KARACHI:
Cannabis sativa is one of fastest growing plants on the planet. Its stem has long fibers which can be used to make excellent quality ropes, paper, textiles, and biodegradable plastic. When mixed with lime, it can also form an insulated wall brick.
Latest research has shown the benefits of two chemicals found in the sativa plant, specifically in its flowers. One of the chemicals is called Tetrahydrocannabinol famously known as THC for short. The THC compound has psychotropic qualities and can therefore be used as a recreational drug which can help alleviate pain and anxiety. What is remarkable is that it has no side-effects. The seeds of the plant, however, do not contain any THC and are very nutritious for the body. Besides using it for human consumption, it is also mixed in bird and animal feed while the oil from the seeds is used for cooking and paint manufacturing. The other chemical known as Cannabidiol or CBC is often mixed with foods and medicines and consumed regularly for better health. Recent research has indicated that CBC can help kill antibiotic resistant bacteria in the body. Due to these countless benefits, the UN, in 2020, removed cannabis from its strict drug control list — a decision which has opened up a billion-dollar market.
In Pakistan, a variety of the plant grows abundantly on the ranges of the Hindu Kush mountains. During the 70s and 80s, Pakistan used to be visited by “Hippie” tourists who were in search of our local organic Hashish. Unfortunately, owing to the rapid decline in tourism, Pakistan has failed to commercialise the plant. The government, now, needs to consider the fact that immense revenue can be generated if the country is able to commodify and export it.
Shahryar Khan Baseer
Peshawar
Published in The Express Tribune, January 24th, 2021.
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