New Delhi: The Cannabis Research Project undertaken by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) in Jammu is the first of its kind in India and has the potential to develop high-quality medicines for neuropathies, cancer, and epilepsy, Union minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.
Speaking at a review meeting with top officials from CSIR-IIIM and the science and technology department of the union territory, the minister emphasized the significance of the project. He highlighted that the scientific agreement between CSIR-IIIM and IndusScan, signed during the meeting, was a historic milestone not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country.
The collaboration has the potential to produce medicines that are currently imported from foreign countries, thereby promoting indigenous production and reducing dependency on external sources.
Singh lauded CSIR-IIIM for its pioneering efforts and highlighted the institute’s rich scientific history, including the discovery of mint in the 1960s and its position as the center of the “purple revolution.”
To ensure the success of such a critical project, the minister stressed the importance of collaboration between various institutions such as CSIR-IIIM, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and others. He emphasized that the proximity of these institutions in Jammu presents a unique opportunity to leverage their expertise in marketing strategies, clinical trials, and technical support.
During the meeting, Singh directed CSIR-IIIM and other stakeholders involved in the project to organize a workshop. The objective of the workshop will be to address challenges and issues associated with the project, ensuring smooth progress of work.
