NZ grower signs organic medical cannabis export deal

Puro has signed the largest organic medical cannabis export agreement ever at the New Zealand High Commission in London.

The £7million deal with UK-based IPS Pharma comes as global demand for medicinal cannabis increases, with growth projected to rise from $47 billion to $149 billion by 2031.

"This marks an exciting step forward for Puro but also for patients in the UK and Europe, where demand for high-quality medical cannabis is booming. Our partnership with IPS Pharma means consumers will now have access to a premium, organic product that meets some of the world's stringent standards," says Puro's CEO Sank Macfarlane.

The agreement follows substantial investment in Puro's operations, including $13 million in government funding supporting world-leading research programmes that have helped establish New Zealand as an emerging leader in premium medical cannabis cultivation.

© Puro

As one of the few certified organic medical cannabis producers globally, Puro has developed innovative growing and processing techniques specifically designed for New Zealand's unique conditions, resulting in consistent, high-quality products that meet the most stringent pharmaceutical standards.

"Not only is this deal the world's largest organic cannabis order, but it will provide many UK and European patients with their first experience of live dried cannabis. Our seven stage live drying process keeps cannabis as fresh and potent as the day it's harvested, locking in the maximum therapeutic value that can be lost overtime with traditional drying."

"It's an approach that delivers smoother flavours and superior terpene profiles."

IPS Pharma Director Strategic Partnerships Ian McFarlane says the agreement will give UK and European patients access to some of the world's very best medical cannabis.

"We know that UK and European patients will benefit from Puro's unique, organically grown cannabis varieties. Their exceptional terpene profiles and complex aromatic compounds make Puro products some of the best in the world," says Ian McFarlane.

The 2024 reforms in New Zealand's medicinal cannabis regulations, which have dramatically reduced the compliance costs of exporting medical cannabis, has enabled Puro to move forward with this historic export agreement.

"These regulation changes have provided a pivotal opportunity for Puro to establish itself as a leading provider of premium medicinal products in the UK and Europe," Macfarlane said.