Ganja. Pot. Weed. Mary Jane. Cannabis. These are the many names we know marijuana by. It might be illegal but its also cheap and some even claim that its healthy. So why is it illegal in the first place?
Until 1985, all forms of cannabis-hashish, ganja and bhang were legally sold in India. Recreational use of marijuana was also completely normal. In 1985, however, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was enacted that clubbed marijuana with narcotics such as crack, heroin, cocaine and smack.
It is a known fact that marijuana is commonly used by the youth even though it is illegal. So we asked a few youngsters who love their weed and whether they think marijuana should be legalised.
Anil Kumar*, 24, says, Weed is perhaps the only drug which doesnt do any harm. When you smoke it, you feel calm and peaceful. As far as I know, its even used for medicinal purposes. I dont see any reason why it shouldnt be legalised.
Dipesh Joshi*, 20, shares the same view. When we ask him why it should be legalised, he answers, Because its better than smoking cigarettes. I mean, tobacco is more harmful than marijuana, right? It is completely herbal.
But what about its alleged side-effects?
Anil says that the only side effect he might have had from smoking pot would be memory loss. I sometimes forget things. I dont exactly know whether its a side-effect but this didnt happen before.
Dipesh doesnt agree. I smoke weed once in 3 months. But I havent experienced anything weird. When I smoke weed my imagination runs wild. And oh, I also feel positive vibes.
When asked if it is better than alcohol, both of them agree.
Way better than alcohol, says Dipesh, grinning.
Were a generation that shares images of Lord Shiva smoking a blunt on social media. Dont expect us to be self-righteous about what having a good time means.
Even films are incorporating positive portrayal of pot smokers. In Kapoor And Sons (Since 1921), there is a scene that shows an old Rishi Kapoor sharing joints with his grandsons (played by Siddharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan). Theres no negativity or bacchanalia going around. Just good ol family time. Films like Go Goa Gone, Shaitan and Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana have managed to portray pot as an harmless enjoyable substance. This portrayal is unlike the 70s and 80s, when pot was regarded as a symbol of hedonism.
Perhaps its time the government check the NDPS Act once again and maybe notice that there is a large difference between marijuana and drugs like cocaine, smack, heroin. Legalizing it will bring profits like it did for Portugal. It is now legal in some parts of America too.
Smoking marijuana has been practiced in India for centuries. Its almost a part of our culture. Dont you think marijuana should be legalised?
*Names changed to protect identity.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Shouldnt India Legalise Marijuana Now?
Author: Drishti Barot
Contact: contact@baysidejournal.com
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Bayside Journal
