The legalisation of medicinal cannabis in the UK has led to a significant increase in the number of prescriptions issued. As demand continues to surge, a particular company is setting its sights on significantly ramping up drug production.
The BBC has secured access to the factory, which is contingent upon maintaining the confidentiality of its location.
Entering the facility requires individuals to verify their identities, navigate through two secure gates, and pass through a bulletproof door.
The security team comprises individuals with military backgrounds.
“We have hundreds of CCTV cameras installed throughout the area, all equipped with infrared technology,” states James Leavesley, a co-founder of Dalgety.
The company has announced that this advanced facility marks the first instance in the UK where cannabis can be cultivated, packaged, and sold directly to pharmacies from one centralised location.
Six years ago, James developed an interest in cultivating legal cannabis.
Despite his roots in agriculture, he spent numerous years employed in the oil and gas sector.
In 2018, the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use in the UK drew significant attention due to the evident demand for the substance.
“A government survey indicates that approximately 1.8 million individuals in the UK are obtaining illicit cannabis to manage their medical conditions,” he states.
That same year, he discussed the topic during a dinner gathering with his father and a family friend.
A friend disclosed his interest in entering the cannabis industry, prompting the duo to embark on a business venture together and ultimately establish Dalgety.
It was essential, however, to find an individual with substantial real-world experience in large-scale cannabis production.
Attention turned to Canada, a country that has permitted the drug’s use since 2018.
James states, ‘We recognised the need to seek skilled growers beyond the UK, and Canada has long been a leader in this field.’
“Cultivating cannabis presents unique challenges compared to other agricultural products, and we sought an individual with relevant experience.”
Following a thorough investigation, the team recruited a cultivator named Brady Green.
Brady, known for his expertise, had previously designed and established multiple licensed cannabis facilities in his home country, according to James.
After serving as a consultant for the company for three years, he was recruited to become head grower.
Brady took the initiative to design the entire setup, incorporating the necessary robust security measures to safeguard the site.
“We have multiple access control points in place, which regulate the areas that employees and visitors are permitted to enter,” James stated.
“The significance of the cannabis cultivation on site hinges on the UK Home Office’s assurance that stringent security measures are being implemented.”
Despite the significant investment made by James and his business partners, the outcome of their endeavours was uncertain.
In the United Kingdom, the cultivation and sale of cannabis within legal parameters necessitate obtaining licenses from both the Home Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The cultivation of cannabis must adhere to specific standards, and it is required to undergo testing before receiving approval for sale.
James and his partners believed the potential rewards justified the risk, particularly given the robust market growth observed in nations such as Canada, the United States, and Germany.
“We anticipated a strong demand for the product,” states James.
In January 2023, Dalgety obtained a Home Office licence for cannabis cultivation, marking the beginning of their growing operations in April of the same year.
The crops cultivated were genetically identical clones. However, multiple batches were still subjected to testing to guarantee product consistency.
Over 600 samples have been submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The stakes have escalated significantly, with an investment ranging from £8 million to £10 million to achieve this milestone.
“Within the confines of the factor”
Anticipation builds as I prepare to enter a vast room, likely brimming with cannabis plants and enveloped by a potent aroma.
I encounter a succession of hospital-like corridors, each branching into several compact laboratories.
“The lighting has been custom-designed, and we even generate artificial wind in the room to prevent the formation of microclimates,” James explains.
The intensity of the brightness necessitates the distribution of specially designed glasses to safeguard our vision.
James outlines that the final product’s process spans approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
The process takes place in the drying room for two weeks. When the door slides open, the environment reveals a striking contrast, marked by a noticeable shift to darker and cooler conditions.
After the drying process, the plants require preparation prior to packaging.James guides us into a spacious laboratory, where six individuals are seen clad in dungarees, hair nets and gloves, ready for their tasks.
The selection process has identified individuals based on their agriculture expertise or keen interest in the industry.
The flowers are set to be packaged and dispatched to patients.
“A convergence of two industries”
In September of this year, James and his team achieved a significant milestone by obtaining their second licence, granting them the authority to sell cannabis.
James asserts that the difficulty of obtaining both licenses is the primary obstacle to others’ establishing a comprehensive facility.
“It’s nearly a fusion of two distinct sectors: agriculture and the medical and pharmaceutical fields. While many individuals focus on one area, few possess the expertise to navigate both realms,” he states.
The company plans to launch its product in January. At this stage, James indicates that they anticipate the capacity to fulfil 4,000 prescriptions monthly, bolstered by existing partnerships with prescribers and clinics.
Approximately 50,000 individuals are utilising medicinal cannabis, with prescriptions being dispensed by 33 private pharmacies.
Despite its potential benefits, the drug’s availability through the NHS remains limited, with only a few individuals receiving it.
Not all medicinal cannabis products have received approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which explains the current situation. Only those that use specific parts of the plant are used.
Specialist doctors within the NHS can prescribe unapproved products when they believe they will benefit the patient. However, they must seek approval from NHS England for funding on a case-by-case basis, a frequently denied request.
Private specialists have the authority to prescribe products that have yet to receive approval from the NHS; however, this option frequently imposes a significant financial burden on patients.
The price of a gramme of legal medicinal cannabis in flower form ranges from £5 to £10.
Patients typically consume an average of 0.5 grammes daily, with a monthly expenditure of up to £150.
Reports indicate that the typical cost of illegal cannabis hovers around £10 per gramme.
However, legal clinics mandate that patients participate in regular check-ups, which can incur a minimum annual cost of £180.
Patients seeking a prescription from licensed medicinal clinics must demonstrate that they have previously attempted other treatments but have yet to achieve the desired results.
The Department of Health and Social Care has emphasised the necessity for further research into the effects of medical cannabis before any modifications in its prescription practices within the NHS.
A representative from NHS England stated, “The NHS currently provides a range of licensed cannabis-based treatments that have demonstrated clinical effectiveness, received approval from the medicines regulator, and are endorsed by NICE.” Concerns persist among medical professionals and organisations regarding unlicensed products.
It is imperative for manufacturers to actively participate in the UK medicines regulatory process to obtain a licence, thereby instilling confidence in doctors to utilise their offerings.
Medicinal cannabis is utilised by a diverse range of individuals seeking therapeutic benefits. Patients with chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and various other medical conditions often turn to this alternative treatment. Additionally, those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from terminal illnesses may also find relief through its use.
Laura, an educator hailing from Nottinghamshire, has previously purchased cannabis from the black market to address a range of medical issues.
“Primarily affecting her musculoskeletal system, she reports experiencing extensive nerve damage,” she states. “Numerous factors are contributing to my daily pain and challenges with mobility.”
Laura is a pseudonym; she has opted for anonymity in light of the stigma associated with the use of the drug.
Due to the severity of her condition, she was prescribed powerful medications, including ketamine.
A referral to a specialist doctor led to the suggestion that she consider exploring the use of cannabis.
“She faced a critical decision: to pursue an action that could jeopardise her career or prioritise her well-being,” she states.
She began using cannabis without legal authorisation, expressing concerns not only about the legal implications but also about her safety.
“You’re discussing substances purchased on the street, lacking knowledge about their strain or potency,” she states.
With the advent of legal cannabis pharmacies, Laura took the step of applying for a prescription.
After experimenting with various companies, she has settled on a UK-based online pharmacy for her needs.
She expresses a lack of concern regarding the potential side effects often linked to the drug, including impaired thinking or memory issues. She emphasises that legal cannabis is cultivated in clean environments, contrasting it with black market products that may harbour contaminants.
She asserts that her use of the drug is well managed, as it is prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
However, she believes that the advantages would outweigh any potential long-term drawbacks.
“I wouldn’t want to be without it, as I’d be in so much pain,” she states. “Waking up late without having consumed can lead to a gradual onset of discomfort.”
Although Laura finds relief in cannabis, she feels compelled to keep this information private, sharing it only with her close family and friends.
“I still find it somewhat awkward to engage in such activities in public,” she remarks. In moments of solitude, I retreat with my portable vaporiser to refill it or access my medication containers. Many people hold the belief that anyone who consumes marijuana is simply a stoner.
