The regulation and legalisation of medicinal cannabis is one of the hottest topics in the pharmaceutical industry. 

We have closely watched developments in a number of countries across the globe for many years, including in those jurisdictions where medicinal cannabis is more widely prescribed as well as those where the regulatory regime is more restrictive. 

We are proud to represent clients operating at the cutting edge of this rapidly-evolving industry, from animal nutraceuticals and cosmetics producers to medical device manufacturers developing novel delivery mechanisms for medical cannabis. 

We offer decades of market leading expertise advising on the challenges and opportunities faced by 'traditional' growth-stage pharmaceutical companies. This includes assisting on applications for licenses to operate (and related administrative matters), ensuring robust IP protection, raising capital (including those seeking venture capital financing and those raising funds on the public markets), mergers and acquisitions and other strategic transactions. 

Our global team offers multi-jurisdictional advice from local experts with in-depth industry knowledge to help our clients navigate the complex and evolving legal and regulatory landscape impacting this booming industry.  

As efficient and commercially-focused lawyers, we offer solutions to companies entering and expanding in the medicinal cannabis market. In April, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) awarded our client advised Aphria Deutschland GmbH several lots for the cultivation, processing and delivery of cannabis for medical purposes. This procedure is seen as a blueprint for the liberalisation of the market for medicinal cannabis in Europe and a testament to our partnership with innovative companies. 

We can advise on:
 

Contacts

Dr. Niels Lutzhöft, LL.M.

Partner  |  Germany

View further contacts

Recent highlights of work

  • We recently advised Aphria Deutschland GmbH on its tender for the cultivation, processing and delivery of cannabis for medical purposes
  • Provided opinions and advice in relation to the UK regulatory regime, including on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 as these might apply to holders of shares in certain companies
  • Provided comprehensive advice to a US cannabis company on the regulatory aspects of selling CBD cosmetic products in the EU (with particular emphasis on Germany and the UK)
  • Advising several clients with M&A and financing transactions in the sector
  • Advised a veterinary company on the development, marketing and sale of products containing CBD for companion animals
  • Advised a leading pharmaceutical company on complex regulatory data protection matters in relation to their innovative combination product, including an analysis of the concept of "new active substance" and analysis of the scope of the "global marketing authorisation" concept, as well as advice on a possible judicial review action

News & Events

  1. 2909-2020

    CBD UK Regulations Explained – Myths vs. Reality

    Cannabidiol ('CBD') has had an increasing consumer interest over recent years due to the range of CBD-based products that are now available and the purported benefits these products give to the consumer's health and ...

  2. 2401-2020

    Setting a gold standard in meeting cannabis regulation

    Medical Cannabis Network speaks with Bird & Bird’s Ben King and Sally Shorthose about the importance of product labelling and the regulation of medical cannabis.

  3. 0406-2019

    Investing in the future of cannabis in the UK - lessons from the German model

    The excitement around the potential for the UK cannabis market – medicinal and nutritional – to continue opening up has really intensified in the first half of 2019.