CANNABIS MEDICINAL RESEARCH PROJECT

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, Jammu is going to pioneer India's first Cannabis Medicine Project.

‘Cannabis Research Project’ of CSIR-IIIM Jammu is a first of its kind in India initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Private Public Partnership with a Canadian firm, which has a great potential to put substance of abuse for the good of mankind especially for patients suffering from neuropathies, cancer and epilepsy.

Image Source: Britanica

2. Objectives

• The Cannabis Medicinal Research Project in Jammu is a first-of-its-kind project in India.
• It is a public-private partnership between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu and a Canadian firm, IBL Industries
•  The project aims to develop and commercialise cannabis-based medicines for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain
• The project is being carried out at the CSIR-IIIM Jammu's cannabis cultivation farm in Chatha. The farm has a capacity to produce 100 tonnes of cannabis per year.
• The cannabis grown at the farm is being used to develop a variety of cannabis-based medicines, including oils, capsules, and creams.
• The project is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to make a significant contribution to the development of cannabis-based medicines in India.
• The project is also expected to create jobs and boost the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

3. Cannabis

Cannabis is a plant that has been used for various purposes for thousands of years.

It belongs to the Cannabis sativa species and is known for its psychoactive and medicinal properties.

The plant contains compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)

1. Recreational Use: Cannabis is often used recreationally for its psychoactive effects. THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" experienced by users. It can induce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, altered perception, and increased appetite.

2. Medicinal Use: Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history and is currently being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD, another important compound found in cannabis, has gained attention for its potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. Medicinal cannabis is used to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea associated with chemotherapy.

3. Industrial Use: Hemp, a variety of Cannabis sativa with low THC content, is cultivated for its industrial uses. Hemp fibers are used in the production of textiles, paper, biodegradable plastics, and construction materials. Hemp seeds are also a valuable source of nutrition, containing essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins.