In the Ak-Suu district of Kyrgyzstan, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) supported the eradication of wild cannabis on July 24, 2015. More than 15 tons of wild cannabis were destroyed as part of efforts to combat the illegal cultivation and trafficking of cannabis in the region. This operation was a significant step towards reducing the availability of wild cannabis and preventing its use for illicit purposes.
Wild cannabis, also known as "ditch weed" or feral hemp, is a strain of cannabis that grows in the wild without human intervention. It is often considered a nuisance by authorities due to its low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, and its potential to be mistaken for industrial hemp. Despite its low potency, wild cannabis can still be used for various purposes, including the production of fiber, oil, and other products.
In recent years, wild cannabis has become a growing concern in Kyrgyzstan and other countries where it has spread unchecked. The plant's ability to thrive in diverse environments and resist eradication efforts has made it a persistent problem for law enforcement agencies and local communities. UNODC's support for the eradication of wild cannabis in Kyrgyzstan is part of a larger effort to address the challenges posed by illicit drug cultivation and trafficking in the region.