The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) has today announced the opening of their new Brussels office as they look to expand their membership offering into the European Union (EU) for the first time.
The ACI was established in 2019 as a membership association for companies within the UK cannabinoid sector with the aim of developing and maintaining the highest standards of product quality, consumer satisfaction and regulatory compliance in the newly regulated industry.
Through engagement with the UK Food Standards Agency, Food Safety Scotland, the Home Office and the Advisory Committee, the ACI has helped to shape the regulatory and policy landscape for cannabinoid products in the UK.
The year following the launch of the ACI, the association launched a landmark safety study consortium to generate new data to help CBD companies to meet the compliance requirements of the new novel foods regulations.
Furthermore, the association has this year worked alongside the UK prime minister’s new Task group on Innovation, Growth, and Regulatory Reform to establish policy recommendations for the industry – the findings of which will be published this week.
The ACI’s European expansion will also include a number of additions to the team who the association will provide an insight into the legal cannabinoid extract supply chain in Europe.
Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, cannabinoid companies in Europe are facing a regulatory minefield in both the UK and the EU. The ACI hopes that its Brussels office will allow the association to provide its members with bespoke regulatory and compliance services, such as assisting with novel foods applications to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Dr Parveen Bhatatah, the Head of the ACI’s consultancy team, said: “Having emerged as the most credible option for companies requiring market authorisation for their cannabinoid products in the UK.
“We are delighted to be able to bring this wealth of experience to European market authorisation applications.”
Steve Moore, ACI co-founder and Lead Counsel added: “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.”
