Somewhere it is legal for medical use, somewhere it is completely banned…from India to China, Japan, Israel, such are the rules regarding cannabis

There has been a discussion about legalizing marijuana in India for a long time. Recently, the statement of Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari has created anger among the saints on one hand and on the other hand has once again started a new debate about the use of marijuana. In fact, Afzal Ansari has said that the government should give license for the use of marijuana like bhang.

He said that lakhs of people in India smoke ganja and consider it as God's prasad, so it should be legalized. The MP from Akhilesh Yadav's party says that just like consuming alcohol and cannabis is legal, ganja should also be legalized. His statement has heated up the politics of India. On the other hand, the debate on legalizing the medical use of ganja has also started again.

What are the laws regarding marijuana in India?

Cultivation or consumption of marijuana is completely prohibited in India, yet many times people are caught consuming or selling it. Action is taken against such people under the NDPS Act. Actually, earlier marijuana could also be used openly in India, but after 1985, the Rajiv Gandhi government banned it. Rajiv government banned the cultivation and consumption of marijuana under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 1985.

Is marijuana used only for intoxication ?

Tetrahydrocannabinol is found in marijuana, which is called THC, it is used for intoxication. Like other plants, it also has stem, leaves, fruit and seeds. From which cannabis and marijuana are made. The male species of this plant is called cannabis and the female species is called marijuana. Ganja is prepared by drying the flowers, leaves and roots of the female plant because it contains more amount of THC. On the other hand, cannabis is prepared by grinding the leaves of the male plant.

People across the world earn lakhs of rupees by cultivating cannabis. But it is not only used for intoxication but also for making medicines. Diseases like epilepsy are treated through it. Apart from this, some symptoms seen in the body after chemotherapy can also be prevented with the help of medical cannabis. This is the reason why limited use of cannabis has been legalized in many countries around the world.

In which countries is marijuana banned?

In most European countries, only medical marijuana has been legalized, that is, it can be used only for the treatment of a disease, but recreational marijuana is not allowed. Whereas in Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran and Indonesia, it is completely banned.

The use of marijuana is prohibited under the US federal law, but in 37 states, marijuana can be used only after a doctor prescribes it. In many states of America, marijuana has been considered legal for two diseases related to epilepsy. There are many states in the country that have made the consumption of marijuana legal.

Use of marijuana is permitted in these countries

Cannabis is completely legal in the Netherlands, apart from this, in Justin Trudeau's country Canada, people above 18 years of age can keep 30 grams of marijuana, apart from this adults are also allowed to plant 4 plants at their home. In South Africa too, adults can use marijuana but its consumption in public places is prohibited.

In Germany, the process of legalizing the use and cultivation of marijuana began about a year ago. According to the new law, people will be able to use and cultivate it there. Its purpose is to prevent the black marketing of marijuana and crimes related to drugs.

Provision of punishment in Japan's new law

In Japan, cannabis is legal for medical use, while preparations are being made to bring its recreational use under the criminal category. The government's decision will come into effect from December 12. While cultivation of cannabis or its consumption was illegal earlier, now a provision of a jail sentence of up to 7 years has been made through the new law.

Talking about the statistics, last year 6482 people were investigated in criminal cases related to marijuana in Japan, more than 70 percent of these cases were related to teenagers and young people of 20 years of age. Although Japan will approve its use for medical products, such medicines will be used only for clinical trials.

In what things is hemp used in China?

Consumption of hemp is prohibited in China, but it is used to make everything from thread to cloth. Cloth made from hemp has anti-bacterial-anti-viral properties. It is sold all over the world. Apart from this, hemp leaves are also used to make cosmetics like serums, sunscreens, and creams. Although China has a history of using some traditional medicines made from hemp, hemp cannot be used for medical and recreational purposes there. Under the PRC Criminal Law in China, it is classified in the category of heroin, opium, morphine, and cocaine.

Israel is the hub of cannabis research

Israel is known worldwide for its development and research in the cannabis industry. In Israel, the rules for conducting clinical trials and research for the medical use of cannabis have been simplified. Israel began to establish its dominance in this field in the 1960s when Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam helped identify the structure and function of important elements of cannabis. He is credited with opening up the field of cannabis science.

In Israel, in 2017, right-wing leader Sharon Haskel played a major role in decriminalizing marijuana, calling it a public health issue. Although Israel legalized marijuana for medical use in 1990, recreational use is prohibited, although, unlike India, there is no provision for severe punishment for being caught possessing or consuming marijuana.