MANGALURU: A national seminar organized by the Mission Angel Dust, an anti-narcotic arm of Yenepoya University on marijuana here on Wednesday, stressed the need for research about chemical properties of marijuana plant.

Mohammad Nazeer, commissioner, Mangaluru City Corporation , inaugurated the seminar. The seminar threw insight into an ancient belief dating back to time immemorial across different world cultures that cannabis plant possesses miraculous healing properties. Hence its flowers, buds, seeds have been made use of to treat a wide range of ailments. It is one of the oldest cultivated crops.

India has a strong history of using cannabis for religious, medical, cultural and recreational purpose. Bhang is a popular drink in North India, comprising cannabis paste made of buds and leaves, milk, ghee and spices.

The Atharva Veda describes cannabis plant as belonging to one of the five kingdoms of herbs that lowers anxiety. Legend has it that Lord Shiva while relaxing under the shade of a tall cannabis plant felt deeply relaxed. Curious, he ate some leaves and felt refreshed. He adopted this as his favourite food, hence he is called as ‘Lord of Bhang’.

During the British rule, the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission noted the history and culture of cannabis use in India. There are countries and researches too have stressed about medicinal use of marijuana.

Organizers said sensing the mood of the world, many organizations in India have started seeking permission to extract cannabis oil for cancer treatment. Many countries have relaxed norms in order to facilitate medicinal use of marijuana. It is hoped that India will also ease restrictions so that people benefit from its medicinal values.

