In the news

• Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) has long intrigued psychiatrists due to its impact on mood and cognition, prompting research into its potential therapeutic applications for conditions like schizophrenia and mood disorders.

What is Cannabis?

• Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, or ganja, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Cannabaceae family.
• It is primarily known for its psychoactive properties due to the presence of compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• This THC interacts with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, resulting in various effects including relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time, and increased appetite.
• The plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, with THC and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most well-known and studied.

Why discuss this?

• Researchers at the University of British Columbia initiated a clinical trial to explore the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating bipolar depression, offering promise for addressing depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.
• While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD has garnered attention for its potential antipsychotic and neuroprotective effects.

Understanding the Cannabinoid System

• Receptor Mechanisms: The human cannabinoid system, comprising CB1 and CB2 receptors, plays a crucial role in modulating various bodily functions, including pain, memory, and appetite, with THC exerting acute effects on motor control and memory.
• Endo-cannabinoid System (ECS): The ECS, governed by endogenous molecules, regulates neurotransmitter activity, influencing mood and cognitive processes.

Therapeutic Applications  

• Medical Uses: THC and synthetic cannabinoids are utilized to stimulate appetite, alleviate nausea, and manage pain associated with conditions like HIV-AIDS and cancer.
• Addiction and Withdrawal: Debate surrounds the addictive potential of THC, with animal studies suggesting addictive responses and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of heavy use.

Psychiatric Implications

• Mood Effects: Cannabis’ impact on mood is multifaceted, with reports suggesting associations with depression and bipolar disorder, although rigorous scientific scrutiny is lacking.
• Psychotic Risks: Individuals with psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia, exhibit heightened susceptibility to cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms, with youth cannabis use potentially advancing the onset of schizophrenia in genetically vulnerable individuals.

Policy Considerations

• Global Trends: The global trend toward legalizing medical and recreational cannabis underscores the need for informed policymaking to mitigate risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and individuals with mental illnesses.
• Decriminalization Debate: Broader debates on decriminalization necessitate measures to prevent commercialization and ensure safeguards against misuse, emphasizing protection for vulnerable segments of society.

Conclusion

• Navigating the complexities of cannabis necessitates a balanced approach, leveraging its therapeutic potential while addressing associated risks through evidence-based policymaking and clinical interventions.

Back2Basics: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

• The NDPS Act is a comprehensive law that consolidates and amends the existing laws relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.
• The Act prohibits the manufacture, cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, transport, storage, or consumption of drugs without permission from appropriate authorities.
• Violations are punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 10 years and a fine.
• Lesser punishments are mandated for illegal possession in small quantities for personal consumption.
• The Act also provides for the forfeiture of property derived from, or used in, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
• Drugs covered include:

1. Narcotic Drugs: Coca leaf, cannabis (hemp), opium, poppy straw, and their manufactured goods.
2. Psychotropic Substances: Any substance that modifies the mind, including amphetamine, methaqualone, diazepam, alprazolam, ketamine, etc.
3. Other substances: Cocaine, morphine, diacetylmorphine, or any other narcotic drug or any psychotropic substance as may be specified on this behalf by the Central Government.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now