LIFE SAVING ROLE OF A NOTORIOUS PLANT

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.