(Daily News Scan - DNS English) CBD OIL : Is It Legal in India?
Recently, late actor Irrfan khan’s wife made an appeal to legalise CBD oil in India. Her appeal witnessed some criticism. The recent controversy about the use of drugs in Bollywood has stigmatised the usage of CBD. CBD oil is basically an extract from the cannabis plant.
In this DNS, we will know - What is CBD oil? What are its effects? Is its use and consumption legal in India?
- As we mentioned above, CBD oil is an extract from cannabis plant. The main active substance in this are cannabidiol or CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
- CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
- The high that is caused by the consumption of cannabis is due to THC. CBD, does not cause a “high” or any form of intoxication.
- CBD is most commonly available in the form of oils and tinctures.
Usage of CBD OIL –
- CBD is extracted from marijuana plants. IT is extracted as either an oil or powder. These can be mixed into creams or gels. They can be put into capsules and taken orally, or rubbed on skin.
- All topical (cannabis-infused products) should be applied directly to the site of inflammation or pain to work in a specific area.
Effects of Cannabidiol-
- Cannabidiol has effects on the brain, preventing the breakdown of a chemical that aggravates pain and affects mood, and mental function.
- It can reduce pain and anxiety. CBD oil has shown promising results in reducing anxiety and depression in both human and animal studies. CBD has also been used to treat insomnia and anxiety in children with post-traumatic stress disorder.
- It also reduces psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia as well as epilepsy.
Is CBD oil helpful in treating cancer?
- There is not enough scientific evidence to prove that CBD oil can safely and effectively treat cancer. CBD can help alleviate symptoms related to cancer and side effects of chemotherapy - such as pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.
- However, a study from the European Journal of Pain showed that CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis.
- CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain associated with cancer.
- Studies have revealed that people who took marijuana extracts in clinical trials tended to need less pain medicine.
- The US-based National Cancer Institute mentions that CBD may help alleviate side-effects of cancer treatment.
Is CBD oil legal in India?
- The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis.
- However, The NDPS Act, does not apply to the leaves and seeds of cannabis plants.
- In case the CBD is extracted from the leaves of the cannabis, then technically it is not illegal.
- CBD oil manufactured under a licence issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used.
- The use of cannabis as a medicine is not very prevalent in India.
- The bottom line here is that, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of CBD oil in humans although several studies suggest that it can be helpful for managing a range of conditions.
