By Hifsa Raja ISLAMABAD, March 22 (INP-WealthPK): The Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) has launched new projects for cannabis processing and ginger cultivation in the greenhouse. Cannabis has antioxidant properties because of medicinal effects of CBD (Cannabidiol). CBD can cure some common conditions like pain, stress, anxiety, depression and poor sleep. Director PCSIR Jahangir Shah added that pharmaceutical companies use cannabis due to a wealth of medicinal attributes. He said cannabis had different effects on multiple organs of the body like it stops muscular degeneration of eyes and can treat hypertension and cardiac fibrosis of heart. Explaining medicinal effects on the skin, Jahangir said cannabis reduces skin ageing, sunburn, dermatitis, allergies and asthma. Cannabis has positive effects on Alzheimer’s, stroke, trauma and migraine. It also strengthens the human immune system and can relieve pain in joints and knees. Data suggests that global spending on legal cannabis is expected to reach USD57 billion by 2027. Jahangir told WealthPk that the federal government had legalized industrial hemp production. The decision came after realizing that Pakistan has an abundance of cannabis. Moreover, over one billion USD could be earned from its products to shore up economy. Talking about ginger cultivation, the PCSIR director said this important culinary herb was imported from China and Thailand, as the climate in Pakistan was not suitable for its growth. ‘’If we can grow disease-free ginger in Pakistan, it will help us make it an import substitute. Currently, we’re growing it in the lab. After that we will hand it over to the farmers that can grow it on a wider range. Some ginger has been successfully grown and tested in the field and can yield up to approximately 8 to 10 tons per acre.’’ A report stated that Pakistan completely relies on ginger import by spending USD70 million per annum. On average, the world produces 5.5% ginger, of which 1.5% is produced in the USA. Jahangir Shah told WealthPk that reducing inflammation, stimulating digestion, regulating blood sugar, treating cholesterol levels, preventing cancer and curing asthma are some of the medicinal benefits of ginger. Jahangir Shah further explained that an MOU had been signed between Argentine officials and PCSIR. The proposal, he said, was about how we can use technology for biological purposes and for other bio-technological products. He said through bio-technology, ginger could be altered through genetic engineering. They also talked about technology transfer, how advanced technology can transfer from one place to another. Identification of technical areas of operations is also very important because both countries will need technical professionals for that. The PCSIR officials also emphasized the packaging of food should comply with the international standards for preserving the food nutrients. They also talked about alternative solutions for the food packing problem. Advance technology was also an important topic of discussion like how nanotechnology could be used for increased production and development of food and other fruits. The PCSIR is making efforts to collaborate with other countries for R&D purposes and technology exchange.