Context:The recent controversy about the use of drugs in Bollywood has further stigmatised the usage of CBD.  In this article we discuss the formation, effect, use and legality of Cannabidiol(CBD) oil.

Formation and Use

• It is an extract from the cannabis plant. 
• The two main active substances in it are cannabidiol or CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. 
• Its oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
• CBD is extracted from marijuana plants 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 your skin. 
• All topicals (cannabis-infused products) should be applied directly to the site of inflammation or pain to work in a specific area.
• The high that is caused by the consumption of cannabis is due to THC. CBD, however, does not cause a “high” or any form of intoxication. 

Effect

• 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. 
• It also reduces psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia as well as epilepsy.

Is CBD oil helpful in the treatment of cancer?

• There is not enough robust scientific evidence to prove that CBD oil can safely and effectively treat cancer. 
• 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 long shown that people who took marijuana extracts in clinical trials tended to need less pain medicine. 
• According to US-based National Cancer Institute, 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.
• The NDPS Act, however, 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. 
• However, the use of cannabis as a medicine is not much prevalent in India. 

About Narcotics Control Bureau

• It was constituted by the Government of India in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
• It is the apex coordinating agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on Article 47 of the Indian Constitution which directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health.
• Drug abuse control is the responsibility of the central government.

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

• It provides for the penalty of property derived from or used in illegal traffic in narcotic drugs.
• The Act made an express provision for constituting a Central Authority for the purpose of exercising the powers and functions of the Central Government under the Act.

Also Read: https://abhipedia.abhimanu.com/Article/IAS/MTU2ODI5/Lebanon-becomes-first-Arab-country-to-legalise-Cannabis-Geography-IAS