Why Trump reclassifying cannabis is major milestone in legalisation push

While the specific details of former US President Trump's reported reclassification of cannabis are unavailable in the provided article, the broader topic of cannabis reclassification holds immense significance globally and for India. Understanding this issue requires delving into international drug policy, domestic legal frameworks, and the evolving socio-economic landscape surrounding cannabis.

Historically, cannabis has been categorized as a dangerous drug with no accepted medical use under international treaties. The **UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961** classified cannabis in Schedule I and Schedule IV, placing it among the most dangerous substances, thereby mandating strict controls on its production, manufacture, export, import, distribution, trade, use, and possession. The United States, a signatory to this convention, implemented its own **Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in 1970**, mirroring this stringent classification by placing cannabis in Schedule I, alongside heroin and LSD. This federal classification has historically created a conflict with individual US states that have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, as federal law still considers it illegal.

A reclassification of cannabis, such as moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III under the CSA (as was reportedly proposed), would signify a monumental shift. A Schedule III substance is recognized as having a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and accepted medical uses. Such a change would not legalize cannabis federally but would significantly ease restrictions on research, potentially open avenues for pharmaceutical development, and reduce federal penalties for some cannabis-related offenses. It would acknowledge its medicinal value, aligning federal policy more closely with the scientific consensus and the policies of many US states.

Key stakeholders in this global debate include national governments (like the US federal government and individual states), international bodies such as the **UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)** and the **World Health Organization (WHO)**, which has previously recommended rescheduling cannabis internationally. The medical and scientific communities advocate for greater research into cannabis's therapeutic potential. The burgeoning cannabis industry, including cultivators, processors, and retailers, sees vast economic opportunities. Civil society organizations and advocacy groups champion drug policy reform, often pushing for decriminalization or full legalization based on public health, social justice, and economic arguments. Conversely, some law enforcement agencies and public health officials express concerns about potential negative societal impacts of relaxed regulations.

For India, such a development in the US carries significant implications. India's current legal framework for cannabis is governed primarily by the **Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985**. This Act was largely influenced by international pressure, particularly from the US, to align with global drug control efforts. Before the NDPS Act, cannabis use, especially in the form of 'bhang,' was deeply embedded in Indian cultural and religious practices and was legally tolerated. The NDPS Act, however, criminalized the production, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and consumption of cannabis, with severe penalties. While it permits the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and horticultural purposes with government permission, and allows for the use of leaves (bhang), the overall stance is prohibitory.

An international shift, particularly by a major power like the US, could prompt India to re-examine its own stringent drug laws. This could lead to debates around: **Economic Potential** (e.g., fostering an industrial hemp sector for textiles, paper, and construction materials, or exploring a regulated medical cannabis market); **Public Health** (revisiting harm reduction strategies, recognizing potential therapeutic uses, and distinguishing between different cannabis products); and **Social Justice** (addressing the disproportionate impact of current laws on certain communities). Constitutional provisions like **Article 47** of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which mandates the State to endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health, often informs drug policy. However, a nuanced interpretation could also consider the medicinal benefits. Furthermore, **Entry 23 of the Concurrent List (List III, Schedule VII)** allows both the central and state governments to legislate on 'Drugs and Poisons,' providing flexibility for reform.

Looking ahead, a global trend towards cannabis reclassification could accelerate research into its cannabinoids (like CBD and THC), leading to new pharmaceutical products. It could also create a more harmonized international approach to drug control, moving away from strict prohibition towards regulation and public health models. For India, this might mean a gradual shift towards decriminalization of personal use, expansion of industrial hemp cultivation, or even a regulated medical cannabis program, balancing economic opportunities with public health concerns. However, such changes would require significant legislative reform and robust regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse and ensure public safety, navigating the complex interplay of cultural traditions, economic aspirations, and international obligations.