Legalization of Cannabis

Legalization of Cannabis 

Author- Mreedu Singh, Symbiosis Law School, Pune 

Cannabis or marijuana is the drug that attracts the most interest from all. For students, it's a break from the brutal worst realities; for parents, it's an absolute nightmare because they fear that their children will be indulge. According to proponents, it is a medicine that purports to treat cancer, and according to Indian law, it falls somewhere in the middle. Although handling, using, exchanging, and using marijuana has been deemed illegal in India, the drug is nevertheless known to be widely used but controversial substance. 

Indian culture has long incorporated cannabis. It has a strong spiritual foundation, especially in Hinduism, where Lord Shiva is linked to it. Bhang, a beverage containing cannabis, is frequently consumed during celebrations like Holi and Mahashivratri. The Atharvaveda, the 4th book of the Vedas, contains the oldest mention of cannabis and lists it as one of the "five realms of herbs which relieve us from anxiety." 

Cannabis has been shown to be particularly effective in battling a number of cancers, soothe children with disabilities, particularly those who have autism spectrum disorder. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana helps in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, it aids in the treatment of conditions including Parkinson's and glaucoma. Cannabis also controls the body's insulin levels, keeping its users from developing diabetes. The psychoactive compound CBD found in cannabis plants aids in preserving bone density, which is a serious issue for Indian seniors, particularly women. Another benefit of marijuana is that it can relieve cancer patients' or HIV/AIDS patients' appetite loss, severe pain from chemo, control epileptic seizures and can also give relief in arthritis. According to some research, marijuana may even be able to prevent nightmares, boost creativity, and keep a person's figure in check.

It will boost tax revenue for the government. Taxing marijuana would generate significant revenue for the government, accelerating GDP growth. Cannabis is grown in Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where some villagers rely solely on it for revenue. It has previously been established rationally that Maryjane is less harmful than alcohol. Stoners refrain from reckless actions and destructive disputes, in contrary to drunks. When they are weedaffected, they exhibit all the typical characteristics of being pleasant and receptive.

Nearly no additional variables should be taken into account for authorizing marijuana. Any person over 25 must only be allowed to possess marijuana for recreational purposes, according to rules that government will create. 

The Marijuana Policy Project, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Washington University School of Medicine scholars, and the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) investigation have all discovered that there has been an 11–12% decrease in teen marijuana use in the states where the drug has been legalized.

Marijuana is somewhat less hazardous than other actual medications like morphine, cocaine, LSD, ayahuasca, and alcohol. India, unlike a few other nations across the globe, has never seen cannabis as unsuitable. The governing body might eventually have to re-approve it after all is said and done. With the legalization of medical marijuana, the nation is undeniably progressing, and it seems that the modern hemp industry will expand as well.

Cannabis has long been a part of Indian culture, and the government is also aware of its widespread use. Due to influence from abroad, particularly the USA, India made marijuana use a criminal offence. However, several western nations, including the USA, are currently legalizing marijuana use and are taking the necessary procedures. In addition, India ought to rethink the NDPS Act's provisions and work with nations like the USA and Canada to relegalize marijuana.