NRI to conduct research on marijuana

The National National
Attorney-General and secretary for Justice Dr Eric Kwa (left) and PNG NRI acting director Dr Osborne Sanida in Port Moresby on Friday at the signing the agreement for research into the effects of the use of hemp (marijuana/cannabis) in the country. – Picture supplied

By CHARLES MOI
THE PNG National Research Institute (PNGNRI) will conduct a research into the effects of the use of hemp (marijuana/cannabis) in the country.
This follows the signing of an agreement between the institute and the Department of Justice and Attorney-General through the National Narcotics Bureau in Port Moresby on Friday.
“A couple of our leaders have been asking the board to consider whether we could commercially grow and develop products from hemp,” Attorney-General and secretary for Justice Dr Eric Kwa said.
“We thought that it would be prudent for us to get a proper research and proper information before we respond to our leaders.
“Our people need to know that the use of hemp wherever is not just a matter of simple smoking or using it for clothing or for cosmetics.
“It also impacts on our image internationally because it might also affect the issue of money laundering and illegal trade.”