Pioneering ‘Cannabis Research Project’ launches in Jammu

The region of Jammu, India, is set to pioneer the country’s cannabis medicine project, with support from India’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh.

A first-of-its-kind project named ‘Cannabis Research Project’, part of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR–IIIM) Jammu, was initiated during the leadership of Narendra Modi in partnership with a Canadian firm.

According to the official press release, this collaboration will be in hopes of putting the substance towards “the good of mankind, especially for patients suffering from neuropathies, cancer and epilepsy”.

CSIR-IIIM happens to be the country's oldest scientific research institute, known for its discovery of mint back in the 1960s and being the centre of the Purple Revolution (relating to the therapeutic and aromatic herb, lavender). Now, it further strengthens its prestige in terms of scientific research in India with its Cannabis Research Project, says the Minister.

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Singh has also stated his anticipation towards the country’s potential in exporting quality drugs meant for different kinds of treatments — naturally after obtaining the needed approvals.

While visiting the Cannabis Cultivation Farm in the village of Chatha last week, Singh was able to get first-hand information about cultivation practices; he also expressed contentment towards the research work being carried out.

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In addition to potentially raking in large-scale investments in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory, the Cannabis Research Project and its use of latest technology and cultivation processes is hoped to help local farmers increase their produce plus develop newer indigenous varieties that suit the environmental conditions.

Following CSIR–IIIM Jammu, several other states such Uttarakhand, Utter Pradesh, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have started administering policies regarding the use of cannabis for scientific purposes.

Via: Press Information Bureau, Government of India

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.