Temperature-Controlled Shipping Medical Cannabis
- Puffin
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A Perspective from Peter Tomlinson, from Puffin Packaging on Temperature-Controlled Shipping Medical Cannabis
Since its introduction into the UK market back in November 2018, medical cannabis has grown from strength to strength with traditional stigmas slowly eroding. In the near 8 years since legalisation the market currently sits at around £300 million per annum and is expected to reach £1 billion in the coming 5 years.
This will undoubtedly see incumbent clinics, importers and manufacturers scale up but also facilitate the clinical network to expand with the introduction of new companies entering the market at all junctions.
Temperature-Controlled Shipping Medical Cannabis Strict Licensing, Storage and Transportation
Classified as a Schedule 2 controlled drug, emphasis must be placed on the strict licensing, storage, transport, and record-keeping associated with this area of the market to ensure that patients are not exploited or come to any harm. It is clear that there are still some grey areas (at least in peoples minds) but as the market matures these will quickly be eradicated through experience. If historical data is an indicator of future projection, patient numbers will increase by the tens of thousands year on year leading to the UK being possibly the largest commercial market in Europe in the foreseeable future.
As it currently stands, both EU and UK regulation mirror each other with a small, notable distinction that in the UK also is regulated by not only the MHRA but also the Home Office for licensing.
With in mind that cannabis oils and tinctures and dried cannabis flower for vapes for example are Schedule 2 products in the UK, safety during transportation is of the paramount importance. This also has to be balanced with regulating temperature to ensure product integrity is never compromised. As you will recognise, different products will require different temperatures to be maintained – some “Store below +25°C”, some +15°C to +25°C and some to a lesser extent need to be kept in a +2°C to +8°C environment. All in the aid of maintaining product integrity and patient safety.
Puffin Packaging offers a range of sustainable packaging solutions that support in this area, ensuring product integrity is never questioned or compromised and the most premium service is constantly offered. Being able to selectively choose the right solution for the right supply route will inevitably lead to successful results.
As a partner, the Puffin team can work in tandem with you, relying on our expertise to manage the implementation and ensuring all GDP requirements are met. The majority of medical cannabis in the UK is imported from Canada, meaning it has already covered thousands of miles before even getting to the prescriber, never mind the patient. The last mile is just as important as the first and errors from corner cutting can be costly both financially and reputationally.
Puffin integrates well with GDP workflows, offering predictable performance and validation data that licensed distributors and pharmacies can rely on.
Across Europe, Puffin packaging is equally valuable because medical cannabis supply chains often involve cross border movement, longer transit times, and varying climatic conditions. EU GMP producers in countries like Portugal, Spain, and Germany frequently ship to other member states, and insulated passive solutions provide a dependable buffer against temperature fluctuations without requiring active refrigeration. This makes us ideal for last-mile delivery, controlled-drug courier services, and wholesale distribution routes that must remain compliant with EU GDP. While packaging alone cannot satisfy controlled-drug licensing requirements, it plays a critical role in ensuring that the medicinal product arrives in a stable, compliant condition. This makes Puffin’s solutions a widely adopted and trusted option across both regulatory environments.
To discuss this further, reach out to Peter at peter.tomlinson@puffinpackaging.co.uk
Scientifically Tested TempChain Solutions for Temperature-sensitive Pharma, Diagnostics and Biotech.
We offer scientifically tested temperature-controlled packaging that meets pharmaceutical cold chain standards, specifically designed for biotech, clinical trials, and pharmaceutical logistics.
