As the medicinal cannabis industry continues to thrive across Europe, one company is taking production to the next level. The UK’s Dalgety is unveiling a state-of-the-art £10 million factory with the aim of revolutionizing the cannabis market in Europe. With demand for medical cannabis showing no signs of slowing, Dalgety is setting the standard for large-scale, secure, and efficient cannabis production.
A Cutting-Edge Facility With Unmatched Security
Located in a secret location within the UK, the Dalgety factory is like no other in Europe. To enter, visitors must go through a rigorous security process involving multiple access points, including a bulletproof door and security personnel with military backgrounds. “We have hundreds of infrared CCTV cameras in place to ensure maximum protection,” says James Leavesley, one of Dalgety’s founders. 
Dalgety’s facility is unique in Europe, designed to grow, package, and distribute medical cannabis for authorized patients. By January 2025, the company plans to produce enough cannabis to meet the needs of thousands of patients across Europe each month.
A Vision Brought to Life
James Leavesley, who hails from an agricultural family, saw an incredible business opportunity when cannabis was legalized for medicinal use in the UK. With millions of people seeking alternative treatments, the demand for medical cannabis in Europe began to surge. In 2018, James and his team formed Dalgety with a singular focus: to produce premium cannabis at scale.
Looking to Canada for expertise in large-scale cannabis cultivation, Dalgety hired Brady Green, a world-renowned cannabis grower. Brady, who had designed and set up multiple licensed cannabis facilities in Canada, brought invaluable knowledge to the company. “Growing cannabis is a science, and it requires expertise far beyond conventional agriculture,” James explains. Together, they set up a fully licensed production facility designed to meet Europe’s highest standards.
The Science of Cannabis Production
Unlike other agricultural crops, cannabis requires unique conditions for growth. Dalgety’s facility features fully automated temperature, humidity, and light controls, along with systems that simulate artificial wind to eliminate microclimates. “Every detail, from the bespoke lighting to the environmental controls, ensures our crops thrive,” says James.
It takes between 12 to 14 weeks to grow the cannabis from seedling to the finished product, with two weeks spent drying the plants in a specially controlled environment. Every batch is meticulously tested for consistency, with over 600 samples sent to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for approval.
A Major Milestone in European Cannabis Production
In 2023, Dalgety became one of the first companies in Europe to secure both a Home Office licence to grow cannabis and a subsequent licence to sell it. This achievement marks a significant turning point for the European cannabis industry. According to James, this dual licensing process is why many companies can’t replicate Dalgety’s all-in-one facility. “It’s like combining two industries—agriculture and pharmaceuticals—and most people can specialize in one, but not both,” he says.
By January 2025, Dalgety will be ready to provide cannabis for up to 4,000 prescriptions a month, supported by partnerships with clinics and prescribers across Europe. Their vision is clear: to set the gold standard for medical cannabis production, and they are already preparing to meet the rising demand across the UK, Germany, and other parts of Europe.
Cannabis as a Lifeline for Patients
With the rise of cannabis-based medicine, patients are finding hope where traditional treatments have failed. Patients like Laura from Nottinghamshire, who has used illegal cannabis in the past to manage chronic pain, have turned to Dalgety’s legal products. “With legal cannabis, I know I’m getting clean, controlled medicine,” says Laura. “I used to worry about the strength and purity of black-market cannabis, but now my treatment is monitored by a doctor.”
Legal cannabis products in the UK cost between £5 and £10 per gram, with the average patient using around 0.5 grams a day. However, as the industry continues to grow and regulations evolve, the hope is that prices will become more affordable, and insurance coverage will improve, allowing even more patients to benefit from this life-changing treatment.
Dalgety’s Impact on Europe’s Cannabis Industry
Dalgety’s success is setting a new standard for cannabis production in Europe. Their innovative approach, combining agriculture and pharmaceutical expertise, places them at the forefront of a booming industry. As they expand operations and increase production, Dalgety is not only meeting current demand but shaping the future of the medicinal cannabis market across Europe.
By 2025, Dalgety aims to lead the way in Europe’s regulated cannabis sector, fulfilling the growing need for high-quality, legally produced cannabis products. With its cutting-edge technology, secure facilities, and commitment to excellence, Dalgety is paving the way for a new era in European cannabis production and medical treatment.
The Future of Medicinal Cannabis in Europe
With countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland already advancing in the medicinal cannabis space, Europe is quickly becoming a global leader in cannabis production. As more governments recognize the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, the market is poised for explosive growth. Dalgety’s groundbreaking factory is a shining example of what’s possible in this exciting new chapter for the European cannabis industry.
In Closing
Dalgety’s £10 million investment is more than just a business venture—it’s a game-changer for the future of medicinal cannabis in Europe. By integrating cutting-edge technology with agricultural and pharmaceutical expertise, Dalgety is creating a blueprint for success in the ever-expanding European market. The future of cannabis production in Europe looks brighter than ever, and Dalgety is leading the charge. Future of Medicinal.
About the Author
Ian Scarffe Bio
Ian Scarffe is a serial entrepreneur, investor, journalist, and consultant with business experience from around the world.
Ian is a Key Opinion Leader with a social media reach of over 10,000,000 people.
An expert in Startup, Investment, Fintech, Web3, Web4, AI, and Blockchain industries, Ian currently consults and advises for a range of multi-million dollar companies and is supported by a broad base of funders who include: Blockchain Angels, Blockchain Investors and Funds, Accredited investors, Institutional Investors, Venture Capital Firms, Business Angels and Syndicates, Family Offices, Corporate Venture Funds and Ultra high-net-worth individuals.
His overall mission is to foster a society of economically independent individuals who are engaged citizens, contributing to the improvement of their communities across the world.
Ian is a Top Global Influencer in Blockchain and Fintech
Top Ranked Member of Global List – People of Blockchain
