Ricardo Geada

Ricardo is a partner in the Regulatory and Compliance Group at leading UK law firm Irwin
Mitchell. He advises UK and international businesses on compliance, investigations and
market access, with a specialism in the CBD wellness markets and medicinal cannabis
sector (CBPMs).
His expertise centers on designing compliant routes to market, navigating regulator
scrutiny, and managing risk across the UK, EU and multi‑jurisdictional projects.
Ricardo regularly advises global cannabis companies on the legality and labelling of
e‑cigarettes/e‑liquids, cosmetics, foods and supplements, as well as Home Office licensing
for controlled drugs and cultivation. Due to the nature of the sector and the legal nuances
involved, Ricardo often works closely with other legal departments such as corporate and
commercial, employment, dispute resolution and intellectual property/image rights to
ensure his clients benefit from a full suite of legal services specifically tailored to their
immediate business needs and future objectives.
His public commentary includes articles in The Times on disposable‑vape policy and the
legitimate use cases for crypto, and he is a regular speaker and moderator at cannabis
industry conferences in the UK and abroad. Ricardo also sits on the executive committee of
the UK’s Cannabis Industry Council.