The present government is now exploring the possibility of legalising and exporting Cannabis as a foreign money spinner by marketing it as medicinal herb internationally, Minister of Trade, Bandula Gunawardana disclosed.
As the demand for medicinal cannabis continues to grow across the world, the Government is now mulling exporting the plant, he said.
According to the Minister, there is ongoing research on the medicinal use of cannabis. And the Trade Ministry is also coordinating with the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) to carry out research.
Cannabis is said to be used in medicinal products to treat cancer, autism, parkinson’s and other neurological ailments.” he added.
Though cannabis is used for ayurvedic treatment in the country, growing the plant for recreational use is illegal.
Accordingly, cannabis cultivation and use is prohibited by the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance of Sri Lanka.
It has been classified as a dangerous drug at international conventions dealing with drugs – The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988. Opinion is divided over the use of the plant.
A committee has been formed by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to conduct research study on the matter after the topic had given rise to public debate recently.
According to Assistant Secreatry of the GMOA, Dr Haritha Aluthge, the report by the committee led by Dr Thanuja Mahesh on its findings will be submitted to the Association in two weeks.
(LIN)