Emily Rigby

Graduating from USC in environmental science in 2008 and first-class honours in horticulture in 2014, Emily Rigby is a horticultural research scientist who has been working in the field of medicinal cannabis since legislative changes came into effect in 2016.

She is Director of Research and Compliance for Cannatrek, Director of Research Programs for the AIMC (Australian Institute for Medical Cannabis) and is President of the Australian Society of Horticultural Science.

Emily is dedicated to removing the stigma surrounding the cannabis plant, facilitating the Australian medical cannabis industry and improving patient access. Emily has also worked for many years in ornamental horticulture. Her research into the Australian native umbrella fern led to its successful domestication and first commercial plantation.

Q&A

I grew up/went to school in… Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane. When I was a kid I wanted to be… like my older brothers. My first job was… dressing up as a koala for the Wilderness Society. Now I spend my days… growing, researching, educating and advocating for medicinal cannabis. I can’t live without… my family and my forest. My proudest moment was… my two children. The best advice I’ve been given is… to always believe in yourself. In other people, I value… honesty and integrity. It’s daggy, but I love… plants. I’m currently reading/watching… Sir Joseph Banks and the Question of Hemp by John Jiggens. My hidden talent is… whiskey connoisseur. I’m hopeless at… taking time off work. One day I’d love to… live in Spain.