Cannabis

Cannabis is a type of flowering plant belonging to the family Cannabaceae. It is commonly known as marijuana and is recognized for its psychoactive properties. The plant is divided into three primary species: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. While often associated with recreational use, cannabis is largely used for medical and other purposes.

Uses of Cannabis

• Medical purposes
• Domestic purposes
• Religious purposes

Medical Purposes

Scientific research supports that cannabis can be beneficial for treating several medical conditions. It is commonly used to alleviate chronic pain, control nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, improve appetite, and reduce anxiety.

Conditions that may be treated with medical cannabis include:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington's Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscle Spasms
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson's Disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Epileptic Seizures

Domestic Purposes

Historically, cannabis has been used for making products such as shoes, ropes, clothing, and even food items. In regions like Himachal Pradesh (India), cannabis fibers were traditionally used to create handmade goods. The seeds were used for oil and sweets. However, modern laws now restrict cannabis farming due to concerns about drug abuse and trafficking.

Reasons for banning cannabis cultivation include:

• Drug addiction in society
• Illegal smuggling

Why Was Cannabis Illegalized in India?

India resisted global pressure to ban cannabis until 1985. The United States had been campaigning for a worldwide ban on all drugs since 1961. Although cannabis was culturally integrated into Indian life, by the 1980s, global opinion shifted due to rising drug problems. Under this pressure, the Rajiv Gandhi government introduced the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 1985, making cannabis illegal in most forms.

Examples of Domestic Cannabis Use

• Handmade mats
  
• Shoes
  
• Ropes
  

Religious Purpose of Cannabis

In Indian religious culture, cannabis is closely associated with Lord Shiva, believed to favor it as a sacred substance. While scriptures mention Shiva consuming poison during Samudra Manthan (Halahal), cannabis is commonly offered in temples and remains legal for religious use in India.

Global Cannabis Legalization

Fully Legal

• Colombia
• Netherlands
• Panama
• Spain
• Uruguay
• United States*

Legal for Medicinal Use

• Canada
• Macedonia
• Puerto Rico
• Serbia
• United States*

Decriminalized

• Argentina
• Australia*
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bolivia
• Cambodia
• Germany
• Greece
• India*
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Malta
• Mexico
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Portugal
• Russia
• Slovenia
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• United States*

Tolerated or Unenforced

• Belize
• Botswana

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cannabis

Advantages

• Chronic pain relief
• Improves lung function
• Helps control and prevent diabetes
• Fights certain types of cancer
• Helps treat depression
• Reduces anxiety
• Aids in weight loss
• Supports economic development through hemp products

Disadvantages

• Excessive use can be harmful to health
• Potential for addiction and abuse
• Negative social impact if misused

Is Cannabis Good or Bad?

The answer depends on how it is used. When directed responsibly, cannabis can provide medical relief, economic opportunity, and even spiritual value. However, if misused, it can lead to addiction, legal problems, and social harm. In underdeveloped countries, controlled cannabis cultivation and use could provide a significant economic boost—if managed with care and regulation.