India’s leading science administrators, namely the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Biotechnology, have united to foster research in herbal drugs. Among the focus of these studies is the extraction of new drugs from marijuana.
The Direction of Cannabis Research
The researchers are readying for India’s first human clinical trials to analyze the impact of cannabis compounds on specific diseases. They aim to verify the effectiveness of marijuana strains in curing ailments like breast cancer and sickle-cell anaemia. Also under consideration are “bioequivalent” drugs, which share similar composition and effect with previously approved marijuana-derived drugs by the U.S. FDA.
The pursuit of the medicinal potential of marijuana aligns with the government’s initiative to develop new drugs from herbs and plants mentioned in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine knowledge systems.
Evidence for Medicinal Cannabis
The push towards clinical trials of cannabis derivatives is reinforced by an increasing body of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis. Its utilisation in the treatment of cancer, multiple sclerosis and a rare but severe form of epilepsy have been vouched for.
Marijuana or Hemp: CBD and THC
Marijuana, also known as hemp and belonging to the cannabis super-family, is currently illegal for commercial cultivation. Nevertheless, it grows as weed in several regions in the country. Uttrakhand, Jammu and recently Uttar Pradesh have sanctioned the restricted cultivation of this plant for medical research.
Marijuana contains two key components: CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD, non-intoxicating and non-euphoric, has demonstrated success in alleviating chronic pain without causing psychoactive side effects. On the other hand, THC serves as the primary psychoactive component of Marijuana.
Regulatory Laws Around Cannabis
Several laws govern the control around cannabis. For example, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychoactive Substances Act of 1985 prohibits commercial cultivation of cannabis, but this prohibition doesn’t extend to an edible preparation called bhang, which is allowed in some states.
On an international level, 1961’s Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is a treaty to restrict the production and supply of specific drugs and those with similar effects except under licence for medical treatment and research.
Marijuana Legalisation Debate
The debate around the legalisation of cannabis is not limited to India. Cannabis is recognised for its medical use in 29 out of the 51 US States, Canada, Australia and about 20 other countries. Despite this acceptance in these regions, in India, cannabis-derived drugs are still illegal and cannot be prescribed by doctors.
The discussion around legalisation also takes into account the cultural and economic significance of cannabis. Advocates argue that legalisation would curb crime, enhance societal security, recognise the plant’s cultural and historical significance, present less health risk compared to alcohol, and open up business and economic opportunities.
Opposition to Legalisation
Despite the arguments in favour, there is significant opposition to marijuana legalisation. Critics claim marijuana can cause mental health issues, acting as a gateway drug leading to the use of more dangerous substances and damaging organs. They also express concerns over the difficulty of enforcing regulations if marijuana becomes commercially available.
Way Forward
The ineffective prohibition of marijuana and its widespread use despite being illegal make a strong case for its legal regulation. Regulating marijuana will ensure the drug is grown safely, packaged and tested in appropriate facilities, and sold by licensed vendors. Tax revenues collected from legal cannabis sales could be used for public education about the risks of cannabis use.
| Key Facts | Description |
|---|---|
| Cannabis Use | India’s first human clinical trials to analyze cannabis-based compounds on diseases such as breast cancer and sickle-cell anemia. |
| Components of Cannabis | Marijuana contains CBD and THC, where CBD provides relief to chronic pain without causing psychoactive side effects. |
| Marijuana Legalisation | Marijuana is recognised for its medical use in 29 out of 51 US States, Canada, Australia, and about 20 other countries. |
| Economic Prospects | The global legal marijuana market is projected to reach $31 billion by 2021. |
Legalization and Regulation
Legalizing marijuana will reduce its trade in the criminal market. Regulation will ensure consumers know what they’re purchasing and able to moderate their intake. Tax collected could be spent on educating people about the risks of cannabis use, mirroring the public service information campaigns on alcohol and tobacco.