Linnea SA, a Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer with over 40 years of experience, became one of the first companies to be granted a narcotics licence by Swissmedic in 2022, and has been producing and exporting GMP-certified high-THC active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) since 2023.
In the first of a series of interviews focused on the expert contributors to Prohibition Partners’ newly launched Insights Hub, we sat down with Linnea to discuss the increasing importance of GMP certification and pharmaceutical discipline in a rapidly growing cannabis market, as well as its upcoming expansion into a state-of-the-art cannabis derivatives facility and its long-term vision for delivering plant-based therapies backed by research, innovation, and integrity.
As demand for plant-based pharmaceutical products grows, how does Linnea ensure that its “natural” offerings meet the highest standards?
In an increasingly health-conscious world, the appeal of natural, plant-based remedies is clear. That’s where Linnea has built its reputation—not just as a supplier of botanical ingredients, but as a pharmaceutical partner grounded in science, quality, and trust. Every ingredient we produce is backed by rigorous standards and a full-pharma grade approach.
Linnea has been operating since 1982. What has driven your long-standing leadership in this space?
For over 40 years, Linnea has pioneered the development of high-quality botanical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Operating from our GMP-certified facility in Switzerland, we’ve maintained a steady commitment to purity, reliability, and uncompromising quality.
What role does GMP certification play in the botanical pharmaceutical sector?
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) is absolutely critical. Given the variability of botanical raw materials, it’s essential to have systems in place that guarantee the consistency and quality that our stakeholders demand. GMP is the foundation of trust in our industry.
How challenging is it to achieve and maintain GMP certification?
It’s a significant undertaking. Achieving GMP certification requires investment in infrastructure, systems, and highly trained people. But beyond that, it requires a culture of continuous improvement and strict controls at every step of the process. At Linnea, this is not optional—it’s our standard. That’s why our ingredients consistently meet and exceed pharmaceutical benchmarks.
Linnea expanded into cannabinoids in 2014. What drove that decision, and what differentiates your approach?
We recognised the immense therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and saw a clear need for a science-based, pharmaceutical-grade approach in that space. In 2016, we launched our first full-pharma grade cannabinoid ingredient. What sets us apart is how we apply the same rigour and scientific discipline to cannabinoids that we’ve always applied to our botanical APIs.
What does pharmaceutical-grade mean when it comes to cannabinoids?
It means every product is developed under strict GMP guidelines, supported by comprehensive documentation, validated processes, and quality assurance protocols. In a space where inconsistencies can damage trust and therapeutic outcomes, Linnea’s pharma-grade cannabinoids bring clarity, reliability, and scientific credibility to the market.
How is Linnea contributing to the development of cannabis standards in Europe?
Linnea continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cannabis standards in Europe. After contributing to the revision of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) monographs on Cannabis flowers and Cannabidiol published in 2024, Linnea has been invited by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), under the auspices of the Swiss Pharmacopoeia, to participate in the development of the European Monograph for Cannabis extracts.
What’s next for Linnea in this evolving landscape?
We’re preparing to launch a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated solely to medical cannabis derivatives. This expansion will allow us to scale up while maintaining full GMP compliance. It’s a major step forward that positions Linnea as one of the few manufacturers globally capable of delivering cannabinoid APIs at the highest level of quality.
How does Linnea integrate sustainability and ESG principles into its operations?
At Linnea, science and sustainability are inseparable. We’ve embedded Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across our operations—from responsible sourcing and energy efficiency to ethical labor practices and transparent governance. Every innovation we pursue is developed not only to improve human health but also to preserve the environmental balance and contribute to a more responsible supply chain.
What is Linnea’s long-term vision?
As global demand for scientifically validated plant-based therapies grows, we’re committed to remaining at the forefront. Whether in traditional botanicals or cannabinoids, we continue to deliver excellence through research, innovation, and integrity.
The post ‘GMP Is the Foundation of Trust in Our Industry’ – Inside Linnea’s Take on Pharma-Grade Cannabinoids appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
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In the first of a series of interviews focused on the expert contributors to Prohibition Partners’ newly launched Insights Hub, we sat down with Linnea to discuss the increasing importance of GMP certification and pharmaceutical discipline in a rapidly growing cannabis market, as well as its upcoming expansion into a state-of-the-art cannabis derivatives facility and its long-term vision for delivering plant-based therapies backed by research, innovation, and integrity.
Rooted in Research, Driven by Innovation: Linnea’s Leadership in Pharmaceutical Botanicals and Cannabinoids
As demand for plant-based pharmaceutical products grows, how does Linnea ensure that its “natural” offerings meet the highest standards?
In an increasingly health-conscious world, the appeal of natural, plant-based remedies is clear. That’s where Linnea has built its reputation—not just as a supplier of botanical ingredients, but as a pharmaceutical partner grounded in science, quality, and trust. Every ingredient we produce is backed by rigorous standards and a full-pharma grade approach.
Linnea has been operating since 1982. What has driven your long-standing leadership in this space?
For over 40 years, Linnea has pioneered the development of high-quality botanical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Operating from our GMP-certified facility in Switzerland, we’ve maintained a steady commitment to purity, reliability, and uncompromising quality.
What role does GMP certification play in the botanical pharmaceutical sector?
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) is absolutely critical. Given the variability of botanical raw materials, it’s essential to have systems in place that guarantee the consistency and quality that our stakeholders demand. GMP is the foundation of trust in our industry.
How challenging is it to achieve and maintain GMP certification?
It’s a significant undertaking. Achieving GMP certification requires investment in infrastructure, systems, and highly trained people. But beyond that, it requires a culture of continuous improvement and strict controls at every step of the process. At Linnea, this is not optional—it’s our standard. That’s why our ingredients consistently meet and exceed pharmaceutical benchmarks.
Linnea expanded into cannabinoids in 2014. What drove that decision, and what differentiates your approach?
We recognised the immense therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and saw a clear need for a science-based, pharmaceutical-grade approach in that space. In 2016, we launched our first full-pharma grade cannabinoid ingredient. What sets us apart is how we apply the same rigour and scientific discipline to cannabinoids that we’ve always applied to our botanical APIs.
What does pharmaceutical-grade mean when it comes to cannabinoids?
It means every product is developed under strict GMP guidelines, supported by comprehensive documentation, validated processes, and quality assurance protocols. In a space where inconsistencies can damage trust and therapeutic outcomes, Linnea’s pharma-grade cannabinoids bring clarity, reliability, and scientific credibility to the market.
How is Linnea contributing to the development of cannabis standards in Europe?
Linnea continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cannabis standards in Europe. After contributing to the revision of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) monographs on Cannabis flowers and Cannabidiol published in 2024, Linnea has been invited by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), under the auspices of the Swiss Pharmacopoeia, to participate in the development of the European Monograph for Cannabis extracts.
What’s next for Linnea in this evolving landscape?
We’re preparing to launch a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated solely to medical cannabis derivatives. This expansion will allow us to scale up while maintaining full GMP compliance. It’s a major step forward that positions Linnea as one of the few manufacturers globally capable of delivering cannabinoid APIs at the highest level of quality.
How does Linnea integrate sustainability and ESG principles into its operations?
At Linnea, science and sustainability are inseparable. We’ve embedded Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across our operations—from responsible sourcing and energy efficiency to ethical labor practices and transparent governance. Every innovation we pursue is developed not only to improve human health but also to preserve the environmental balance and contribute to a more responsible supply chain.
What is Linnea’s long-term vision?
As global demand for scientifically validated plant-based therapies grows, we’re committed to remaining at the forefront. Whether in traditional botanicals or cannabinoids, we continue to deliver excellence through research, innovation, and integrity.
The post ‘GMP Is the Foundation of Trust in Our Industry’ – Inside Linnea’s Take on Pharma-Grade Cannabinoids appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
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