Robert Jappie

I advise businesses operating in highly regulated industries across the Life Sciences sector, with a particular focus on Healthcare, Plant-Based Therapies, Vaping, Food/Agri-Tech and Regulated Substances.  My practice focuses on Risk and Regulatory intervention, and I regularly advise clients on matters of cross-border regulatory compliance and enforcement. I have represented new and established clients across the Life Sciences sector in high-profile cases involving litigation, internal investigations and public policy matters.

In addition to providing expert advice on all the day-to-day regulatory issues that companies operating in these emerging industries face, I provide regulatory support for Corporate/Commercial transactions including POCA related-issues, M&A deals, and Capital Markets raises/IPOs. I have advised on deals in numerous sectors including Healthcare, Restaurants/Hospitality, Wellness, and Food/Beverage.

In 2018, I established the UK's first dedicated Cannabis Regulation department, and in 2019 I presented alongside King's Counsel to the European Commission Working Group on Novel Foods in Brussels. As a leading legal authority on Medical Cannabis in Europe, I authored the UK section in the 2024 publication - Cannabis: A Handbook for Science and Practice. Prior to focusing on Life Sciences, I was an experienced criminal defence litigator, and I continue to represent companies and individuals subjected to complex cannabis-related investigations and prosecutions.

I am a member of the UK's Alternative Protein Association, I sit on the European Committee for the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA), and I speak frequently at conferences and events.

Cases of Note

2020 – provided regulatory and compliance support to HaloVerify, a Covid rapid testing company set up in the first few months of the pandemic

2021 – represented High Tide Inc. in their acquisition of UK CBD Company ‘Blessed’. High Tide acquired 80% of Blessed at a £11.3million valuation

2021 – advised the shareholders of Emmac Life Sciences on the POCA implications of their $285million acquisition by Curaleaf

2023 - successfully represented Jacob Hooy CBD in respect of their compliance dispute with the FSA

2023 – represented The CBD Flower Shop in their successful challenge to HMRC in respect of the classification of their hemp product as a 'tea'

2023 – advised on food regulatory aspects of acquisition of Sushi Samba restaurants

2024 – represented Jersey Hemp in their successful battle with the Home Office over the issue of THC content in CBD products