Emily Rigby

Emily is a research scientist and passionate advocate for medical cannabis – promoting industry development, efficient production methods, education, patient access, research and regulatory reform.

Since 2016, Emily has played an integral role in developing the Australian medicinal cannabis industry, including establishing a licenced medical cannabis cultivation and research facility and releasing Australian grown cannabis medicines into local and export markets.

Emily is on the Board of the Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) and Director at Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) – Australia’s peak industry body for hydroponic and greenhouse growers. Emily was recognised as Australia’s 2021 ‘Woman of Weed’ in the Australian Cannabis Awards for her contribution to female leadership in the cannabis space.

Prior to working in the field of Medical Cannabis, Emily worked in ornamental horticulture for over 10 years and taught scientific research methods at the University of the Sunshine Coast for 9 years. Her prior research into the Australian native Umbrella fern led to the successful domestication and first commercial plantation of this high-value floriculture product. Emily is a 2016 Nuffield Australia Farming Scholar and President of the Australian Society of Horticultural Science from 2017 to 2021.

Emily has a diverse range of expertise including propagation and cultivation methods, facility design, licensing, regulatory compliance, patient access, education, marketing and research from seed to patient.

Emily is dedicated to removing the stigma surrounding the Cannabis plant and facilitating the global cannabis industry.