A Liège health clinic is now growing cannabis in its own backyard, touting the project's health and environmental benefits.
Belgian start-up CBX Medical has teamed up with health clinic CHC to plant two strains of cannabis across three hectares next to its practice in Hermalle, Liège. Supported by the Walloon Region and in collaboration with the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), the brains behind the idea are keen to educate the general public about the health and environmental advantages of growing cannabis.
"Studies will be carried out in partnership with ULB to create a formula that would be recognised as a medicine," CHC coordinator and algologist (specialising in pain) Frédéric Louis told Belga News Agency.
Louis has been testing CBD, or cannabidiol, on some of his patients for several years, with some success, to reduce the need for painkillers and opioids. He has observed an improvement in their quality of life, particularly in patients suffering from sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and neurological pain.
Medicinal cannabis, as opposed to recreational cannabis, does not contain the psychotropic substance THC. Users will therefore not develop dependence on the drug. Signs next to the plot explain the project's purpose and benefits to passers-by.
Cannabis cultivation also bodes well for the environment, according to CHC. The plant absorbs up to 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare and enriches soil qualities. In this way, the project "enables CHC's land to be put to good use," says clinic director Nicolas Desmyter.
The first harvest is expected in mid-September, when the future of the project will be evaluated.
