Insta
Centre Sanctions Cannabis Research In UP, Uttarakhand To Develop Varieties For Industrial And Horticulture Purposes
Hemp, a variety of Cannabis Sativa (Barbetorte/Wikimedia Commons)
The Centre has sanctioned a research and development (R&D) project on cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - two unique natural compounds found in cannabis (also known as ganja).
The narcotics department within the revenue wing of the Union Ministry of Finance has given the sanction of the research for which the cannabis will be grown at Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and Pantnagar (Uttarakhand), reports Times of India.
"CSIR-CIMAP wants to start R&D work on genetic improvement of identification and selection of THC, CBD and cannabinioderpene - a rich strain-level genotype of cannabis - at their office in Lucknow, UP, with its resource centre in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. CSIR has, therefore, requested to allow them to collect cannabis germplasm and grow it in their fields," the Centre's note said.
The note added that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) policy of the country emphasised on development of drug varieties with low THC content, which could be exploited for industrial and horticulture purposes.
As per the report, the director (narcotics control), in the note which has been sent to all state governments, has cited a World Health Organisation (WHO) expert committee report on drug dependence.
Taking cognisance of the medical use of the low THC cannabis, the WHO has proposed change in scope of control of cannabis-related substances in the international conventions.
While the CBD is extracted from cannabis hemp and is used in gels, oils and food supplements apart from having medicinal use, the THC, on the other hand, is a psychoactive compound present in the cannabis.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
