New Zealand's Ministry of Health has awarded Helius Therapeutics Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification for the drying and finishing of medicinal cannabis flower.
Chief executive Carmen Doran described the move as a "very significant development" for the firm which brings it "closer to delivering New Zealand-grown flower locally and internationally".
The Auckland-based company said it is taking orders, with signed contracts already in place.
Doran added: "We are the first New Zealand company able to manufacture a full range of medicinal cannabis products under GMP certification, which is currently the minimum quality standard in many focus export markets."
She said the site-wide certification will see the firm significantly boost its indoor growing operation, with locally grown flower available for export alongside the six oil-based products already available.
The active ingredient is extracted from biomass organically grown by South Island-based cannabis cultivator Puro or at the Helius facility.
Doran said once the flower is in market, Helius will be among just a few medicinal cannabis companies in the world to be "truly fully vertically-integrated and EU-GMP recognised", opening up access to European and Australian markets.
She said: "Yes, we'll soon be a 'seed-to-sale' company, but we see our vertical integration operation more through the lens of 'plant to patient'."
"This latest announcement is testament to the culture of teamwork and excellence Helius is building. It reinforces our technical prowess not to mention our highly controlled, precision indoor growing environment which will deliver consistent all-year-round results."
Last year Helius raised NZ$13 million in capital. It said it will launch its export strategy this year, with more GMP certificates and manufacturing milestones to follow.
