Importance of Cannabis plant.
Section 20 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Act, 1985 of India read as
“ Whoever, in contravention of any provision of
this Act or any rule or order made or condition of license granted thereunder,-
(a) cultivates any
cannabis plant; or
(b) produces,
manufactures, possesses, sells, purchases, transports, imports inter-State,
exports inter-State or uses cannabis, shall be punishable,-
(i) where such
contravention relates to ganja or the cultivation of cannabis plant, with
rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and shall also
be liable to fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees;
(ii) where such
contravention relates to cannabis other than ganja, with rigorous imprisonment
for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to
twenty years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than one
lakh rupees and which may extend to two lakh rupees. ”
But…..
Various reports show that
the hemp plant (Cannabis sp.) makes
more fuel, fiber, Food and medicines than any other plant. An acre of hemp
produces 300 gallons of oil, 3 tons of protein, and 30 tons of fiber a year (www.hemp.org).
In the Blog www.norml-uk.org
written by Jeff Ditchfield narrated how hemp oil saved life of a 39 year old
person named Mr. Dave from cancer.
“Cannabis is a
medically wondrous plant. It provides a safe alternative for pain relief,
anti-nausea, appetite-inducement, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammation
medication. It’s properties have been demonstrated to fight cancer, and provide
relief to the seriously ill and dying as well as those challenged with anxiety
and depression. Millions of people have shared the medical benefits of Cannabis
throughout the centuries.” (www.420magazine.com)
“On
Oct. 19, the U.S. Justice Department announced that federal prosecutors would
not pursue medical-marijuana users and distributors who comply with state laws,
formalizing a policy at which the Obama Administration hinted earlier this
year. Currently, 13 states allow doctors to prescribe
medical marijuana to patients suffering from ailments ranging from AIDS
to glaucoma, and in Maryland a prescription can soften punishment if a user
faces prosecution. But until now those laws didn't provide any protection from
federal authorities.” (www.time.com)
Hemp
plant is a genus of flowering plants that includes three varieties, 1.Cannabis
sativa, 2. Cannabis indica, and3. Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis has long been
used for valuable fiber (known as Hemp), for seed and seed oils, for medicinal
purposes, and as a recreational drug. Bhang, Churrus and Hashish are narcotic
derivatives extracted from Cannabis plant.
The fruits commonly called Hemp seeds are the achenes of this plant.
Each achene contains a single oily seed. These seeds have no narcotic properties and
yield about 25% of a fixed oil.
In
my opinion, the Cannabis plant is banned by Government due to its misuse as
narcotic drugs and if it is having miraculous features in the treatment of
Cancer, Aids etc. Government should establish a
National Research Organization in Government sector like Baba Atomic research center and its benefits
should be shared among the peoples suffering from various diseases.
If you support my views please share among your friends.
