Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, stated today that Jammu will lead India's first Cannabis Medicine Project. The CSIR-IIIM Jammu endeavour, known as the 'Cannabis Research Project,' is expected to be a big advance in the field of medical science.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project has been established in a unique Public-Private Partnership with a Canadian firm. This collaboration holds immense promise in harnessing the potential of Cannabis for the betterment of mankind, particularly for patients suffering from neuropathies, cancer, and epilepsy.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his enthusiasm during a visit to the Cannabis Cultivation Farm at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, located in Chatha near Jammu. The minister gained firsthand insights into the cultivation practices for Cannabis within the institute's protected area and witnessed the ongoing research work on this remarkable plant.
Highlighting the significance of the project in the context of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that after obtaining all the necessary approvals, the project aims to produce export-quality drugs tailored to address various neuropathic conditions, diabetic pains, and more.
One of the essential objectives of this Cannabis Research Project is to spread awareness regarding the diverse medicinal applications of Cannabis, especially in the context of addressing the drug abuse challenges faced by regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. The project is expected to shatter stereotypes associated with Cannabis and promote its therapeutic benefits for patients suffering from various ailments.
The recent scientific agreement signed between CSIR-IIIM and IndusScan marks a historic milestone not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country. This partnership has the potential to develop medicines that were once solely imported from foreign countries, paving the way for increased investment opportunities in the region.
Commending CSIR-IIIM's pioneering efforts in exploring the therapeutic properties of Cannabis, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the institute for its significant contributions to scientific research in India. He acknowledged the immense potential of cannabis-based treatments and encouraged the researchers to continue leveraging the latest technology and cultivation practices to boost productivity and enhance the lives of farmers.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, informed the Minister that the institute currently possesses over 500 accessions of Cannabis collected from different parts of the country. The scientists at the institute are actively working to develop end-to-end technology for Cannabis cultivation and drug discovery, with a particular focus on pain management in cancer and epilepsy.
The project's potential to offer groundbreaking therapeutic drugs has led to the submission of an application for a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) manufacturing license from the Excise Department of Jammu & Kashmir Government. The approval of this license will facilitate further pre-clinical and clinical studies, advancing the discovery of newer therapeutic drugs for various health conditions.
CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine's significant contributions to Cannabis research have spurred other states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh to initiate policies and regulations for the scientific use of Cannabis.
