Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complex (Traditional Use / No Formal Programme) | Traditional use (bhang); NDPS Act 1985 restricts THC | Varies by state | Traditional/Ayurvedic; no formal medical programme | Very low (bhang government-licensed) |
How to Get Medical Cannabis in India
- India has no formal medical cannabis programme under modern pharmaceutical regulation
- Bhang (traditional cannabis drink from leaves/seeds) is legal and sold at government-licensed shops in some states
- Uttarakhand has licensed vijaya (cannabis) cultivation for Ayurvedic use
- Some Ayurvedic preparations use cannabis (vijaya) legally in certain states
- Modern pharmaceutical cannabis products are not available through standard medical channels
Qualifying Conditions
- Traditional Ayurvedic uses: pain, anxiety, insomnia, digestive disorders
- No modern pharmaceutical qualifying conditions list exists
Cost & Clinics
India's relationship with cannabis is ancient — bhang is used in Hindu religious festivals and is government-licensed in several states. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985 criminalises cannabis resin and flowers but not leaves and seeds (which bhang is made from). Uttarakhand licensed vijaya (cannabis) cultivation in 2018 for industrial and Ayurvedic use. A formal modern medical cannabis programme does not exist in India as of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis legal in India?
It depends on the form. Bhang (made from cannabis leaves and seeds) is legal and government-licensed in many states. Cannabis resin (charas/hashish) and flowers are illegal under the NDPS Act 1985.
Is there a medical cannabis programme in India?
No formal modern pharmaceutical medical cannabis programme exists. Some Ayurvedic preparations using vijaya (cannabis) are legal in certain states. Uttarakhand licenses vijaya cultivation.
Is CBD legal in India?
Hemp-derived CBD is in a regulatory grey area. Products containing CBD are sold but the legal framework is unclear. The NDPS Act targets THC-containing cannabis.
What is bhang in India?
Bhang is a traditional cannabis drink made from cannabis leaves and seeds — it does not use the flowers or resin. It is legal and sold at government shops in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar, and consumed during festivals like Holi and Shivaratri.