Jammu is set to become the pioneer of India's first-ever cannabis medicine project. Spearheaded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) in collaboration with a Canadian firm, this venture aims to produce high-quality medicines for various neuropathies and diabetic pains.

The Cannabis Research Project at CSIR-IIIM has the potential to transform the perception of cannabis, which is often associated with substance abuse. Instead, it seeks to unlock the plant's medicinal properties for the betterment of mankind, especially for patients suffering from neuropathies, cancer, and epilepsy.

The significance of this project goes beyond scientific and medical breakthroughs. It aligns with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), as it aims to produce export-quality drugs that are currently imported from foreign countries. This ambitious endeavour is expected to attract significant investments to the region, promoting economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, recently visited the Cannabis Cultivation Farm at Chatha, near Jammu, to witness the research and cultivation practices in the protected area of the institute. Expressing his satisfaction with the progress, Singh emphasised the importance of incorporating the latest technologies and cultivation methods to increase cannabis yields, benefiting local farmers.

The project's ultimate goal is to provide end-to-end technology for cannabis cultivation and drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on pain management in cancer and epilepsy. To achieve this, the institute has collaborated with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for exploratory research on cannabis.

The project also holds the promise of raising awareness about the medicinal potential of cannabis. Given the challenges of drug abuse faced in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, showcasing cannabis's diverse medicinal applications can help shift public perception and promote responsible usage.

Moreover, this unique public-private partnership between CSIR-IIIM and the Canadian firm represents a significant step towards embracing innovative collaborations in the field of medical research.