The stigma and misinformation surrounding Cannabis, birthed by authoritarian culture, has set a thick blanket over the advantages Cannabis offers – without the need for much processing.
The government must realize how much potential Cannabis has in India when regulated. If positioned right, the plant can single-handedly boost the Indian economy.

Local sales and the export of Cannabis in its various forms will entail a much-needed jolt of culture and wealth back to Indian society.
Vague and biased information won’t cut it – the use of Cannabis can only be allowed in India with the aid of solid facts.
We must remember that it is the law that is fueling the stigma, and while the rest of the world moves to take full advantage of this plant, Indian law classifies it as a narcotic.

Current Laws And Discrepancies

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act currently prohibits the cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, transfer, storage, and consumption of Cannabis in any of its forms (except as fiber or seed).

Penalties of up to Rs. 10,000, sometimes coupled with a jail term of 6 months, are the minimum punishment for carrying small quantities of Cannabis. Cultivation invites a 10- to 30-year prison sentence – which is very harsh considering the harmless nature of the plant.

The law completely ignores the circumstances of the farmers, for example, in the villages of the the Ukhrul district in Manipur. As mentioned in a study by Vino Raman, the main economic activity of the respondents in the study was Cannabis cultivation. Majority of the households involved in the study were could not depend on the market for food or other items, and 10% of the respondents earned no income other than from Ganja cultivation.

The villagers must risk their lives on a daily basis in an attempt to earn a living. All other crops grown in the village are only for domestic consumption, because the poor road connectivity and high transport costs make it impossible (Rs. 2500 – Rs. 3000 for a one way trip!) for the villagers to sell their produce to other villages. They must share produce to feed themselves and often work without incentive labour to grow Cannabis and sell it to visitors for survival.

In a lot of other places in India, communities are cut off from the world and since no other plant grows on the land, they must resort to cultivating Cannabis to feed themselves. Regulation of Cannabis can not only help the government generate funds, but it can also help push these families with their centuries-old knowledge about the crop out of poverty.

Clash Between Drugs And Cosmentics Act 1940 And NDPS Act 1985

Although the acts may not be intended to clash with one another, they pragmatically do. Here’s how.

The Parliament enacted The Drugs and Cosmetics Act in 1940, and The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act was enacted later on in 1985. However, according to Section 80 of the NDPS Act, The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, is not barred. Section 80 also states that the provisions of the NDPS Act and the rules made thereunder shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

The issue here is that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act defines manufacturing, manufacturing for sale, and sale and distribution of marijuana as an offence. On the other hand, the NDPS Act makes mere possession a crime. While some facets of the law argue that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act was enacted earlier, and hence should override this provision of the NDPS Act, others believe that possession is also to be criminalized because of the NDPS Act.

There is also a lot of confusion about the provisions of the NDPS Act as it currently stands.

Section 50 of the NDPS Act states that a person can be searched in the presence of a Gazetted Officer. If the raiding team has a Gazetted Officer, the individual is to be informed of their right to be produced before another Gazetted Officer or Magistrate.

However, according to Section 41 of the act, the provisions of Section 50 only apply when the officer himself is not a Gazetted Officer.

Therefore, Gazetted Officers empowered by Section 41 of the act may freely search anybody and the individual does not have a right to be produced before another Gazetted Officer or Magistrate.

The clash between the Acts is not the only problem – the clashes within the NDPS Act also lead to unjust practices.

If we go back and look at the Ahmed versus Gujarat State case, we’ll see because of the provisions given to Gazetted Officers, Ahmed was denied his request of being taken to the Magistrate for being searched.

He was sentenced rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and imposed a fine of one lakh rupees for possession of 9 grams of charas.

This is only one example of thousands of cases where people are denied their rights.

Regulation, Legalization, And Decriminalization

To legalize something is to make something previously illegal legal. In our context, decriminalization also means the same thing.

However, to regularize something is to create a system to ensure that every party follows and is protected by the law.

Regularizing Cannabis is the only way to ensure that people buying and selling Cannabis in any form or capacity is protected.

Forming new legislation will define and protect the fortify of stakeholders – the state, the companies, the farmers, and the consumer – just like in the case of the Opium Act, 1857.

The Properties Of Cannabis

The Opium Act enables farmers to cultivate Poppy under the government’s supervision, and the fact that the plant can be processed to create a dangerous, addictive drug like heroin is accepted and dealt with.

Cannabis, on the other hand, doesn’t harm the body in any way, and the stigma that Cannabis consumption leads to insanity is baseless and plain wrong.

Only because of its narcotic-like properties, the benefits of the plant are overlooked.

Farmers must risk their well-being to procure and sell the plant, and those in pain, suffering from illnesses like epilepsy, and undergoing Cancer treatment must go without the proper medication.

India’s millennia-old history with Cannabis isn’t enough for the government to amend the law of the land.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/IgicVQTX86s

Our Way Out

Pushing for separate legislation for Cannabis seems like our best way out.

The U.S.A. and Canada have generated billions of dollars in revenue after regularizing and taxing Cannabis. Crime rates have ebbed, and medication for mental health issues, Cancer, and other illnesses are now available to anyone who needs them.

Considering India’s large workforce, and the potential for this plant to become a cash crop, we can conclusively say that Cannabis can not only help us heal better, but it can also help lift a large part of the country out of poverty.

But this is not all.

Legalizing Cannabis can help curb the drug menace by giving government control over those who procure the plant.

If the substance is controlled and the people taken good care of, the drug market will fade away on its own, driving poor farmers out of poverty on its way out.

Legalizing the recreational use of Cannabis is a long fight, but our first steps should focus on helping the country’s farmers both legally and economically.

How Individuals Can Help

Aside from the central government’s restrictions, state governments have separate laws in place that prevent the cultivation and use of Cannabis. For instance, Maharashtra has a law called “The Maharashtra Prohibition Act” that bars the cultivation or sale of substances like opium and hemp.

Advocates can try and file cases at their own levels, since getting an order from a state government will entail a domino effect.

Other advocates can then use the order as an example, and ask other state governments to lift restrictions. In this way, the plant will slowly but surely be free from stigma since many will be lifted out of poverty and pain.

Lifting the thick blanket of stigma and misinformation alone will take a lot of time, and hence, now is the time for every advocate to act and push for new legislation for Cannabis regardless of what state they’re in.

 Cannabis Sativa L. (“Cannabis” or “Hemp”) originates from the Himalayan regions. Cannabis consists of two subspecies commonly known as cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. Within central legislation, both cannabis and hemp are defined as the same, hence the terms can be used interchangeably.

Robin Dey, Director of Finance of Hempcorp has always had a thirst for entrepreneurial activities, consequently starting several business ventures. More recently working in blockchain technology, financial services and real estate related industries.

Presently, there are many restrictions imposed on the cultivation, processing, and use of cannabis. We are at a juncture where the Indian cannabis industry needs to be assessed and developed independently, rather than in conjunction with our western counterparts.

It is generally accepted that cannabis has over 25,000 uses, including medicines, industrial textiles, consumer textiles, paper, building materials, food, industrial products, biofuels, bioplastics, and many more. Environmentally, compared to other crops, it is more resistant to insects and diseases. It regenerates soil, assists in absorbing carbon dioxide, and is ideal for crop rotation.

Various uses:

#1 Studies have shown it to reduce calorie consumption in people with diabetes, effectively treating high blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. It is rich in arginine, an amino acid that increases the production of nitric oxide, which has been further studied to better the performance by 19-22% in weight lifting.

#2 The Journal of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment confirmed that the consumption of cannabis seed powder assists in the treatment of breast cancer, making cannabis seeds an excellent source of protein for cancer patients.

#3 Cannabis extract has been extensively researched to help with severe medical conditions such as epilepsy, cancer, pain management, multiple sclerosis, skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, brain, and heart conditions.

Oncology Nutritionist and founder of Holi Herb Anushka Kapadia is witnessing a rising school of thought which believes, as per available evidence, that cannabis seed protein powder is better than the protein powders generally available in the market.

Studies show that commercial whey protein, when taken for more extended periods, can destabilise the gut bacteria causing gastrointestinal disorders and leaky gut, thereby leading to autoimmune diseases. Excessive consumption can lead to kidney failure, cardiac arrest, disturbing heartbeat rhythm, and in some cases, a complete loss of heart functionalities.

Individuals with thyroid problems and autoimmune conditions are highly intolerant to soy. Also, groundnuts are often contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). In comparison, cannabis seed protein powder, which is cold-pressed, unrefined, and a safer alternative to commercial whey protein powders, are hypoallergenic, unlike other protein powders, which are derived from an allergic source such as dairy, soy, and peanuts.

Cannabis Regulation in India

There are already thousands of acres of cannabis being cultivated across India. However, the produce is mostly cultivated illegally and sold through black market channels, which, in turn, puts pressure on the already overcrowded judicial system of India.

Cannabis is presently legal for industrial, medical, and scientific purposes. State governments should become more progressive by implementing standardised cannabis licensing policy in a timely fashion via the powers given to the state under the Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances Act. As a consequence of being proactive, states such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur and West Bengal are making progress.

Regulating cannabis will liberate us in many different aspects. India registered 11,60,000 cancer cases in 2018, according to GLOBOCAN, the WHO’s cancer-mapping program. The regulation of cannabis will help those people who cannot afford modern cancer treatments.

Further, it will create new jobs, new opportunities for business, tax revenues for the government, and help the farmers. It will help to contain the flow of cannabis through illegal black market channels.

According to Kshetrimayum Brojendro Singh (the co-founder of Hempistani who is taking efforts on generating cannabis awareness for the general public through digital platforms while providing consumers a central access point for the best cannabis-based products), if farmers in the drought-prone regions are allowed to cultivate cannabis, which requires a lesser amount of water, fertiliser, and care to grow, then our growing protein consumption could assist in gaining higher revenues for their production in the Indian markets as well as in foreign markets, which will eventually help the rural economy to boom.

There is a need for policymakers to act swiftly and assist in creating a self-sufficient and beneficial cannabis economy for the Indian industrial ecosystem. It has been projected that the cannabis industry would add $40 billion to the US economy by 2021 and would provide 4,14,000 jobs. Trade in Canada is expected to grow to $6.5 billion by 2020, while in Europe, it is expected to be worth £106 billion by 2028.

India can also successfully build a billion-dollar cannabis industry with the help of a regulated cannabis market and by giving desired support to farmers who cultivate cannabis. It should be accessible to all.

Due to baseless concerns and factors that are irrelevant in this millennia, people in India are deprived of the benefits this plant offers. It is a powerful plant that can grow quickly. It is also super low maintenance and can be used to make clothes, paper, and animal feed. The chemicals it naturally produces have a ton of medicinal benefits.

People in India are not just missing out on the physical benefits the plant has to offer, the country is also missing an opportunity to be a part of a booming billion-dollar industry.

According to a New Frontier Data report, Global State of Hemp: 2019 Industry Outlook, the hemp industry is booming and is expected to be worth over $145 billion by 2025.

Here are 16 more reasons why it should be legalized

#1 India Has A Rich History With Cannabis

Hemp has a rich history in India. It has been mentioned in the Atharva Veda as one of the five essential plants that helps one relax and relieve anxiety.

The Atharva Veda was written around 1000 B.C., giving India a cultural background that originated over 3000 years ago.

Lord Shiva, who is a part of the Holy Trinity of Gods, is known as the Lord of Bhang.

Even today, bhang, a derivative of the cannabis plant made from its leaves and seeds are used across India on festive occasions like Holi and Maha Shivratri in the form of bhang pills and lassi.

Although we’re legally allowed to partake in (a small portion of) our culture in this way, limits placed hinder the development of our economy and the advancement of medicine.

There are three main discrepancies between India’s cultural background and its current legislation. It is illegal to use:

• Charas – the resin extracted from the Cannabis
• Ganja – the flower/fruit of the plant
• Any mixture of these prohibited forms of Cannabis

Let us further discuss how lifting these barriers will impact the economy and medicine.

#2 It Is The Foundation Of A Better Economy

India is primarily an agrarian country. Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the Indian Economy and accounts for 18% of India’s GDP.

Over 50% of India’s population is involved in agriculture. The main crops cultivated in India are rice, maize, wheat, pulses, and millets.

Allowing the cultivation of Cannabis will give the agricultural sector a much-needed boost.

It will open up a ton of avenues that will generate a lot of income and propel the economy forward as nothing else has.

This brings us to the next point.

#3 Hemp Has Over 50,000 Applications

Hemp is a versatile plant. It can be used to make clothes, dietary supplements, and even pet food.

According to New Frontier Data, hemp has applications in seven major product sectors.

Hemp can replace synthetic materials in our clothes. Since it can be produced cheaply, it is a viable replacement for harmful chemicals in soaps, beauty products, and dietary supplements.

Allowing the cultivation of hemp also removes the need for importing alternative substances. Manufacturers will prefer to source their hemp from local vendors. It will keep the cost of products low and increase the quality of the final product.

#4 Hemp Fibres Are A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

The current value of the global hemp fiber industry alone is $4.6 billion, and is projected to grow to a tremendous $26.6 billion by 2025!

It translates to having a compound annual growth rate of 34%. Lifting restrictions will allow the Indian economy to rekindle and will jumpstart a whole new industry.

Hemp fibers exhibit great strength, and according to this study of the physical and mechanical properties of hemp fibers, the fibers have a specific strength and stiffness that can be compared to glass fibers.

Using hemp fibers as an alternative to other materials will make for stronger, more durable clothing.

Not only are they strong, but they also give the weaver the flexibility to create anything from dresses to sacks and shoes with ease.

Lastly, hemp fibers are very eco-friendly. They are naturally resistant to insects and pests, improve the quality of soil wherever grown, and they can be grown with ease in any climate.

#5 It Can Eradicate Unemployment

The unemployment issue is at its peak in India. A whopping 8.45% of the Indian population is currently unemployed.

Introducing a new, hot industry like hemp to the market will create avenues that can almost completely eradicate the unemployment problem.

Hemp has multiple uses. Therefore, the hemp industry as a whole will be multi-faceted.

As previously mentioned, the cultivation of this one plant will bring change in seven major industries.

Allowing the cultivation of hemp will create millions of jobs in:

• Agriculture
• Research
• Manufacturing
• Processing
• Small- and large-scale industries
• Recycling
• Transport
• Packaging
• Trade
• Commercial business, and many more.

#6 It Can Help Reduce Organised Drug Trade

According to the 2018 annual report by the International Narcotics Control Board, India is one of the major hubs for drug trafficking.

Legalizing hemp will remove the need for trafficking, and will significantly reduce profitability for smugglers. As a result, drug trafficking will weed itself out on its own.

The claim is not baseless. Let us take the circumstances in the USA as an example.

Post legalization of Cannabis in 2018, border patrol agents in the USA seized 78% less marijuana than they did in 2013.

Also, the value of any drugs seized by the agents fell by 70%!

Legalizing, it will have a ripple effect, which will also reduce other criminal activity associated with illicit production and smuggling of Cannabis.

#7 Hemp Has Superior Healing Qualities

Hemp has a lot of health benefits. It can:

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases – It has alpha-linolenic acid, which significantly reduces the chances of cardiovascular disease. It also has arginine, which dilates blood vessels and reduces CRP.
• Protect the brain from inflammation – Hemp seeds have polyphenols that help circumvent inflammation of the brain. This, in turn, makes the person more resistant to life-altering ailments like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
• Protect your skin – According to a 2014 study, hemp protects the skin from infections and offers effective treatment for skin diseases like dermatitis and eczema.
• Help reduce weight – Hemp seeds are filling, and one spoonful in the morning will reduce cravings throughout the day. The seeds are also very rich in protein, making them the next best thing after meat and eggs.
• Protect from complications of menopause – Hemp seeds have high GLA levels, which protects women from complications that may arise from menopause.

#8 It Is A Natural Stress Reliever

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 110 million people die each year due to stress.

The symptoms of stress include:

• Headaches
• Chest pain
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks

Cannabis can help reduce stress.

According to a study published in 2018, Cannabis helps alleviate stress and is an effective treatment for depression.

Additionally, a Harvard Mental Health Letter published in 2010 suggests that medical marijuana helps relieve anxiety when administered in small doses.

On a lighter note, a recent study reports that cannabis users feel more fulfilled, satisfied, and happy in general.

#9 It Is A Natural & Non-Toxic Medicine

Hemp is a powerful and non-toxic plant and has been used as medicine throughout our history.

The first recorded medical use was in ancient China, where it was used for pain relief and as an anesthetic. The Romans also used it for relieving pain and for curing stomach ailments.

In a first, the FDA approved a cannabis-based pharmaceutical in 2018. However, the use of cannabis-based medicine is not as widespread as it can be.

Post legalization in the USA, 41% of cannabis users reported in a reduction of use in over-the-counter medication.

Furthermore, 39% of consumers reported using Cannabis instead of prescription medication.

The stats indicate that Cannabis is more effective at relieving pain than chemically-loaded medication is. Also, Cannabis does not have any side effects, making it a superior choice.

#10 Hemp Products Are Eco-Friendly

According to a study by the Stockholm Environment Institute in 2005, hemp takes a lot less water to grow than cotton does. Its growth is also not limited by climate like cotton and can be grown in any environment.

Additionally, hemp is naturally resistant to insects and pests. This keeps the plant healthy and does not harm the soil.

Furthermore, planting hemp is excellent for the soil. It produces a high quantity of biomass and holds the soil together tightly, reducing erosion.

For this reason, hemp is considered a dominant rotational crop.

#11 It Empowers Farmers

Hemp takes 110 days to be ready for harvest, and the average grain yield per acre varies from 50kgs – 600kgs depending on how well it’s grown.

On the other hand, when harvesting for fiber, the crop yields anywhere from 0.75 to 1.5 tonnes per acre.

This makes it a quick-growing cash crop.

Since agriculture is void from tax in India, all the revenue generated from the cultivation of hemp will help lift farmers out of poverty.

#12 Hemp-Based Food Products Are Highly Nutritious And Cheap

Hemp seeds are found to be one of the most nutritious food sources on the planet.

Three tablespoons (30g) of hemp seeds have 9.46g of protein. The seeds are a great source of the nine essential amino acids.

They are rich in vitamins and minerals. Hemp seeds supply:

• Vitamin E
• Magnesium
• Phosphorous
• Potassium

They are also a great source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B derivatives.

44% of the children in India under the age of five are underweight, and two out of three child deaths are due to malnutrition.

Food products made from hemp seeds can be a cheap and easy way to solve the malnutrition problem in India.

#13 Stringent Laws Are Unnecessary for A Product This Useful

The NDPS Act of 1985 defines the law when it comes to the use of Cannabis.

:

According to Section 20 of the NDPS Act

• Persons cultivating Cannabis will be fined up to one lakh rupees, and rigorous imprisonment of up to ten years will be levied.
• For possession in smaller quantities (1000g ganja/100g charas or hashish), a penalty of ten thousand rupees or a jail term of six months to one year will be levied.
• For possession in commercial quantities (1kg charas or hashish/20kgs of ganja), the person must serve a stern imprisonment sentence for up to 20 years and also pay a fine of two lakh rupees.
• The court, at its discretion, can penalize a regular offender for a 30-year imprisonment term.
• Section-25 of the Act states that if a person knowingly allows one’s premises to be used for committing an offense under NDPS Act, 1985, then he/she will also be deemed to the same punishment as the offender.

As mentioned, Cannabis is nature’s relaxant and helps relieve stress. It also has many health benefits.

For something as harmless as Cannabis (no recorded deaths directly due to Cannabis itself), such extreme imprisonment sentences are unnecessary.

#14 Cannabis helps with creativity

Lifting the restrictions posed on Cannabis will enable people to unlock their creative side.

A Washington State University study conducted in 2017 proved that sober cannabis users possess superior convergent thinking abilities.

They were also more extraverted and open to new experiences. Openness was found to be the critical difference between users and non-users, which explains the enhanced creativity.

#15 Cannabis Helps in De-Addiction

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a principal non-psychoactive constituent of Cannabis.

Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute did a study of this component.

It supplies preclinical proof of principle that CBD has a unique treatment potential and will help prevent relapses in drug addicts.

#16 Hemp Answers All the Basic Needs of Man

Hemp is a versatile plant that can suffice most of man’s basic needs. It is a source of food and can be utilized to create shelter and clothing.

It also helps regulate the mental state of the user – making them happy and satisfied.

India has missed out on countless opportunities for a better economy and a booming market time and time again – only because of restrictions placed on Cannabis.

Making Cannabis illegal has not served its purpose in India, either. It remains popular among the youth.

On the other hand, other countries, including the United States of America, that pressured India into making it illegal in the first place have moved on and generated billions of dollars in revenue in just a few years.

Cannabis is culturally accepted in India, and it is time that the government makes good use of the undeniable fact.

The Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 defines itself as “An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to narcotic drugs, to make stringent provisions for the control and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances [to provide for the forfeiture of property derived from, or used in, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, to implement the provisions of the International Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances] and for matters connected therewith”.

Not very lucid, isn’t it? I read it thrice to understand the definition entirely.

Let’s break down the act and try to understand its history and all the confusion behind it, in a simple tongue.

What is the NDPS Act, 1985?

NDPS Act came into force on 14^th November 1985. It was notified in the Gazette of India by the Government of India as a special act. It contains five chapters. Since its inception and enactment, the act has been amended thrice till date (in 1988, 2001 and 2014). The law applies to the whole of India.

The act aims to control and regulate operations related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances such as cannabis (hemp) and its derivatives like Ganja, Charas, medicinal marijuana, or medicinal hemp, coca derivatives, opium derivatives, poppy straw derivatives, and other such items.

Now, how does the NDPS Act affect Economic Growth and Medical Advancements in our Country?

It has been medically proven that moderate use of marijuana is less harmful than alcohol. Furthermore, the judicious use of marijuana is a mood relaxant and stress buster.

Hemp and its derivatives have several therapeutic uses like protecting the brain against inflammation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

If that be so, and consumption and sale of alcohol are legal, then the same should apply to the consumption and sale of cannabis and its derivatives.

However, even when the whole world is awakening to the Cannabis revolution and welcoming the benefits of the plant, India remains stringent about its conceptions. 

Medicine & Health

As many as 33 states in the US have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes, and 11 states have legalized it for recreational purposes.

The health benefits of cannabis are more far-reaching and radical. The medicinal use of cannabis includes in the treatment of pain or inflammation, weight loss, sleeping disorders, nausea, muscle spasms, tremors, numbness from nerve damage, fluid pressure in the eye from glaucoma, and many other conditions.

Industry & Economy

There are various studies which have shown that cannabis has large industrial applications such as its use as biodegradable plastic, fibers, paper, clothing, food, textiles, insulator, and animal feed.

US states like Colorado and San Francisco have recorded billion-dollar revenues from Cannabis trade on an annual basis. Colorado reached the $500 million mark in total state revenue from cannabis trade in three and a half years and doubled the revenue source in under two years.

Therefore, it is evident that a blanket ban on the use of cannabis is a bottleneck to economic growth as well as for the medicinal advancements.

The Confusion & Bottlenecks Created by the NDPS Act, 1985

India has a vast and rich literature of cannabis in the Vedas and Upanishads. However, the NDPS has taken the definition of cannabis directly from the UN Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs 1961.

The ancient texts mention cannabis as one of the five essential plants, along with soma and barley. According to the Vedas, cannabis is part of our medicinal and spiritual culture.

In Ayurveda, cannabis was used to improve memory, fight against leprosy, and many other things.

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The confusion is created by the following fact:

It is that the leaves and seeds of cannabis are not considered as contraband.

Also, the act specifies the meaning of cannabis as-

#1 Charas as the resin extracted from the cannabis plant.

#2 Ganja as the flowering or fruiting top of the plant.

#3 Any other mixture of two sanctioned forms of marijuana.

Therefore, the act permits a person to drink bhang or smoke pot if he can prove that it was only seeds or leaves of the cannabis plant that he consumed.

To get a better picture, let’s understand what narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are according to the NDPS Act.

Narcotic Drugs

Section 2 of the NDPS Act, 1985 defines “narcotic drugs” as “coca leaf, cannabis (hemp), opium, poppy straw and including all manufactured drugs.”

The Department of Revenue of India explains and categorizes the manufacture of narcotic drugs as follows:-

#1 Drugs whose manufacture is wholly prohibited.

This category includes

• Crude cocaine
• Ecgonine
• Diacetylmorphine (commonly known as heroin)
• And their salts.

#2 Drugs which can be manufactured only by the Government Opium and Alkaloid Works

This category includes

• Morphine
• Codeine
• Dionine
• Thebaine
• Dihydrocodeine
• Acetyl dihydrocodeine
• Dihydromorphine
• Dihydrohydroxy
• Pholcodine
• and their respective salts.

These can be also be manufactured after obtaining a license from the Government but under exceptional circumstances.

Psychotropic Substances: The Cannabis Law

Section 2 of the act defines “psychotropic substances.” Cannabis, hemp, and derivatives fall under this section. Furthermore, they are naturally occurring plants. Therefore, their manufacture cannot be controlled as they occur naturally.

There are three categories of psychotropic substances according to the act:

#a Psychotropic substance whose manufacture is wholly prohibited as listed in Schedule I of the law.

#b Psychotropic substances whose manufacture is permitted but only for export

#c Psychotropic substances which can be manufactured for sale in India or export and are not listed in Schedule I and III of the NDPS Act, 1985.

One can produce these only after obtaining a license from the State Drugs Controller under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.

While the laws on chemical-based hard drugs are robust, the ones on cannabis are rife with bottlenecks.

How is it possible that it is readily available to most of the youth in the country through illicit means?

Why is the Government licensing Bhaang shops?

What does the government have to say about revenues generated from such businesses in festivals like Holi and Shivratri?

Legalization will not only help curb the drug menace (trading at par with legalized cannabis economies) but also allow economy and medicine to evolve generating huge revenues and saving countless lives. 

It is ironical to see that the US is increasingly opening to Marijuana and hemp while India sits with its ears closed.

Because it was the pressure from the US that led to the NDPS Act in the first place.

Before 1985, no legislation existed in India concerning control on narcotics. An early documented endeavor was published in 1894 by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission.

It is a detailed 3281 pages long report, a joint British and Indian effort to study the use of cannabis in India. The results (you can see through the link) were reasonably positive.

However, India is a signatory to the following conventions as of today. 

#A – The UN Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs 1961.

#B – The Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971.

#C – The Convention on Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.

In fact, in the 1960s, with the adoption of the UN single convention on narcotic drugs, the US campaigned for worldwide laws against the use of all drugs like cannabis.

Until 1985, India could withstand the pressure of the US for making use of cannabis illegal.

However, with increased pressure from the US in the 1980s, the Rajiv Gandhi government, in 1985, came up with the NDPS Act, 1985, to bring stringent control over the use of cannabis and other such drugs in India.

Though the Rajiv Gandhi government faced quite a lot of criticism for the enactment of the NDPS Act, the Government used the Gateway Drug Theory as a shield and reason to bring the act into force. 

However, the theory has been scientifically disproven and disregarded in countries like Canada and Portugal, where the use of cannabis has been legalized across sectors.

Slowly, Hemp industries in India are popping up

There are various laws in India for the usage of hemp in industries like for textile. It is known to generate livelihood for a good percentage of farmers in the country.

The Indian government is known to be encouraging steps relating to the use of industrial hemp under the state legislature while promoting the growth of and cultivation of hemp.

The Uttarakhand government has furthermore issued the first-ever hemp cultivation license.

This license that the government of Uttarakhand has issued thus ensures that hemp can now be used in the making of medicines, textiles, food items, paper and also building materials.

It has been estimated that annual revenues from hemp textiles will equal up to 240 crores INR while the farmers cultivating it will earn approximately 1 lakh rupees in a year from its sales.

Other state governments and the center should take cue from such steps and don what needs to be done!

The Crux

NDPS Act, 1985, has many loopholes that need to be plugged. Treating cannabis and hemp at par with other harmful and lethal chemicals is arbitrary, unscientific, and unreasonable.

Therefore, decriminalizing the use of cannabis and raising awareness about its medicinal, industrial, ecological, economic, and other benefits is critical.

It’s time we moved beyond political and economic obligations and do what is right!

Hemp

One of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, hemp, is a strain of Cannabis Sativa and has a lower concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and a higher concentration of cannabidiol (CBD).

Around 10,000 years ago, hemp was spun into usable fiber and turned into various commercial items such as paper, clothing, food, textiles, insulator, and animal feed.

Hemp is not marijuana!

Hemp and its derivatives like hemp oil have various therapeutic uses also. Some are enlisted below.

#1 Protecting the brain against inflammation

As per a study conducted in 2018, Hemp seeds contain polyphenols that protect the brain against inflammation. It has essential fats that help the brain to function properly. Due to this, the consumption of hemp is protection against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, seizures, and neuropathic pains.

#2 Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

A study conducted in 2014 finds that hemp oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, which helps to reduce the chances of getting cardiovascular diseases. Another study of 2010 on the dietary benefits of hemp finds that the nutritional composition of hemp leaves helps with atherosclerosis, cholesterol management, and regulating high blood pressure.

A high amount of arginine, an amino acid, is found in hemp. Arginine produces nitric oxide, which helps to dilate the blood vessels and makes the person relax, reducing any chances of heart ailments. It has been proven in a study of 13,000 people where an increase in the intake of arginine led to the reduction of C-reactive protein (CRP). Higher the CRP, the higher the chances of heart problems.

Studies on animals have shown that hemp reduces the chances of blood clot formation, reduce pressure, and recover after a heart attack.

#3 Maintaining proper skin health

Since hemp seed oil contains fatty acids and essential vitamins, it helps in balancing the secretion of oil from the sebum glands, thus controlling the breakout of acne. Hemp controls sebum production and prevents facial skin inflammation and oxidation, as found by this 2014 clinical study report. It strengthens the skin against infection and is helpful against the treatment of dermatitis, eczema, lichen planus, varicose eczema, and psoriasis.

#4 Helps with the symptoms of menopause and PMS

A sensitivity to the prolactin hormone causes emotional and physical upheaval due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause. The effects of prolactin are reduced by the gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) found in hemp seeds. Hemp seeds contain a high concentration of GLA, which helps with irritability, PMS related fluid retention, depression, breast pain, and reduces menopause symptoms. In short, hemp helps with hormone control.

#5 Helps to reduce weight faster

Hemp seeds have higher protein content. A spoonful of hemp seeds early in the morning helps to feel full throughout the day; thus, reducing hunger cravings. Its protein value gives the body all the essential amino acids. Also, around 25% of the calories present in hemp seeds come from proteins, making it the next best vegetarian alternative to lamb and beef. They are a rich source of fiber that helps to reduce sugar cravings.

Hemp contains proteins, unsaturated fats, omega-3, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, and vitamin B6. All of them are essential nutrients for the human body.

The Hemp Economy

With the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, President Donald Trump opened a dynamo for American farmers. Since then, hemp has been planted in over 78,000 hectares of land for commercial production. Presently, industrial hemp is used in around 25,000 products, including furniture, food, beverage, textile, automotive, construction supplies, and beauty products.

The 2018 Farm Bill is immensely beneficial for American farmers in times of an evolving farming landscape where they are looking for a stable and sustainable domestic crop, as compared to the Chinese tariff war leading to a dip in soybean sales and slowdown in dairy production.

At the other end, Europe represents a USD 1 billion hemp market. Sales are flourishing in Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Hemp products are widely manufactured and available in traditional stores like Holland and Barrett and online retailers like Amazon.

They have the first-mover advantage for capitalizing on the growing demand for hemp products. As represented by New Frontier Data, hemp is prevalent in seven major product sectors visible in the image below.

Data show an upward growth possibility in the next decade because they have better processing facilities and an in-demand finished goods industry. It is estimated that 1/4th of the global hemp production will happen in Europe.

On the eastern side, China has quietly grown into a hemp superpower.

Colloquially known as “green gold,” China grows around half of the world’s total hemp, earning around USD 1.2 billion in 2018 from textile fiber created with hemp’s stalk. Each hemp farmer earns around $1,500 (10,000 Yuan) per hectare.

Mainstream research into hemp happened in the 1970s during the Vietnam war when the military needed a fabric to help the soldiers remain dry and clean in Vietnam’s humid weather. The fiber was created with hemp, and later its medicinal usage was explored.

According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, China holds 600+ patents related to the plant.

United States, Europe, and China are the current behemoths of the hemp economy, revolutionizing the economy with innovative technologies.

Will India join the trio? Can it?

Hemp in India

In India, the consumption of hemp is traceable to 2000 BCE and finds mention in our Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Sushruta Samhita, and other ancient texts. Hemp is widely believed to be one of the ingredients with which Somaras was made in ancient times. It has been a widely popular medicinal herb in our homes for centuries.

Fast forward centuries, and in the 1980s, we had to reconsider our position on hemp under pressure from foreign counterparts and ban the herb. Until recently, there was a blanket ban on the production of hemp. However, states like Uttarakhand are paving the path where, in the future, it can be expected that hemp becomes decriminalized and available for mass consumption.

In 2018, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to commercialize the production of industrial hemp.

The Indian Industrial Hemp Association (IIHA), a non-profit organization, was granted a license by the state to grow hemp on a 1,000-hectare land as a pilot project.

In July 2019, a petition was filed by the Great Legislation India Movement Trust against the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules, 1985 and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985 at the Delhi High Court, seeking the decriminalization of hemp production.

Legal Challenges

Many startups in India are venturing into the cultivation of industrial hemp and developing consumer products. There are several existing challenges, mainly due to the lack of clarity of the regulatory framework governing the industry.

Ever since the 1800s, the legal framework surrounding hemp has been dubious. Before the 1985 NDPS Act, the prevalent act was the 1894 Indian Hemp Drugs Commission, which permitted the use of hemp in moderation. As a result, charas, bhang, and ganja were legally sold until 1985.

After that, the government banned their possession, transport, trade, and consumption.

However, there is a caveat. Even though hemp is banned, state governments are given the power to cultivate hemp only for medical, scientific, industrial, and horticultural purposes.

The state of Uttarakhand has utilized the benefit of this caveat, given the concentration of THC remains between 0.3 and 1.5 percent only.

Even before Uttarakhand, in April 2017, the state of Jammu and Kashmir granted the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) the right to grow hemp for research and medicinal purposes only.

In spite of these advancements, it is still a challenge to cultivate hemp. Why can’t the 1985 NDPS Act be repealed? It is presumptuous to assume reasons since the case is sub-judice.

However, one look at our Constitution and the challenge becomes apparent. 

According to the Entry 84 under List I of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, there is no clarity as to which government, state or central, has the authority to grant permission for the cultivation of hemp.

A major oversight? Possibly.

The law states that the central government has the right to impose excise duty for hemp products used for medicinal and toilet preparation, whereas the state government has the right to impose excise duty for all other hemp products manufactured in India.

Given the lack of clarity, state governments have introduced the permission for hemp cultivation through state excise legislation governing the respective state, that is, the Uttarakhand State Excise Act, 1910 and Jammu, and Kashmir State Excise Act, 1958 presently.

It will be a tedious process if the states have to rely on their excise legislation to grant permissions for hemp cultivation. A change in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution is warranted. Not only this, the government should designate relevant departments to grant licenses, which itself is an immensely convoluted process for businesses interested in hemp.

Should India Legalize Hemp?

Yes, India should, and for the following reasons:

#1 Negligible Carbon Footprint

Given the climate change challenges and industries trying to lessen their carbon footprint, here is a plant that has a negligible carbon footprint in itself. Hemp grows everywhere. It does not need fertilizers or pesticides, growing organically, and is very sustainable. Large scale cultivation of hemp is a viable industry.

#2 Agriculture

Hemp can be used to make textile products. World over, India has one of the most massive and impacting textile industries, but it is experiencing stiff competition from Bangladesh, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. Processing hemp into various fibers would boost the Indian economy exponentially.

#4 Curbing Black Market

The legalization of hemp production will abolish the black-market dealings. Despite hemp being illegal, the black-market flourishes, which impact the economy negatively.

In many other countries, the legalization and decriminalization of hemp, according to a Grand View Research report, led to a decline in the black-market trading as people preferred buying hemp products legally, for both recreational and medicinal use.

#5 Employment

The legalization of hemp will help the growing population find secondary and tertiary employment. It will boost the agrarian economy, creating opportunities in farming, medical research, consumer products, real estate, and more.

#6 Tax Revenue

Quite simple! Legal hemp production will bolster the government coffers in terms of tax revenue, making India a stronger economy and a developed nation.

Therefore, is India ready for hemp legalization?

Yes, India is, if only the government would solve the constitutional bottleneck and regulate the status quo. Relaxing the norms for a few states will not help to tap into the full potential of hemp production in India. Existing challenges are solvable with assistance from the government.

India is a truly favorable country for hemp production, both environmentally and economically.

In a time when we are not-so-gradually moving towards the destruction of our planet, the need for sustainable alternatives has increased. While the world is busy thinking of possible alternative solutions, Mother Nature has already provided us with one. All that is left to us is to make the most of it.

Have you thought about using more hemp-based products? Want to learn more about why it’s crucial we reduce the stigma surrounding hemp?

If so, keep reading — and learn how hemp plants can help you do your part to save the world.

Paper

Paper can be manufactured from hemp. Since hemp has a low lignin content compared to wood, it can be turned to pulp faster and easier; this naturally bright pulp does not need chlorine bleaching, which is used in traditional paper mills and releases a toxic substance called dioxin into the environment. Hemp is also compatible with the new soy-based binders rather than the harsh binders that give off formaldehyde.

This reduces air pollution and health hazards to human and animal life. The quality of paper obtained from hemp is more durable and does not lose its color even after many years. Much more can be got out of each hemp plant since its paper can be recycled 7 or 8 times, as compared to only 3 for tree-based paper.

IT SAVES OUR TREES

Deforestation is a worldwide environmental problem that’s destroying ecosystems and causing species to go extinct.

Luckily, each hemp plant saves the lives of about 12 trees. Plus, hemp-based products reduce the amount of pollution created by the average manufacturing process. It replaces trees as the source of raw material for wood and paper, thereby conserving forests. Trees take years to grow, while a crop of hemp can be grown in a few months. Only one acre of hemp can produce as much paper annually as 4 acres of trees.

IT HELPS TO ELIMINATE TOXINS

Toxins aren’t just bad for the health of humans — they’re also incredibly detrimental to their environment.

Especially within the textile industry, many fabrics are loaded with dangerous chemicals to help them last longer and to prevent tearing.

Hemp is strong enough on its own. This means there’s no need to add any harmful toxins to hemp-based fabrics.

So, to reduce the environmental impact of your closet, look out for hemp-based clothing lines!

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

Probably not a term that you are familiar with. Carbon sequestration, in general, is the process through which carbon dioxide is captured from the atmosphere and stored to prevent it from being emitted back into the air.

It’s a great method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that it’s the air and as a consequence, preventing climate change and global warming. The usual method is using specific plants, which are known as biomass plants, that will draw carbon from the atmosphere and then these plants can be slowly smoldered to create something known as biochar.

This is a form of charcoal that can then be mixed back into the soil. In the case of hemp, it’s one of the highest yielding biomass crops on the planet and because it’s so easy to grow and maintain, it’s the perfect crop to use for Carbon bio-sequestration.

By growing hemp and putting Carbon bio-sequestration into action, we would be starting a cycle of removing the carbon dioxide content in the air and resupplying it to the earth. Once again taking steps to prevent the effects of climate change.

While hemp won’t solve all of our environmental problems, there is certainly a variety of different ways in which it can be used to fight against climate change. With this being a very immediate problem, it might be time to start making use of hemp in more active ways.

IT’S PESTICIDE-RESISTANT

If you’ve spent even a couple of minutes online researching the potential effects of chemical pesticides on our food sources and health, you know it can get scary pretty quickly.

Fortunately, the chemical makeup of hemp is pesticide-resistant on its own. If you’re a farmer or even a casual grower, anything you can do to reduce your use of these deadly pesticides could potentially save lives — not to mention benefit the environment.

IT’S USED TO MAKE BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

Plastic waste is killing more animals than ever before. Even if you take care to properly recycle your plastics, you can’t control what happens after they’re carted away.

Sadly, the majority of plastics aren’t bio-degradable.

However, hemp-based plastics are 100% biodegradable. Isn’t it time you made the switch?

We are all aware of the way plastic is destroying the earth. The need for an alternative solution to plastic is supercilious to all other needs. Hemp helps us here too. Hemp provides an option to create a non-toxic and completely bio-degradable plastic that can be used in the stead of regular plastic.

HEMP PLANTS PROVIDE ENERGY & FUEL

If you’ve ever tried to grow your own hemp, you know that the plant doesn’t require much care.

In addition to being relatively low-maintenance, hemp is also an incredible source of energy.

Hemp plants create a high amount of cellulose at a rapid rate, which aids in the creation of environmentally-friendly things like biofuel. The woody hemp plant is low in moisture; it dries quickly and is an efficient biomass source of methanol. The waste products produced by using hemp oil are a good source of ethanol. Both methanol and ethanol are produced from hemp through the efficient and economical process of thermo-chemical conversion. One acre of hemp yields 1,000 gallons or 3,785 liters of fuel. Hemp allows a lesser reliance on fossil fuels, which are non-renewable sources of energy and will not be able to meet the increasing global demands for long.

A SUSTAINABLE TEXTILE

Fabrics made from hemp growing are more sustainable than many alternatives. This is because they are resistant to mold, mildew and UV light. Plus, unlike other textiles, you don’t need to use any chemicals on hemp fabrics.

The durability quality of hemp has seen it used as a fabric for a whole host of purposes. In the past, hemp has been used to make ropes and sails for boats.

For the same reason, it was a great material for ropes and sails, it’s great for making sustainable clothing. You can mix hemp fabrics with other fabrics to enhance the durability of the clothing.

This makes it a key player in the future of sustainable fashion.

CONSTRUCTION

The concrete and cement construction industry is also a significant source of air pollution and climate change. Therefore, the industry is eager to find alternative sources of materials so they can keep building our cities.

Hemp could be part of the solution to this problem.

By mixing hemp hurds with a solution of water and limestone, a concrete-like substance is created which is known as Hempcrete. After some time, the material solidifies. This makes it resistant to damage from earthquakes and extreme weather.

The material can also absorb the heat from the sun. This means that buildings constructed with this hemp mixture are comfortable for the occupants regardless of the weather outside.

The uses of hemp also extend into construction. Fiberboards made from a hemp-based composite are stronger yet lighter than those made from wood. The combination of hemp fiber and lime results in a sound-proofing and insulating material that is stronger and lighter than concrete. By replacing wood and concrete, the amount of waste matter at a construction site is reduced. Since homes built using hemp products have better thermal insulation, less fuel will be consumed for heating their interiors. Bio-based plastics can be made from the long hemp fibers, and these are almost as strong as fiberglass. Hemp is an economical construction material that is recyclable, cheaper than glass and safe for the workers.

EATING HEMP FOR NUTRITION

The process of meat production is one of the most significant contributors to global climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Because of this, many scientists have urged people to reduce meat consumption. As a result, many protein alternatives, such as quinoa and soya, have become popular among consumers.

However, hemp is also a protein alternative. But unlike other alternatives, hemp growing does not cause soil erosion, a significant problem in agriculture.

Many farmers also use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to produce many types of crops. But hemp growing doesn’t require any of these measures, which means it has a lighter touch on the planet.

For hemp plant produces up to 7000 seeds. Hemp grows almost 800 pounds of seeds for every acre. This means that hemp growing has a higher yield than many other crops.

Only a quarter of the hemp seed is made up of proteins. The two proteins in hemp are called albumin and edestin. However, in contrast to the proteins in soy, the proteins in hemp are easy to digest for humans.

Hemp can be an important part of a healthy, nutritional diet. It includes many vitamins as well as:

• Omega 3, 6, 9
• GLA
• All 9 of the amino acids
• Antioxidants
• Fibre
• Iron
• Zinc

In contrast to other protein sources, hemp doesn’t contain “oligosaccharides”. This is a carbohydrate that causes gas and stomach aches.

ECONOMICAL BENEFITS

Legalizing Hemp will create new jobs, new opportunities for business and tax revenues for government and help farmers. It will help the farmers to grow a new plant which helps them make their demands fulfilled and also help the economy of India to reach a new level.

It has been suggested that the cannabis/hemp industry would add $40 billion to the US economy by 2021 and would provide 4, 14,000 jobs. The industry in Canada is expected to grow to $6.5 billion by 2020, while in Europe it is expected to worth £106 billion by 2028.

So it can be well understood that by legalizing Cannabis/Hemp/Marijuana it will definitely help in the economic boom.

Watching the growth of the Hemp industry closely, we believe that it is on the verge of worldwide growth. India is actually sitting on a pot of gold because as a country we have immense knowledge about its use and favorable climatic conditions for its production. Legalizing hemp would mean that we can be a key player in this growth and carve a place for ourselves as a leader of Hemp-based products.

It is time we considered legalizing the herb. And why wait for a better day, when we can do it now!

India consumes more whiskey than any other country in the world – about three times more than the US, which is the next biggest consumer. Nearly one in every two bottles of whiskey brought around the world is now sold in India. When worldwide booze consumption dipped in 2018, India partly drove a 7% uptick in the global whiskey market.

Surprisingly, though alcohol consumption has been completely normalized by our society, even though weed is a much safer and healthier choice.

Here are ten reasons why should you choose weed instead of booze.

1. Alcohol Use Can Be Fatal, Unlike Cannabis Use

Drinking alcohol is seen as completely normal by many people. Your first time getting drunk can be a rite of passage as a teenager, and many adults enjoy alcohol daily with dinner. It can be easy to forget that alcohol consumption can be fatal. It is very possible to drink until you have alcohol poisoning, and there are a number of long-term health consequences (like liver issues).

When you consider that marijuana has no documented medical issues for moderate use, and is linked to zero overdose deaths, it is easy to see that weed is the better alternative.

2. Too Much Alcohol Will Cause A Bad Hangover

When you drink alcohol, you have to pay the price. Hangovers usually accompany a night of drinking and while many are happy to pay the price, the reason we feel so ill after too many drinks is that we have lightly poisoned and dehydrated our bodies.

With weed, the worst you’ll face is a bit of a sleepy morning, and maybe stomach aches if you’ve hit the munchies too hard. Who wants to lose half a day feeling sick at the cost of some fun anyway?

3. Alcohol Promotes Aggression and Depression (While Cannabis Does The Opposite)

Alcohol is a depressant. This is a fact that we all tend to forget because it is often brought out at party time. But alcohol use has severe short- and long-term impacts on mood and can promote depression and aggression.

We have all witnessed this first-hand on a night out, our friend who can’t wait to start a fight. With weed, there is a change in mood, but this change will never lead to a nasty bar fight or day of fighting off the blues. Admittedly, there is some chance of paranoia, but finding the right strain eliminates even this risk.

4. The Bar Scene Is Awful Anyway

With alcohol consumption becomes alcohol culture, and this isn’t always so bad. Food and wine pairings or a quiet night trying a whiskey flight has its charms. But when you think about it, bar and club culture are pretty awful, and something to be avoided anyway.

Bringing a bunch of drunks together leads to sloppy nights, regrettable hookups, and witnessing far too many screaming breakups and vomiting sessions. On the contrast, most people indulging in a night of smoking weed might be found enjoying dinner, hanging with friends, or exploring the different parts of the city. With weed, you can make the social situation your own, and enjoy things without worrying about how the crowd will act.

5. You Can’t Overdose On Cannabis (Unlike Alcohol)

Alcohol poisoning is so common that many people may not realize what it is. The term “alcohol poisoning” actually refers to overdosing on alcohol, and it is an extreme situation that may lead to death. Many teenagers and even many adults risk the loss of consciousness, seizure, vomiting and even death if they drink to this state, and it happens more than we like to admit.

While it is theoretically possible to overdose on any substance, researchers have been unable to find a lethal amount to test on any animal, humans included. No person in human history has ever overdosed on marijuana.

6. Alcohol Consumption Has A Very Strong Cancer Link

Even moderate alcohol consumption has strong ties to a number of cancers in adults, including liver, head and neck, breast, esophageal, and colorectal cancer. These risks increase with the level that a person typically drinks, but is evident in people that have 3 or more units of alcohol (for example, glasses of wine) in an average day.

Studies have shown that light to moderate marijuana use shows no increased cancer risk, and most of that risk comes from smoke inhalation. Even this is an avoidable risk considering the many edible and vaporizing options we have today.

7. Alcohol Is Physically Addictive

Alcohol and marijuana use are connected because both can cause users to develop a habitual addiction. A habitual addiction is a state of psychological dependence, and can happen in relation to any drug, and has even been evident with overeating and overspending.

Alcohol can also be physically addictive, which can make it hard to move away from dependence on it. Because alcohol can be difficult to metabolize, your body may adjust to normalize consumption, creating a physical dependence that can lead to withdrawal symptoms if no alcohol is consumed.

8. Alcohol Use Leads To More Crime

People love to point fingers at weed, labeling it a gateway drug and insisting it leads to increased crime rates, but it is actually alcohol that leads to higher crime statistics.

People who consume alcohol are much more likely to engage in high-risk behavior, and as a result, to have trouble with the law. In the United States, almost 40% of offenses that lead to jail time are committed by someone who is drunk. This crime increase is related to drinking-related offenses (drunk driving, disorderly conduct, etc.) but communities with high drinking levels also an increase in violent crime.

This link between crime and weed use is simply not there. As legalization occurs in different areas of the states, we can observe that there is absolutely no connection between increased use and crime rates.

9. Cannabis Is Being Used As A Medicine By Many People

In the past, alcohol was believed to have a variety of medicinal uses, and was often given to people who had had a shock, or were recovering from an illness. Today, we know this is not an ideal treatment, and there actually are researchers who say that alcohol has its health benefits. For example, consuming a very small amount of wine daily was tied to lower rates of heart disease and diabetes.

While alcohol may have limited benefits, there is no denying that marijuana has superior medical benefits. Because weed was illegal in the United States for so long, there was very limited research into the medical benefits of marijuana, and even into marijuana extracts. In recent years, people have found that marijuana helps them to cope with a variety of illnesses including anxiety, depression, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic pain, personal injury, insomnia, and more.

With advocates shouting the benefits of marijuana, more research is being conducted, and even medical professionals are amazed at the variety of medical uses that weed has.

10. There Are Various Ways You Can Consume Cannabis

Some people get pretty creative with alcohol, mixing it with food or Jell-O, and even adding it to fruit. But at the end of the day, alcohol is alcohol: a drink with a very strong taste that might not be for everyone.

In contrast, those looking to ingest weed have endless options for doing so! It can be smoked, vaped, eaten, drunk, taken as a caplet, or added to oils and extracts. Many people have elevated the practice of making edibles to an art form, and there is a consumption method for everyone!It is easy for people to demonize weed use. The fact that it has been, and still is illegal in many areas makes most people immediately assume that it is unsafe for use. But, as marijuana advocates have pushed for the legislation, and the medical benefits of cannabis use are becoming more documented, it is clear that weed is the better option. If you have friends and family that normalize alcohol abuse but look down on you for smoking weed, share any of these ten reasons why weed is better than alcohol with them.

Cannabis Smoke and Tobacco Smoke: Are they different?

As any serious doctor or health care worker will tell you, inhaling smoke is – in a strictly medical sense – not 100% great for your body.

So, is weed smoke less dangerous than tobacco? Before delving into this question, let’s be clear that inhaling any smoke into your lungs – or any substance besides fresh air – can cause damage to the sensitive tissues of your alveoli over time and other health issues. Over the long term, heavy use of any inhalant can lead to negative consequences and cannabis is no exception.

As you inhale the burnt plant matter, the combusted plant matter and terpenes hit your alveoli and are absorbed directly into your bloodstream. The nicotine in tobacco or the cannabinoids in weed are then carried swiftly carried to the brain, where they release neurotransmitters such as dopamine to create positive feelings. 

However, while you’re feeling good, you aren’t noticing the small, ragged bits of carbon, tar, and other chemicals that are left in your throat and lungs. Over time, these chemicals can cause a number of health problems, including cancer. There is a wide chasm separating what those particulates and tars contain and what they do to your lungs when it comes to weed versus tobacco though.

What’s in Cannabis and Tobacco Smoke?

Tobacco smoke contains around 7,000 harmful chemicals and up to 70 carcinogens. Some of that is due to the additives and other chemicals tobacco companies add to their cigarettes during curing and processing. These additives make them more enjoyable to smoke – and by a “total coincidence” more addictive as well. Even the most naturally grown and cured tobacco still contains around 40 carcinogens, making it a little better but not by much. Also, the nicotine alone will constrict blood vessels and can cause a host of health problems over time, including coronary issues.

Cannabis smoke also contains carcinogens, but strangely the damage to the lungs and body seems to be offset. Studies have shown minimal impact on lung function as far as lung capacity goes, and the rates of lung cancer amongst long time pot smokers is nearly equal to the average for non-smokers. All this despite the fact that on average, pot smokers hold the smoke in their lungs four times as long as a cigarette smoker. While scientists aren’t quite sure why this is, there are plenty of theories. 

Some scientists speculate that cannabis consumers may have healthier lungs because, on average, most people that consume marijuana don’t smoke the same amount as cigarette smokers. While there are high amounts of use in medical patients, especially those with chronic pain, smoking a bowl here and there throughout the day does not compare to a pack-a-day cigarette habit.

Others speculate that the cannabinoids may have some type of anti-inflammatory effects on the lungs which may limit the smoke’s damage. Cigarette smoke, on the other hand, inflames the alveoli and damages the cilia, the small hair-like structures in the throat that help to clear out contaminants. Cannabis and CBD may also have some effect on hindering the growth of cancer cells, although this also remains mostly anecdotal at the time.

What’s Best For My Body?

There is nothing better for your body than not inhaling any smoke at all. Weed smoke still contains a plethora of chemicals and particulate matter. Long term use of cannabis can lead to a condition known as chronic bronchitis. While this is not as severe an issue as long term smoking of tobacco can cause, you are still stuck with a cough that won’t go away. There’s also wheezing, shortness of breath, and extra phlegm to deal with, which results from the inflammation of your bronchial tissues. Even in this situation, THC is still considered less harmful to your body than nicotine, and used much less frequently due to its longer effects and lack of addictive properties. A study conducted by the Harm Reduction Journal even showed that cannabis and tobacco smoke are not equally carcinogenic.

Alternatives?

If you’re thinking of using cannabis but don’t like lighting up or just want to try something else, there are many alternatives to smoking weed that are just as effective. More people than ever are turning to cannabis for medical reasons, meaning options that don’t involve smoking are relatively common and readily available for people who want to use it recreationally too. These alternatives can come in handy if you’re traveling and don’t want your car to smell like herb or you’re at an event where you want to be able to consume discreetly.

Depending on the legal situation of cannabis where you live, some of these options might require a little extra effort. That being said, regardless of your home base, with some creativity, you’ll be able to use cannabis without needing lighters, papers, blunt wraps, or pipes ever again.

Edibles

Edibles are another extremely popular way to bypass some of the issues associated with smoking cannabis. Edibles are any kind of food made with cannabis or a cannabis product. Some of the most common types of edibles include brownies, cookies, and cupcakes, but you can essentially infuse almost any meal with cannabis.

Most edibles are made with either oil or butter that has been used as a solvent to extract the essential cannabinoids and terpenes from dried cannabis flowers and leaves. Whereas smoking or vaporizing allows you to experience the effects of cannabis almost instantly, cannabis edibles can take a while to take effect. This is because they essentially have to pass through your entire digestive tract, being absorbed mainly in the intestines.

This process takes time, which is why it can take up to an hour (if not more) to begin feeling the effects of a cannabis edible. However, they are a completely smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis, which is great for anyone looking to avoid the risks of inhaling cannabis smoke. One major downside to edibles is that it can be extremely difficult to calculate your dosage, especially when they are homemade.

Vaping

Vaporizers are specifically designed to heat cannabis and/or other herbs or concentrates to the optimal temperature to extract their essential compounds (in the form of an inhalable vapor) without actually burning them.

They work on the principles of convective or conductive heating; the first works by heating the product in the the chamber of the vaporizer to a point where it’s essential compounds start to be extracted.

Some countries ban the sale of Vapes, but not their possession, while others ban nicotine-containing liquids. The strictest countries are the ones who forbid- or at least strongly frown upon – everything from the sale and import to the use of the devices altogether.

Tinctures

Tinctures are one of the best options for people who don’t like smoking but want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis daily.  Also known as “green dragon” or “gold dragon,” cannabis tinctures are cannabis extracts made with an alcohol base or MCT oil.

They are also incredibly easy to use, fast-acting, and odorless. They’re usually ingested sublingually, but can also be applied to your favorite drinks or meals, too. Tinctures are a much easier way to control dosage, especially in comparison to edibles, among other alternatives to smoking weed.

Topicals

Experiencing muscle aches and pains? CBD ointments, oils, gels, and other topicals, once applied to the skin, can help create relief for a multitude of irritants that happen throughout the human body—and they can be ordered online. Topicals generally do not penetrate the bloodstream and therefore do not produce any psychoactive effects, even if they contain psychoactive compounds like THC.

Instead, topicals work by activating CB2 receptors around the body. Trans-dermal cannabis patches, however, are able to reach the bloodstream and may produce psychoactive effects if they contain enough THC.

Capsules

Cannabis capsules are available with THC and CBD. Much like tinctures, capsules are incredibly convenient for controlling dosage, with different strengths available.

However, be sure to use with caution. Some CBD products contain minuscule amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in cannabis responsible for creating a psychoactive high. If you expect to take a drug test shortly, results might turn up positive for cannabis use.

While there aren’t many specific studies comparing the two, through examination of the evidence at hand cannabis seems to be the less harmful option. However, moderation is important with everything and cannabis is no different. Heavy marijuana use can lead to lung and throat issues, but far less severe than the issues from smoking cigarettes.

Also, it goes without saying that if you have never tried smoking cigarettes, don’t start.

Surgical masks, gloves, protective equipment, body bags — the Covid-19 crisis has spurred a rapid expansion in the production of desperately-needed plastic products, with governments racing to boost their stockpiles and regular citizens clamoring for their share of supplies. Such production is necessary. But all that plastic ends up somewhere — and environmental campaigners fear it is just the tip of a looming iceberg, with the pandemic causing a number of serious challenges to their efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

PPE adding to oceans’ plastic burden

The coronavirus crisis has sparked a personal protective equipment (PPE) arms race around the world as governments rush to stockpile masks, gloves, visors and gowns. The battle has proven so intense that some have resorted to international mudslinging.

PPE has become an additional threat to the world’s oceans, which have been choking under the weight of plastic at a rapidly increasing rate.

Global plastic production has quadrupled over the past four decades, a 2019 study found, with its authors warning that if that trend continues, the making of plastics will make up 15% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By comparison, all of the world’s forms of transportation now account for 15% of emissions.

Over time, those products break down and add to the vast collections of microplastics in our seas, air and food. And the irony is that, while we produce and discard plastic to fight one public health crisis, we may be slowly contributing to another. The risks of microplastics to human health are still being studied. One stems from the fact that microplastics passing through wastewater plants can pick up harmful bacteria, which they can carry with them. If we ingest the plastics, we may ingest the bacteria. Another is that plastics have a number of chemicals added at the manufacturing stage, and it’s possible that these are released in the body.

Expressing concerns over the rising plastic waste and the pandemic hampering efforts towards fighting the issue, experts say that, people should rethink their reliance on single-use plastic including single-use masks and gloves.

The United Nations has called on countries to treat waste management as “urgent and essential” to combat Covid-19 and prevent knock-on effects on public health and the environment. India generates about 550.9 tonnes of biomedical waste every day as per the data published in ‘Unearthing the Growth Curve and Necessities of Bio-Medical Waste Management in India, 2018’. Experts assert that post-pandemic, the quantity will increase exponentially.

“The outbreak has resulted in a unique scenario, wherein PPEs that were hitherto being used only by highly specialized laboratories, have now come into common use inside hospitals. And because they are by nature created for professionals treating infectious diseases, reuse is not an option,” says Dr. Vijay Habbu, adjunct professor, Institute of Chemical Technology.

Hemp industry in India offers sustainable solutions during crisis

As more and more people incorporate face masks into their outdoor attire, local designers are adding them to their range for the first time.

Here are 3 Indian companies now making face masks:

• Hempstrol

Based in Rajasthan, Hempstrol not only focuses towards Hemp mask but also Hemp derived Menstrual Cramp Oil. With initiatives like Be a Good Women, Every bottle you purchase will contribute a packet of 5 sanitary napkins in the rural parts of the country where awareness about menstrual hygiene is needed the most. 

• Foxxy

An organic, sustainable and a top-notch brand of attire for women who love to include an assortment as far as fit, looks, feel and hues. Foxxy a.k.a World of Foxxy is environmentally responsible as well as consciously fashionable, producing and encouraging handloom fabrics. With recent pandemic, designers/manufacturers have brainstormed to create a Face Mask which could help prevent covid-19 and being environmentally responsible. The mask is available both children and adult.

• Awega Green Technologies

Co-Founder – Karan Sarsar, an engineer who sees enormous potential in Hemp. In 2016 along with engineering students they build the concept and design of a High Performance Exhaust Muffler that would help reduce the carbon emissions from a two-wheeler vehicle to zero.

Along with Exhaust Muffler, Awega Green Technologies expertise in Hemp Bags and of course Hemp Face Mask.

Why You Should Be Wearing A Hemp Face Mask

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a major shortage in medical grade protective face masks for those who really need them, front-line health care workers.

It is suggested that the general population wear non-medical grade cloth masks. It is reported that just by simply wearing a face mask, you are less likely to touch your face. A simple face covering may potentially help to prevent the spread of the virus with asymptomatic people who unknowingly have it. It may reduce the number of droplets getting into the air from sneezing, coughing or simply talking. These masks are not meant to replace the N95 masks. Of course, handwashing, not touching your face and social distancing are of utmost importance.

Now on to why a hemp mask should be your number one choice.

1. Hemp material is antimicrobial, naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Especially important when wearing something covering your nose and mouth.
2. Hemp fabric is odor resistant. Again, especially important when you are wearing something covering your mouth and nose!
3. Hemp becomes softer with each wear. Very important if you are going to be wearing your mask for hours at a time. You will be more likely to wear your mask if it is super comfortable and not causing abrasion to your delicate facial skin.
4. Hemp fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking. Masks made from synthetic material will not allow your face to breathe causing uncomfortable sweating. Hemp fabric adjusts to the temperature of your body (or in this case, face) and will keep you fresh and dry.
5. Hemp fabric is strong. You can wash your face mask repeatedly and it will maintain its shape and structure. You will have it for as long as you need it.
6. Hemp fabric is biodegradable. Disposable face masks are made from a synthetic material that is not biodegradable. Imagine the amount of waste that will be produced from the disposal of these masks worldwide? When we are told that face masks are no longer necessary, you can feel good in knowing that your hemp mask will biodegrade and not clog landfills for years and years.

It is wonderful to see that Himalayan Hemp  have developed reusable and biodegradable hemp sanitary napkins keeping in mind the health of women as well as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative by the Government of India. 

With Global Network for Equality in Tamilnadu to donate reusable hemp sanitary pads to imprisoned women. Moreover, some of them also give births to children during their imprisonment making them grow mal-nutritioned in horrible prison conditions. Migrant workers are also in need of these sanitary pads in these harsh pandemic times. Providing them with reusable hemp sanitary pads will be a goodwill gesture and can also at least help them maintaining menstrual hygiene.

Most drugstore available napkins are synthetic in nature, which can be extremely harmful, causing hormonal dysfunctions,  ovarian cancers, and other thyroid conditions. 

Replacing these synthetic napkins are cent percent anti-bacterial and biodegradable ones, which could be great for the painful, heavy flow days for pregnant women or even travelers for that matter.

As youth, we need to address unhygienic menstruation methods like plastic and rags and educate the people who lack the essential awareness and access to sanitary health measures. Over 88% percent of Indian women do not have access to any kind of awareness or means of proper menstrual hygiene.

We are a country that flourishes amongst many diverse cultures and ethnicities, and we have to overcome the stigma around natural female hygiene. 

Our country that houses a population of 1,387,297,452 as of January 2020, witnesses over 23 million young girls drop out of school every year due to menstruation and improper hygiene.

We would love to think that we have come a long way from the unhygienic cloth pads to tampons, napkins, and menstrual cups. But is it really so?

Then, why do women still have to protect their dignity in a black plastic bag or a blue liquid in the napkin ads instead of blood, how it should be.

There is no way around to think that India lacks proper menstrual hygiene facilities, whether you consider the part with awareness or the one with the availability of sanitary pads.

Speaking in stats, the adolescent count in India stands somewhere around 355 million. Studies show that girls or women who have schooling of 12 or more years are more likely to use hygienic menstruation methods than ones with no education. So, it’s all interconnected, right? Illiteracy to poor health decisions, all of it.

Whether it’s the rural which bars women from entering temples when they are already fighting a misery in their body, or the taboo not to consider it a viable subject to be spoken on, we still have a long way to go.

Think again, should you condemn a thing that bleeds twelve weeks a year and still brings life to the world?