A pharmaceutical company with the largest cannabis farm in Kent has been named as one of the winners of the Queen’s Award for enterprise.

GW Pharmaceuticals, which conducts research into cannabis at the Kent Science Park near Sittingbourne, was named among 205 winners in this year’s list.

The Queen’s Awards are regarded as the highest official UK award for British businesses.

GW Pharmaceuticals is a world leader in discovering and developing cannabis-based medicines.

Created in 1998 by Dr Brian Whittle and Dr Geoffrey Guy, it has since invested £1.3billion in research, development and infrastructure, while employing 1,100 people, including more than 400 in Sittingbourne.

Dr Guy said: “We are honoured to receive such a prestigious award for British businesses.

“When Dr Whittle and I founded the company 23 years ago, our mission was to improve the lives of seriously ill patients by unlocking the potential of the cannabis plant through rigorous scientific investigations and extensive clinical trials in order to obtain regulatory approval for such medicines to benefit patients.

“Much of what is known about the medical uses of cannabis was discovered by GW.

“Today, I want to thank every employee for helping advance and achieve that mission.”

GW has two approved cannabis-based medicines in the UK.

The first medicine is called Sativex and is a spray which treats spasticity due to multiple sclerosis.

The second, Epidyolex, is another oral solution, which contains CBD and helps seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome, a form of epilepsy in children.

Chief executive Justin Gover added: “Thanks to two decades of perseverance, dedication and pioneering work, we have established a world-leading position in cannabinoid science and brought breakthrough medicines to patients.

“We are immensely proud to have that work and dedication recognised by the prestigious Queen’s Awards.”

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The past year has been a tough time for many businesses across the UK, which is why it is more important than ever to celebrate the achievements of our wealth creators and recognise the contributions they make to our communities.”

First awarded in 1966, the winners are permitted to fly the Queen’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on marketing materials for five years. Winners also picked up a certificate and trophy.

The Sittingbourne based company is joined by Kings Hill based email security business Spambrella in Kent.

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