NCISM Advisory on Cannabis

New Delhi: Through a recent advisory, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), has directed the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) practitioners not to promote themselves as cannabis specialists.

NCISM issued this advisory after taking cognizance of the instances of illegal selling of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs containing Bhang (Cannabis), prescribed by certain Ayurveda/Unani/Siddha & Sowa-Rigpa practitioners on various platforms, including e-commerce platforms for treating multiple diseases.

"In view of above, an advisory is being issued for Stakeholders/Practitioners of the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) regarding the use of cannabis-containing drugs and not to self-proclaims himself/herself as a cannabis specialist," NCISM mentioned in the Advisory. The Apex Regulatory Body for the AYUSH doctors clarified that doctors may face legal consequences if they violate these directions.

However, in the advisory issued in July 2024, NCISM further mentioned that "It is lawful for the Practitioners of ISM Ayurveda/Unani/Siddha & Sowa-Rigpa to prescribe medicine Containing Bhang (Cannabis) in accordance with classical reference as per approval by State Drug licensing authority (AUS) under Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 & rule 1945."

NCISM issued the advisory to "prevent misuse and ensure that cannabis is used in a safe, effective, and ethically responsible manner in medical practice."

The Commission mentioned that an inter-ministerial coordination committee meeting in this regard was held on May 8, 2024, where it was decided to issue an "Advisory that registered medical practitioner should not promote himself/herself as a cannabis specialist".

Considering this, the Commission issued an advisory for practitioners of the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) regarding the use of cannabis-containing drugs and not to self-proclaim himself/herself as a cannabis specialist.

The advisory issued by NCISM is as follows:

• Practitioners should ensure that any use of cannabis-containing drugs shall be in compliance with The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Act, 1985, The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable ) Act, 1954 and Rule/Regulation framed by Concerned State Govt. (Before use of cannabis-containing drugs, pre-approval must be taken from the State Drug Licensing Authority).
• Practitioners are directed not to self-proclaim as cannabis specialists. This is to prevent misinformation.
• Adherence to ethical practices is crucial, avoiding any misleading claims about expertise or the benefits of cannabis-based treatments.
• Patient safety and well-being should be the primary focus, ensuring treatments are based on scientific evidence and administered responsibly.

Legal Consequences:

• Necessary legal action will be taken in compliance with Chapter-IV i.e. OFFENCES AND PENALTIES of THE NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, ACT, 1985 and in compliance with the relevant Act or regulation framed in this regard by the Concerned authority.
• As per sub-regulation (d) of regulation 27 of National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Ethics and Registration) regulation 2023, "When a practitioner including a teaching faculty of Indian System of Medicine misrepresents his qualifications or presents false qualifications or degree or produces a fake certificate of registration is convicted; he shall be on first time a warning or temporary suspension of a practitioner whose name is enrolled in the State Register and the National Register, for a period not exceeding three months or with a penalty not exceeding twenty-five thousand rupees be imposed by the respective State Medical Council or the Board as the case may be or with both; and in the event of a second time, a temporary suspension of a practitioner whose name is enrolled in the State Register and the National Register for a period not less than three months and not more than one year or with a penalty not less than twenty-five thousand rupees and not exceeding fifty thousand rupees or both be imposed by the respective State Medical Council or the Board as the case may be; and in the event of third and subsequent conviction there shall be permanent removal of the name of the practitioner enrolled in the State Register and the National Register".

To view the advisory, click on the link below:

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