These days, such an issue has again come into the center of discussion in the country, on which different opinions have been coming for a long time (NDPS Act). With the court deadline approaching, people’s eyes are now focused on the next step of the government. The debate on this topic among health experts, legal experts and social organizations seems to be more intense than before.
Many people believe that old laws should be reviewed in view of the changing times and global trends, while on the other hand some experts are expressing concern about the risks associated with it. For this reason, this matter has now become not only a legal but also a subject of social and policy debate.
Delhi about five months ago high court had given the central government six months to review the laws related to cannabis and take a policy decision on it. The court had asked the government to discuss with various parties and decide whether there is a need for any relaxation in the existing rules. Now this deadline is approaching July 2026.
What instructions did the court give to the government regarding NDPS Act?
In the order delivered on January 23, the court did not itself decide whether to legalize or illegalize cannabis. Instead, the Central Government was directed to discuss the issue with experts, concerned departments and other parties.
The court said that if a need for change in the rules is felt, then it will be necessary to understand its purpose and impact. Under this, the government has been asked to clarify its stand within a stipulated time.
Why is the demand for changing the law rising?
This matter reached the court through a petition filed by a trust. The petitioners argued that policies regarding cannabis are changing in many countries of the world and scientific research also points towards some of its controlled uses.
The petition also said that the current laws should be reviewed afresh in view of Indian traditional medical practices and the changing global outlook.
What is the government’s stand?
The central government told the court that there is no complete ban on cannabis in India. It is already approved for use under controlled conditions for medical, scientific, industrial and research purposes.
The government also clarified that its cultivation and use can be approved in a controlled manner under certain legal provisions. Therefore, India’s situation cannot be considered like that of countries with complete ban.
How widespread is its use in the country?
According to government data, crores of people in the country have used cannabis products in some form or the other (NDPS Act). This is the reason why this subject is not limited to law only but is also related to public health and social system. Law enforcement agencies have been continuously seizing large quantities of marijuana. In many states, cases of illegal farming and smuggling also come to light from time to time.
In which states illegal farming was found?
Some areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have long been seen as hemp producing areas. Apart from this, illegal farming has also been detected in some parts of Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Investigative agencies say that the methods of smuggling are also changing and now the use of modern means along with interstate networks has increased.
Some exemptions already exist in the law
The same rules do not apply to all cannabis-related products in India. Hemp cultivation for industrial use may be permitted under certain circumstances.
Uttarakhand has already approved industrial hemp cultivation. At the same time, Madhya Pradesh has also talked about taking steps towards controlled cultivation for medical and industrial use. Cannabis is regulated under different regimes in many states and is also believed to be linked to certain cultural and religious traditions.
rapidly changing picture of the world
In the last few years many countries have made changes in their cannabis policy (NDPS Act). Some countries allow medical use, while some have also legalized limited personal use.
This global change is giving a new direction to this debate in India also. Policy experts believe that in view of the changing international trends, the demand for review in India too is natural.
Concern about risks also
However, there are many serious concerns associated with the demand for relaxation in rules. Experts have been continuously warning about issues like increasing access among youth, risk of addiction, road safety and illegal business.
The government has also said before the court that if the monitoring system is not strong then illegal use in the name of medical use may increase. This is why it is being said to be cautious regarding any possible change.
Now everyone’s eyes are on the decision of the Central Government (NDPS Act). In the coming time, it may become clear whether the existing system will continue or limited changes will be made for medical and industrial use. But it is certain that after the court’s direction, the national level debate on cannabis policy is going to intensify.
Comments are closed.