Breathe Life Sciences is set to open its first Scottish manufacturing and distribution centre in the region.
It aims to develop patient-ready cannabis medicines for both domestic and international markets and has received support from both Scottish Borders Council and the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).
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Sam Watson, CEO and founder of Breathe Life Sciences, said: “Our Scottish Borders manufacturing and distribution facility is being developed to meet the growing national demand for UK-manufactured cannabis-based medicinal products.
“Public sentiment was at the forefront of the legalisation of medicinal cannabis, which is rigorously tested, quality-assured, more affordable and, of course, fully legal.
“We are honoured and inspired by the support received from SOSE and Scottish Borders Council and are proud to be investing in a region that values innovation and economic growth.”
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The exact location of the facility within the Borders is not known, but the developers have pledged a total of 36 skilled jobs will be created once it is complete.
This could potentially rise to 100, with global demand anticipated to grow in the coming years.
Russel Griggs, chair of SOSE, said: “We are delighted to welcome BLS, a key international life sciences company, to the south of Scotland.
“With a surge in the number of life sciences companies wanting to come to our region, the south is quickly positioning itself as a hub for innovation and growth in the emerging medicinal cannabis industry.
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“BLS will bring further investment and skilled jobs and is the latest company to recognise that the south of Scotland is a fantastic place to do innovative business.”
Medicinal cannabis was legalised in the UK in November 2018 has allowed specialist doctors to provide prescriptions to patients which they feel could benefit from the treatment.
Products are used to help ease conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, inflammation and PTSD.
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Jedburgh and District councillor Scott Hamilton, executive member for economic growth and developing the Borders at SBC, said: “This is very welcome inward investment into the Borders, which will create a number of jobs initially, with scope for that to grow.
“It is a perfect example of how, through working with local members and our regional partners, we are able to attract businesses and new jobs to the area.
“This investment will support the Borders economy and community into the future.”