The German government has approved a draft law permitting the purchase and possession of recreational cannabis. Adults can hold up to 25g of cannabis and cultivate up to 3 personal plants. Cannabis, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, contains psychoactive compounds like THC. Despite Germany’s progressive move, India maintains strict regulations on cannabis. In India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), deems cannabis consumption illegal, except for bhang in some states. Legal battles, like the distinction between bhang and cannabis, and challenges to the NDPS Act’s cannabis ban, shape the legal landscape.
Prelims pointer
- Cannabis: A general term for psychoactive products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, including marijuana and hashish.
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The main psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for its intoxicating effects.
- Marijuana: A term, often associated with cannabis leaves and plant material, derived from the Mexican Spanish word “marihuana.”
- Bhang: An edible preparation made from cannabis leaves, seeds, and flowers, traditionally consumed in India during festivals.
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act): Indian legislation that regulates the production, sale, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.