How Cannabis and Opium Poppies Became National Security Issues

Published On Oct 7, 2024, 5:00 AM

Bright Green, a company led by Gurvinder Singh, is set to cultivate cannabis and opium poppies in New Mexico to produce raw materials for pharmaceuticals that treat pain, depression, and anxiety. They have received a rare DEA license to grow these crops for research and federally approved medicine production. The initiative aligns with a federal push to ensure self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical ingredient production due to concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities. The Biden administration is supporting domestic production along similar lines as with computer chips and electric vehicles, emphasizing the importance of securing crucial product supply chains in the U.S.