Rupesh Samant

Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji: Summing up the controversy over the permission to cultivate Cannabis (Marijuana) as a medicinal plant, State Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the Goa government is “not taking ahead” the issue.

“Goa government is not taking ahead the issue of allowing Cannabis to be cultivated as Medicinal Plant in the state,” Sawant said.

The Chief Minister said that there was “unnecessary” controversy created over the issue by “some factions”.

“Indian Institute of Integrated Medicines has sent proposal to various state governments to allow cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purpose,” he said.

Sawant said that a similar proposal was received by the Goa government, which went through various departments.

“Governemnt had not agreed for the proposal. As a process it was sent through various departments,” he said.

Sawant said that four to five states have already permitted cultivation of Cannabis for medicinal purpose.

State Law Minister Nilesh Cabral had told reporters that his department had vetted the file permitting such plantation in the state.

The issue had raised a storm in the state with opposition parties condemning state government’s move to allow cultivation of cannabis.