Professor Trevor Jones appointed chairman of the European Medicinal Cannabis Association

The European Medicinal Cannabis Association (EMCA) has announced the appointment of its new chairman, Professor Trevor Jones, CBE, FMedSci.

The EUMCA, a Brussels-based industry body set up on 14 November 2019, represents the interests of ethical companies working in the supply and manufacture of medicinal cannabis and advocates for European evidence-based policy to improve patient access to high-quality cannabis treatment.

Professor Jones’ previous experience includes Group R&D Director at The Wellcome Foundation Ltd, Director of Allergan Inc (US) and Director General of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). He served for 12 years as a member of the UK Government Regulatory Agency Medicines Commission and as Chairman of the UK Government Advisory Group on Genetics Research.

Of his appointment, Professor Jones said: “EUMCA’s members are the ethical European manufacturers and suppliers of pharmaceutical grade cannabis products and the organisation’s aim is to become the authoritative voice for the industry sector.  This is about creating a supportive regulatory environment in which producers and manufacturers sign up to GMP and deliver medicinal cannabinoid treatments that conform with acknowledged scientific standards of quality, safety and efficacy.  We seek a standardised and harmonised regulatory prescribing framework to which all Member States can confidently ascribe and this will not be achieved in the absence of a base of sound scientific evidence. I am delighted to be able to lead the organisation as it commences its vital work in the field of medicinal cannabis.”

“EUMCA exists to help producers and manufacturers overcome challenges, such as meeting good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards, but with our aggregated experience in pharmaceuticals, biotech and government, we are also uniquely well placed to leverage best practice as we drive positive change and innovation,” explained Sita Schubert, General Secretary of the EMCA.

Schubert added: “We are honoured to have Professor Jones lead the EUMCA as we look to build on our mission to promote scientific medical research and to bring a credible voice that drives and shapes policy in the standardised, ethical and sustainable use of medicinal cannabis across the region.”