MARIJUANA

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Context:

• Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis. However, tough penalties will still apply to those who use the drug to get high.

 

Why?

• Thailand will promote cannabis policies for medical purposes.
• Thai cannabis industry will generate billions of dollars in income by boosting agriculture (the value of the industry to easily exceed $2 billion dollars).
• Thailand is one of the best places to grow cannabis plants.

 

About Marijuana:

• Marijuana (or hemp), is part of the cannabis super-family
• Uttarakhand, Jammu and Uttar Pradesh have allowed restricted cultivation of the plant for medical research.
• The Marijuana has two components CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is THC which is the primary psychoactive component of Marijuana.
• The NDPS Act 1985 bans the commercial cultivation of cannabis.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legalized?

• Legalisation will curb crime
• Cultural and Historical Significance: In the Atharva-veda, the ‘bhang’ plant finds a notable mention as one of nature’s five sacred, distress-relieving plants. During the festival of Holi, the consumption of bhang is an integral part of the celebrations even today.
• Less Health Risk when compared to Alcohol
• Business and Economic Possibilities

Why Marijuana Should Remain Illegal?

• Marijuana Causes Psychosis
• Cannabis has been engineered to become much more potent an addictive.
• Marijuana damages organs

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