Hemp, Cannabis News, India, Legalisation

Medical cannabis and World weed day in India

medical cannabis
  • Save
Recent studies have shown the efficacy of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
medical cannabis
  • Save
Should medical cannbis be legalized?

Recent studies have shown the efficacy of cannabis for medicinal purposes. The same has caused an increase in demand for its legalization. This World Cannabis day, 20th April, a need for progressive policies around cannabis is being felt around the world. Bridging the gap between health experts, cannabis specialists and lawmakers will help streamline the system and change the course of cannabis consumption around the world. 

On April 20th, the annual commemoration known as World Cannabis Day or World Weed Day takes place, marking a significant occasion in cannabis culture. Referred to as 420 Day, this unofficial holiday garners participation from cannabis producers, consumers, and advocates worldwide, as they amplify their voices in support of legalizing the plant for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Despite its classification as illegal by federal law in the United States, numerous states within the country have adopted measures to legalize cannabis, either for medicinal use, recreational use, or both, showcasing a progressive shift in their stance.

In India, cannabis is known by numerous names in India, such as weed, marijuana, bhang, charas, and ganja and it has been used for thousands of years for religious and medicinal purposes. However, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985(1), the sale and production of cannabis resin (charas) and flowers (ganja) is prohibited, and possession of these drugs is considered a criminal act.

The definition of cannabis under the NDPS Act, however, doesn’t include cannabis seeds and leaves. “The seeds and leave when not accompanied by the tops have not been included in the definition of cannabis. The Bhang which is an edible preparation of cannabis is also not controlled under the NDPS Act,” it said. 

Given the numerous benefits of medical cannabis, demands for legalising its use for medicinal purposes is growing stronger. In January 2022, the Centre told the Delhi High Court that there’s no complete ban on cannabis use in the country, and that its medical and scientific use is allowed under the law.

“There is no complete ban on cannabis under NDPS Act but can be used for medical, scientific, industrial, horticultural purposes by taking requisite permissions from respective State Governments,” the affidavit filed by Director, Narcotics Control, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance said. 

medical cannabis
  • Save

Legalization of medical cannabis has become a necessity in India 

Shivam Singhee, Co-founder and CEO, AWSHAD says, “The legalization of medical cannabis in India is not an option anymore, in fact it has become a necessity. In order to revolutionize the health sector in the country, there is a need of progressive policies on the use of medical cannabis. Over the years, the health and wellness products derived from cannabis have demonstrated to be game changers and they can provide relief in several day-to-day problems.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *