NEPAL TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA FOR MEDICINAL USE, FINANCE MINISTER ANNOUNCES

Why in the news?

  • Nepal will legalize marijuana cultivation and consumption for medicinal purposes.
  • Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun announced this during the budget presentation for the 2024-35 fiscal year.
  • Necessary laws will be developed for commercial marijuana production.
  • Nepal is a signatory to the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961.
  • This convention classifies marijuana as a hard drug, similar to heroin.
source:scribd

About Cannabis Cultivation In India:

  • Cannabis: Group of three psychoactive plants – Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
  • Components: Over 120 cannabinoids, mainly CBD and THC.
  • Terminology: ‘Marijuana’ for leaves; ‘hashish’ for unpollinated female plants; cannabis oil is extracted concentrate.
  • India:Uttarakhand legalized cannabis cultivation in 2017.
  • , controlled in parts of Gujarat, MP, and UP.
  • Law: NDPS Act 1985 bans resin/flower sale, permits leaf/seed use; states regulate further.
  • The AYUSH Ministry permits licensed practitioners and doctors to prescribe cannabis extracts, but only in compound forms due to its toxicity.
Key points about marijuana :

  • Found mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains and Deccan region.
  • Known as Ganzai (Telugu), Ganja (Tamil), Bangi (Kannada).
  • Produces fiber, oil, and narcotics.
  • Bhang is made from seeds and leaves, used in drinks.
  • Hemp-seed oil used in varnish, soft soap, and medicine.
  • Ash treats haematoma in animals.
  • Cultivated in Himachal Pradesh for fiber and seed.
  • Aids paddy seed germination and controls threadworms in nurseries.
  • Leaves treat bee or wasp stings.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/germany-gives-controversial-green-light-to-cannabis/