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Historical Context
Cannabis has been used in India for centuries, primarily for religious, medicinal, and recreational purposes. References to its use can be found in ancient texts like the Atharva Veda, which according to some scholars dates back to 2000-1400 BCE; however it may be much older as per the recent ongoing discoveries and researches. Cannabis, known locally as “bhang,” “ganja,” and “charas,” was integrated into various aspects of Indian culture and religious practices.
Colonial Period and Early Legislation
- 19th Century: The British East India Company was aware of the widespread use of cannabis in India. In 1893-94, the British government conducted the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report, which concluded that moderate use of cannabis was acceptable and did not warrant a complete ban. However, the report recommended regulated usage and taxation.
Post-Independence Era
- 1950s-1960s: Post-independence, India did not initially move to criminalize cannabis. It continued to be sold openly and was regulated under local laws.
International Pressure and the NDPS Act
- 1961: The turning point came with the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This international treaty sought to combat drug abuse through coordinated international action. The convention listed cannabis among substances to be controlled.
- 1980s: India faced increasing international pressure, particularly from the United States, to align its drug laws with global standards. This culminated in significant legislative changes.
- 1985: The Indian government enacted the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act). This comprehensive law aimed to curb drug trafficking and abuse, and it included provisions for stringent punishment for possession, sale, and production of cannabis, alongside other narcotics and psychotropic substances.
Reasons for the Ban
- 1. International Obligations: India was a signatory to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which mandated the regulation and control of cannabis among other drugs.
- 2. Diplomatic Pressure: The United States, under its “War on Drugs” policy, exerted significant pressure on countries around the world, including India, to adopt stricter drug control measures.
- 3. Public Health Concerns: There was growing concern about the potential health risks associated with the recreational use of cannabis, including its impact on mental health and its potential as a gateway drug.
Implementation and Impact
The NDPS Act classified cannabis resin (charas) and buds (ganja) as illegal substances, while cannabis leaves and seeds (bhang) were regulated but not completely banned. The Act provided for severe penalties, including long prison sentences and hefty fines for violations.
A significant push to reevaluate the legal status of cannabis has emerged in India in recent years, motivated by the trend toward decriminalization and legalization worldwide as well as the growing awareness of the drug’s medical advantages. A number of states have initiated investigations into the feasibility of growing cannabis for both industrial and medicinal uses.
In summary, cannabis was banned in India through the enactment of the NDPS Act in 1985, primarily due to international treaties and diplomatic pressure, as well as concerns over public health. The history of cannabis in India is deeply intertwined with cultural practices, colonial policies, and global drug control frameworks.
The images used in this article are for graphical representation only.
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