Cannabis Medicine Regulation

Currently there are no limitations regarding which conditions/symptoms medical cannabis products can be prescribed for in India. 

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act specifically prohibits the utilization of cannabis plant flower and resin, creating an exemption the leaves and seeds of the cannabis plant. Since the leaves of the plant also contain cannabinoids like CBD and THC, the main psychoactive compounds known for their therapeutic benefits, this allows for the production of cannabis medicine products within an existing regulatory framework. As cannabis is recognised as a potent plant ingredient in Ayurveda, cannabis medicine has earned ratification from India’s he Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).

N.B. – AYUSH regulations recognise whole plant medicinal extracts and also specify methods of extraction for manufacturing plant-based medicines, which regulated manufacturers must adhere to. For this reason, simple copying and prescribing of international medical cannabis form factors may be disallowed.