The Cannabis Dilemma: Exploring Medicinal Advancements, Social Debates, and Economic Implications

March 1, 2024

GS Paper III Biodiversity & Environment

Context

Recently, researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada floated a new clinical trial to examine whether cannabidiol could be used to treat bipolar depression.

Exploring Cannabis (Sativa): A Millennia-Old Herb with Medicinal and Recreational Significance

Cannabis

It is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Cannabinaceae.
It has been used by humans for over 5,000 years for medicinal and recreational uses, firstly in Central and Northeast Asia and subsequently spreading worldwide.
Cannabis, or marijuana, is undoubtedly one of the most widely used illicit drugs.
It has a complex chemical composition that includes cannabinoids which are a group of secondary metabolites, several of which are responsible for the psychotropic effects.

Cultural and Medicinal Significance of Cannabis: Medicinal Marvels in Pain Management and Neurological Conditions

Reduction in Chronic Pain: Medical marijuana may be able to lessen discomfort and inflammation, particularly in cases of cancer and neuropathic pain.
Vomiting and nausea: Medicinal cannabis may help avoid or lessen vomiting and nausea brought on by chemotherapy or other drugs.
Treatment for Epilepsy: Medicinal cannabis may help lessen the frequency and intensity of seizures, particularly in cases of uncommon epilepsy like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Alzheimer’s disease: By decreasing the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, medical cannabis may help slow down the disease’s progression.
Multiple sclerosis: Medical marijuana may help lessen the pain, stiffness, and spasms in the muscles that are a part of the disease.
Crohn’s disease: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss are just a few of the symptoms that medical cannabis may help with.
Glaucoma: Medical marijuana may help reduce intraocular pressure in the eyes, preventing or postponing glaucoma-related visual loss.

Debate on Decriminalizing Cannabis in India

Arguments against Decriminalizing Cannabis:	Arguments in favor of Decriminalizing Cannabis:
Dependency Issues: Cannabis is categorized as an addictive substance that can lead to dependency problems by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Problems and the International Classification of Diseases.	Abolition of Illicit Trade: The sale of marijuana in India has a sizable underground market. Farmers, retailers, and the government would all benefit from the trade’s legalization or decriminalization as it would create new revenue streams for all.
Symptoms of Withdrawal: Marijuana withdrawal symptoms, such as irritation, difficulty sleeping, and dysphoria, are heavily discussed. Just 71% of users who attempt to stop using the substance are successful in doing so.	More affordable and safer than tobacco and alcohol: It is a well-known truth that stoners are more likely to stay calm than alcoholics, who frequently commit violent crimes or reckless driving. According to medical research, marijuana may not be as dangerous as alcohol.
Not enough research to make a claim: Extreme forms of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis respond well to marijuana treatment. However, since not enough research has been done to support the assertion, there is still a gap in the knowledge.	Addiction to marijuana is rare: Only 9% developed a clinical dependence on the marijuana. The emergence of an addiction to marijuana may also be prevented by restricted or controlled use.
Abuse of the legislation: In a nation where prescription medications are abused as well, the legalization of cannabis raises significant concerns about its regulation.	Creation of employment opportunities: Following the removal of the unlawful tag, the product would be governed by regulations. Manpower and trucks would be needed for its manufacture, processing, transportation, and selling. The same would lead to job creation
	Increased taxation: ; Since marijuana is being sold illegally, traders charge users exorbitant prices. Since the whole transaction takes place on the black market, the money stays in their pockets and never reaches the authorities.

News Source: The Hindu

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