The ceaseless debate about legalisation of marijuana have raised moral, legal, economic concerns in the country. From being tagged as a potential cash crop with tremendous medicinal value, it has also been termed as being poisonous for both soul and mind. Marijuana has been closely integrated with the history of the most ancient civilizations known to have existed. Documented texts with reference to cannabis date back to 2000-1400 BC, which describe cannabis as sacred grass.

The debate regarding marijuana has been a controversial issue. The Government of India issued the first ever license to grow medicinal cannabis for research purposes. The official license holder is the Council of Scientific and Medical Research. CSIR work in collaboration with the Mumbai based firm, the Bombay Hemp Company (BOHECO). The aim is to develop medicine from cannabis in the form of extracts, pills and patches. The medicinal cannabis is stated as the most important medical need in the country which is unmet.

Another considerable issue is the legalization of marijuana in India. Ministers like Maneka Gandhi, Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi, Tathagata Satpathy have voiced their support of legalising marijuana a number of times. However the possessions, trade, transport and consumption of marijuana is banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985. Thus, the intent of legalisation of marijuana is not in consonance with the NDPS Act,1985.

The author has made an attempt to understand various religion and its stance regarding marijuana, effect of marijuana and Indian legislation related to Marijuana.

Keywords: Cannabis, Marijuana, legalisation, NDPS Act 1985.

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