The UN Commission on Narcotic Drug has voted to reclassify cannabis recognising it a narcotic that is not dangerous. India voted in favour of the decision. Will India now legalize cannabis in the country?
In the recent advances made by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Cannabis has been recognized as a narcotic that is not dangerous. The vote was in favor of removing cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the Single Convention on narcotic drugs, 1961. Cannabis had been in this schedule for 59 years and these restrictions generally discouraged its use for medical purposes. The Single Convention is the main international treaty related to Cannabis sativa L. and its src="https://itshemp.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pexels-binoid-cbd-3689223-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5725463" width="420" height="525"/>
WHAT UN’S CANNABIS DECISION MEAN?
This decision will open doors for research into the deeper understanding of cannabis and its related substances. Reclassification of cannabis and cannabis resin will remove some international procedural barriers especially for research and development of cannabis-based medical products according to national regulatory frameworks. The change in status of cannabis will not affect its non-medical use or promote legalization, as it remains under strict international control. Cannabis and cannabis resin will now be classified as having a similar degree of abuse and dependence potential as medicines such as morphine and oxycodone.
UN’S CANNABIS DECISION FROM INDIA’S PERSPECTIVE
India abstained from providing an official explanation for its vote, but according to reliable sources, it is understood that India’s stance was rooted in the belief that the medical applications of cannabis hold significant potential. However, it should be noted that the recreational use of cannabis remains strictly prohibited in India. India’s vote in favour of reclassification of cannabis and cannabis resin, is a promising turn of event that hints towards a more accepting stance of India towards Cannabis. This will open doors for cannabis education, research and medicines in the future India.
