Jammu, 24/03/23: In a groundbreaking endeavor, CSIR-IIIM Jammu is set to spearhead India’s first-ever Cannabis Medicine Project. With the support of a Canadian firm and in a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP), this ambitious initiative is poised to revolutionize medical science. The project holds immense promise for alleviating neuropathies, cancer, epilepsy, and other health conditions, fostering hope for a self-reliant India.
What is Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant. People use the dried leaves, seed oil, and other parts of the cannabis plant for recreational and medicinal purposes. It can have a pleasurable effect and may soothe the symptoms of various conditions, such as chronic pain.
During a visit to the Cannabis Cultivation Farm at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine near Jammu, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, expressed unwavering enthusiasm for the Cannabis Research Project. Witnessing the ongoing research on this remarkable plant, Dr. Singh highlighted its potential to produce export-quality drugs tailored to address various medical conditions, including diabetic pains and neuropathic ailments.
Harnessing therapeutic benefits
Beyond medicinal applications, the Cannabis Research Project seeks to raise awareness about the plant’s diverse therapeutic benefits while countering drug abuse challenges in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. The project aims to shatter stereotypes surrounding Cannabis, paving the way for improved healthcare outcomes for patients grappling with various ailments.
Historic partnership
A recent scientific agreement between CSIR-IIIM and IndusScan marks a historic milestone for the entire country. This partnership has the potential to develop domestically-produced medicines, reducing dependency on imports and opening up new investment opportunities in the region. The project is geared towards creating groundbreaking therapeutic drugs, especially in the context of pain management for cancer and epilepsy patients.
Pioneering cannabis research and scientific contributions
Under the guidance of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, the institute boasts over 500 accessions of Cannabis collected from various parts of India. Scientists at the institute are actively engaged in developing end-to-end technology for Cannabis cultivation and drug discovery, with a focus on pain management for cancer and epilepsy.
Paving the way for pre-clinical and clinical studies
With the submission of an application for a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing license from the Excise Department of Jammu & Kashmir Government, the project’s potential to offer groundbreaking therapeutic drugs gains momentum. The approval of this license will facilitate further pre-clinical and clinical studies, accelerating the discovery of newer therapeutic drugs for various health conditions.
Spurring policy initiatives across states
CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine’s pioneering efforts in Cannabis research have inspired other states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh to formulate policies and regulations for the scientific use of Cannabis, unlocking new avenues for research and healthcare advancements.
Also Read: Govt Considers New Medicine Packaging, Manufacture And Expiry Date To Be Printed On Each Tablet
