanding 2020 to ensure compliance with the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961. JCA is not established to consider psilocybin. However MHSS is the competent authority for consideration of controlled drug licences (which is administered by the Chief Pharmacist).

In the case of psilocybin, exploring new opportunities for economic growth that support our ageing demographics naturally means we must be open minded to considering the advancements in biotechnology R&D, as set out in the Strategy for Sustainable Economic Development.

In answer to the specific questions on psilocybin:

1. there is no formal way for individuals or companies to register an interest in the development of a market in this area. While businesses may approach government to discuss potential opportunities, the nature of these conversations are commercially sensitive.
2. Government's role is to enable businesses through fit for purpose legislation and regulatory functions, rather than to set the market conditions.
3. Theoretically, if the economic opportunities to develop biotechnology R&D are to be realised, then logically this may necessitate the need for licenses to consider cultivation, manufacturing and export, alongside the health and patient safety considerations.
4. The potential economic value to Jersey for biotechnology R&D is at an early stage of being considered and is policy in development.

5. No formal license requests have been made to the Minister for Health & Social Services (MHSS) or the Chief Pharmacist at this time.