https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/weed-energy-baba-ramdev-s-patanjali-wants-marijuana-legal-in-india-339252.htmlThe United States, where cannabis is legal in some states, already has a burgeoning $8 billion cannabis economy. In Canada, where medicinal marijuana is legal, cannabis sale account for as much as 0.2 per cent of the GDP.
In western markets, parts of the cannabis plants are being used for fibre for cloth or some kinds of oils. Similarly, we are doing some research to see that the harmful or intoxicating properties are removed and then it is used, Balkrishna added.
According to a recent study by Israel-based marijuana firm, Seedo, Delhi and Mumbai were among the top ten cities with highest consumption of marijuana.
At a TEDx event, held recently in Panckula, Balkrishna put his weight behind legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, and for opening business and employment opportunities in India.
"Research is already on. It has been found that much of it (cannabis plant) is good for health. But, toxic parts, like THC, need to be removed from cannabis oil," he said.
Balkrishna said seeds of the plant were useful, the fibre could be used for clothes, and the plant's controlled cultivation could help India raise a new industry altogether. "By criminalizing marijuana, we are denying a full-fledged business opportunity to our people," he said.
