Singapore Government Invests in Synthetic Cannabinoid Development
Singapore, a country known for its strict drug laws—including the death penalty for any form of drug trafficking—has announced plans to invest in the development of a new type of synthetic cannabinoid intended for medical use.
The National Research Foundation of Singapore (NRF) informed the media that the government has decided to allocate funds for the creation of synthetic forms of therapeutic cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. More specifically, the development of synthetic cannabinoid medications is just one part of a broader national biotechnology program, which has received about $25 million in funding. Of this amount, approximately $19 million will be directed specifically toward synthetic cannabinoid research.
Through this initiative, the government hopes to attract investment in the region’s high-tech sector, create new businesses, and generate jobs for the local, highly skilled workforce.
Collaboration with National University of Singapore
The foundation, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore, plans to extract cannabinoids from various strains of medical cannabis, which are currently used in the treatment of epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease in some parts of the world. At this stage, scientists are focusing on isolating synthetic forms of THC (the main psychoactive component of cannabis) as well as CBD (a therapeutic compound without significant psychoactive effects) from the plant tissues.
Strict Drug Laws Remain in Place
It is important to note that Singapore’s laws strictly prohibit any form of production, distribution, or consumption of drugs, including cannabis. Possession of large quantities can result in the death penalty by hanging. Not only is the cannabis plant itself banned, but its seeds and other components of so-called “narcotic” plants, such as poppy, are also considered illegal substances.
Global Trends in Synthetic Cannabinoid Research
Other countries, such as the United States—where cannabis remains strictly prohibited at the federal level—have also taken steps to legalize research into synthetic cannabinoids. The U.S. may soon approve a pharmaceutical drug based on CBD, called Epidiolex, for the treatment of rare forms of epilepsy.