India’s United Nations vote to reclassify marijuana raises eyebrows

NEW DELHI: India has voted in favour of a move by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to remove cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 convention where it was listed alongside drugs like heroin.
The decision to reclassify cannabis and drop it from the most strict drug control list followed a recommendation by WHO for a change in the scope of control of cannabis and cannabis-related substances. While India voted for the dilution, its domestic laws remain tough, resulting in action by enforcement agencies as seen in the case of Narcotics Control Bureau in Mumbai in the context of small amounts being seized and Bollywood personalities being held for possession.

That India voted in favour of the decision to call cannabis a less dangerous drug raised eyebrows here as the NCB has been targeting Bollywood stars for the use of the same ‘illegal’ drug. While there was no statement or explanation of vote by the government, sources said the decision was related to possible medical uses of cannabis and recommendations by WHO. It was also pointed out that some countries, held up for decriminalising cannabis, have not done away with penalties that include fines, rehab and community service.

Official sources said the government will explain its position later. The commission decided by 27 votes to 25, and with one abstention, to follow the WHO recommendation, said the CND, a 53-member body. According to UN News, CND has opened the door for recognising the medicinal and therapeutic potential of the commonly-used but still largely illegal drug.

“Moreover, according to news reports, the decision could also drive additional scientific research into the plant’s long-heralded medicinal properties and act as catalyst for countries to legalise the drug for medicinal use,” it said.