Cannabis legality in India is complex and often misunderstood. The answer depends on which part of the cannabis plant you're discussing. Understanding India's cannabis laws helps navigate this confusing landscape shaped by thousands of years of traditional use and modern prohibition.
India's Cannabis Legal Framework
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 governs cannabis legality in India. The Act makes critical distinctions between plant parts: cannabis leaves are permitted for medical and traditional use, while cannabis flowers (ganja) and resin (charas) are prohibited as narcotic substances. This distinction creates India's unique cannabis legal landscape.
Under this framework, formulations made from cannabis leaves, especially AYUSH-licensed medical cannabis formulations like tinctures, tablets and gummies, are legal when produced by authorised manufacturers and sold through valid medical prescriptions. These products use leaf-based extracts, which the law explicitly allows for therapeutic applications.
Ganja: Legal Status in India
Ganja refers to dried cannabis flowers and remains illegal under the NDPS Act. Possession, cultivation, sale, or consumption carries serious legal penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Despite traditional use in some communities and ganja being indigenous to the Himalayan foothills, where it has grown freely for centuries, it remains a controlled substance with strict enforcement.
Charas: Legal Status in India
Charas which is the resinous secretion of the cannabis plant, is illegal under India’s NDPS Act. Possessing, producing, or selling charas (including hashish and other resin-based cannabis products) can lead to criminal charges. Despite its historical or cultural use in some communities, the law treats it strictly as a controlled substance.
Is THC Oil Legal in India?
THC oil made from cannabis flowers or resin is illegal because these plant parts are prohibited under the NDPS Act. Only a few exceptions exist for licensed medical, pharmaceutical, or research use. Without proper government permission, producing or possessing THC oil is not allowed, and unauthorized extraction can lead to severe legal penalties.
Are Edibles Legal in India?
Cannabis edibles legality depends entirely on ingredients. Bhang (Bhaang is a traditional Indian preparation made from cannabis leaves, legally consumed in many regions during cultural and religious festivals.)-based edibles using cannabis leaves remain legal in many states, with government-authorized shops selling bhang during festivals like Holi and Mahashivratri. Edibles containing ganja or charas are illegal regardless of preparation. CBD edibles derived from hemp leaves and meeting regulatory requirements are increasingly available legally.
Current Legal Cannabis Options in India
Ayurvedic cannabis medicines made from approved parts of the plant (mainly leaves) are legal and produced by licensed companies under medical supervision.
CBD products from hemp with very low THC can be legally sold in India and are often used with a doctor’s guidance.
Medical or research-grade cannabis can be grown or used only with special government licences, and recreational cannabis products remain illegal.
About Qurist
Qurist operates within India's legal framework, offering AYUSH-compliant CBD oil & products that comply with NDPS Act requirements using only permitted plant parts.
Why Choose Qurist:
- Legal Compliance: Products specifically formulated to meet Indian regulations
- Quality Assurance: Third-party tested for purity and legal THC limits
- Transparent Practices: Clear information about sourcing and compliance
- Educational Support: Helping customers understand legal cannabis options in India
Understanding cannabis legality in India requires recognising distinctions between plant parts and products. While THC oil, ganja, and charas remain illegal, legal alternatives like CBD from hemp leaves provide wellness options within regulatory frameworks.
(Disclaimer: This information is educational. Always verify current laws and consult legal experts for specific situations. Always consult a healthcare provider before consuming medical cannabis products)
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