Experiment to grow narcotic-free cannabis in Siberia ends in a puff of smoke

But scientists say the plan has ended in failure due to soil and climatic conditions in the Siberian republic of Buryatia. The Anti-Drug Commission of Buryatia admitted that the neutral hemp became strongly narcotic in the 3 hectare experiment. 

'We planted seeds of various types, with and without fertilisers,' said Nimazhap Badmayev, a scientist involved in the project. 'Our climate is extremely continental, with low precipitation. So the plant adapts itself to our dry climate by increasing the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

'No matter how much of this nice foreign hemp you plant, our local conditions will force it out.'

The experiment was aimed at eradicating wild cannabis, growing in abundance in the area, reported  the Baikal Daily news site.

Undaunted, officials have launched another tender worth $11,000 in their aim for a cannabis free plant in Buryatia.