How 2020 changed the cannabis industry

Reclassification in Europe and beyond

There was a major development in November, when the European Court of Justice confirmed that CBD is not a narcotic drug and has no harmful effects on human health, in a significant milestone for the industry.

The next month, the UN followed suit, voting to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug and recognise its medicinal benefits. The landmark move to remove medical cannabis from a list of serious narcotics was warmly welcomed by the sector.

Furthermore, in November, a groundbreaking scheme was launched to protect UK patients from arrest and prosecution. Over one million British adults became eligible for a medical cannabis exemption card, designed by patients with the backing of senior police officials.