The Government plans to introduce legislation shortly to legalise the planting and export of cannabis, State Minister Sisira Jayakody told Parliament yesterday. 

He said cannabis is used for medicinal purposes, including for the treatment of several diseases, such as certain types of cancer, and hence, there is a demand internationally.

“It has been proven by Ayurveda medicine that cannabis helps in the treatment of certain diseases and is also widely used in many countries. Therefore, we intend to seek the approval of the House to grow and export these plants,” the State Minister said.

He also said more emphasis must be paid promote Ayurveda medicine.

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