Italian Army Helps Grow The Best-Quality Medical Marihuana

In Nature by Robert, August 4, 2016

The Italian government has turned to its armed forces to help it grow medicinal marijuana, after street dealers failed to provide weed of a high enough quality. Before, Italy has been importing its medical marijuana from the Netherlands, paying almost double that price.

Medical marijuana is currently available in more than 20 US states, as well as several other countries around the world. In Italy, it is offered to people suffering from multiple sclerosis, those recovering from chemotherapy, and others with chronic pain who have not responded to traditional painkillers.

The main active ingredient in cannabis is a molecule called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system in order to get people stoned. This usually includes a numbing of certain physical sensations, leading to a reduction in pain, as well as an increase in appetite – otherwise known as the munchies – and occasionally, hysterical giggling fits.

Italian Army Helps Grow The Best-Quality Medical Marihuana

“In Italy, medical marihuana is available to those suffering from multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and recovering from chemotherapy“

For its medical grade weed, the Italian government wants to use cannabis with a THC concentration of 20 percent, and made the decision to call in the army back in 2014 to help achieve this. Having been involved in the pharmaceutical industry for over a century, producing medicines for injured soldiers, the military boasts a wealth of medical expertise, and can also offer a level of security that other producers can’t.

“My mission is to produce the best-quality cannabis on an industrial scale at a low price,” explains Medica, who hopes to produce 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of the drug per year for just €8 ($8.87) a gram.

As well as allowing medical marijuana, Italy is considering joining the few countries currently leading the way in drug policy reform by legalizing recreational cannabis. Politicians are set to vote on whether or not to pass a new bill that would decriminalize the possession of up to 15 grams (0.53 ounces) of weed for personal use later this year.

H/T to iflscience

Reshare our content with appropriate credit:

- via Woodz.co (must include a link to the article)

- if it exists, give h/t (specified at the end of our articles)