A research project at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu is moving toward pre-clinical trials, according to a review held on 9 November. It is a science story first: scientific cultivation and laboratory research, not recreational use.
What is the project?
It is described as India's first-of-its-kind cannabis medicinal research project, run as a public-private partnership with a French company. Its stated aim is export-quality medicines for conditions including neuropathies, cancer, epilepsy and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). Union Minister Jitendra Singh, reviewing it, said cannabis is "sought to be developed as export quality painkillers" and that the project "brings together the Government of India, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and private-sector partners".
What does the institute already have?
- J&K government permission, given in 2017, for scientific cultivation and research.
- A repository of more than 500 cannabis accessions.
- Protected cultivation facilities.
What happens next, and what is pending?
The project is moving toward pre-clinical trials, and the report says engagement has been established with Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. CSIR-IIIM has applied to the J&K Excise Department for permission for GMP-compliant manufacturing and transport of cannabis material strictly for scientific purposes. Director Zabeer Ahmed said: "The permission is required to manufacture research material for mandatory pre-clinical regulatory studies". The report does not say when a decision is expected.
Why it matters to students
For pharmacology, chemistry and biotechnology students in Jammu, it shows the kind of translational research a city institute is running, and the regulatory steps (licensing, GMP, pre-clinical studies) that any such work must clear.
Sources: Greater Kashmir, 10 November 2026. Photo: Wikimedia Commons file photo of the institute.
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