Indian Institute of Integrated Medicine (IIIM), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and IndusCann, a Canada based research organisation on Cannabis, signed Research and Development (R&D) Collaborative Agreement on scientific research on cultivation of cannabis to explore its potential, clinical benefits and other medicinal uses at IIIM here today.The R&D agreement was signed in presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh; Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar; DG & Secretary, CSIR, Santosh C Mande and Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Ram Vishwakarma.Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that this is the landmark day for the entire J&K which will be remembered by future generations as a day of immense significance. ‘This agreement is the vindication of legacy of Sir Ram Nath Chopra, a pioneer in this field of research’, he maintained. The Minister said that this agreement will give an opportunity to reintroduce cannabis for welfare of the mankind adding that the medicines developed from cannabis has therapeutic indications in the management of excruciating pain during Diabetic Neuropathy, cancers, besides use for epilepsy conditions in children and other health problems.
“The patent on the medicines developed from cannabis will be a major source of revenue for J&K and India as a whole,” the Minister asserted adding that this also has a huge potential for generating investments besides creating employment opportunities and doubling the income of farmers.Dr. Jitendra Singh said that through this agreement, huge contribution has been made by CSIR and IIIM in realising what can be achieved in J&K after abrogation of Article 370. “All Central laws are applicable now in J&K and Domicile Act will come soon followed by Land Act,” the Minister added.Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar said that the cannabis has a very high medicinal value besides varied benefits in treating cancer, epilepsy and other dreaded diseases.Advisor Bhatnagar complimented CSIR, IIIM and IndusCann for this agreement and said that this collaboration is an initiative of very high level which will create ample opportunities for developing varied medicines from cannabis.Addressing the gathering, DG, CSIR, Shekhar C Mande said that this is a unique opportunity for J&K and this collaboration will be very beneficial for its development in the field of medicinal research.Earlier, Director IIIM, Ram Vishwakarma said that IIIM Jammu is globally recognised for its cannabis work. He gave a detailed presentation on benefits of drugs developed from cannabis like Sativex and Epidolex in treating cancer, epilepsy and other ailments.