Glass Pharms and James Hutton Institute Join Forces for Groundbreaking Medical Cannabis Research

Glass Pharms and the Advanced Plant Growth Centre at The James Hutton Institute have joined forces to undertake a pioneering medical cannabis research program, backed by funding from UKRI’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The initiative, set to run for three years, aims to meet the increasing need for medicinal cannabis by working to standardize product quality through environmental control and the creation of new plant architectures.

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At present, cannabis varieties, or cultivars, display significant variability, resulting in different cannabinoid compositions. The research in Dundee will harness Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technologies to produce a consistent output, reinforcing the UK’s position as the leading global producer and exporter of medicinal cannabis.

The cannabis plants will be cultivated to maturity at Glass Pharms’ advanced 2.4-hectare semi-closed glasshouse, which is outfitted with cutting-edge sensor technology to monitor environmental parameters and plant growth. A robotics-based system will transport the plants through various climate-controlled zones, optimized for each stage of growth, ensuring uniformity across multiple harvests. Since medical cannabis was legalized in the UK in 2018, it has become an integral part of the country’s life sciences research and pharmaceutical production.

About BBSRC

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is a key funder of leading bioscience research in the UK. As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), BBSRC plays a vital role in promoting collaboration to enhance the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem, while fostering a diverse and sustainable research culture.

About Glass Pharms

Glass Pharms is a licensed cannabis cultivator in the UK, supplying high-quality medicinal cannabis specifically for the pharmaceutical market. It addresses the growing demand for reliable, UK-produced cannabis-based medicines by utilizing a patented continuous cultivation system. This system moves the plants through climate chambers on a 12-week cycle, simulating an accelerated growing season, and is powered by off-grid green energy, using 40% less power than conventional indoor facilities.

About the Tay Cities Region Deal

This deal is between Scottish, local, and UK governments, along with academic, private, and voluntary sectors, aiming to foster a more prosperous and inclusive future for the regions of Angus, Perth & Kinross Dundee, and Fife.

About The James Hutton Institute

The James Hutton Institute is a renowned research center in the UK, committed to promoting sustainable use of land and natural resources. Through advanced scientific research, the institute seeks to support economic development, food security, and the growth of rural communities. The Advanced Plant Growth Centre, a flagship initiative at the institute, has been funded through the Tay Cities Region Deal.