iHemp Magazine iHemp - Issue 5 - Apr 2019 | Page 26

merchants, research organisations and commercial breeders until we found the right supplier. We are very excited to now have the seeds in New Zealand for our scientists and plant breeders to start working with.” Dr Vidiella has a background in horticultural engineering and is working with a team of three Hikurangi scientists and four experienced cannabis breeders in Ruatoria. The Hikurangi research group is breeding for optimal plant characteristics in terms of bioactives, yield and resilience. “We are working on a comprehensive research program and developing strong alliances with local and international research institutions, to align our breeding program and clinical research with the most recent scientific knowledge on the potential use of medicinal cannabis to treat different conditions” says Irene Lopez-Ubiria, Chief Research Officer for Hikurangi. She goes on “Having recently met with world experts at the United in Compassion Australian Medicinal Cannabis Symposium, we are confident in the role Hikurangi can play in the global medicinal cannabis sector with affordable, top quality products backed with rigorous science.” The company is currently negotiating supply agreements with buyers in Europe, Asia and North America and has plans to supply New Zealand pharmacies and export a range of medicinal cannabis products once commercial licenses are issued in early 2020. q Anna Fisher Chief Communications Officer Hikurangi Cannabis Company [email protected] 26