For nearly a decade, Bengaluru-based activist Viki Vaurora has been at the forefront of advocating for the legalisation of cannabis in India. As the founder of the Great Legalisation Movement India (GLM India), Vaurora has tirelessly campaigned for farmers cultivating cannabis and argued for the plant’s diverse therapeutic, industrial, and ecological applications.
In an exclusive interview, Vaurora elaborates on his mission, the potential of cannabis to transform various industries, and the ongoing legal battle his organisation is spearheading in the Delhi High Court to overturn cannabis prohibition in India.
Cannabis: A Multifaceted Solution
Therapeutic Benefits
“Cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years in India,” says Vaurora, pointing to its mentions in Ayurvedic texts and ancient scriptures. Modern research corroborates its utility, with studies highlighting its efficacy in managing chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer-related symptoms, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Vaurora criticizes the government’s reluctance to legalize medical cannabis despite mounting evidence and the growing global acceptance of its therapeutic potential.
Industrial Applications
According to GLM India, cannabis could revolutionize industries through its derivative, hemp. Hemp can be used to produce biodegradable plastics, textiles, paper, biofuel, and construction materials like hempcrete.
“Hemp is not only a sustainable alternative to plastic and cotton but also a crop that requires less water and no pesticides. It is baffling that such an eco-friendly resource remains underutilized in India,” says Vaurora.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Cannabis has deep roots in Indian tradition, revered as a sacred plant in religious practices and festivals like Holi and Shivaratri. “Bhang, which is made from cannabis, has been consumed legally for centuries. How can we suddenly classify it as illicit when it is an integral part of our culture?” Vaurora questions.
The Great Legalisation Movement
GLM India has taken its fight to the legal arena, filing a petition in the Delhi High Court to challenge the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, which criminalized cannabis.
Vaurora argues that the NDPS Act’s blanket ban on cannabis is outdated and rooted in Western drug policies that fail to consider India’s unique context. “The ban has devastated the lives of millions of farmers who relied on cannabis cultivation and has stifled innovation in industries that could benefit from hemp.”
Obstacles to Legalisation
Legal and Political Resistance
“The biggest hurdle is the stigma surrounding cannabis,” Vaurora explains. Misinformation equating cannabis to hard drugs like heroin has fueled resistance from policymakers and the public alike.
Economic Implications
Ironically, India is one of the world’s largest exporters of cannabis-based medicines, yet domestic use remains heavily restricted. “It’s a classic case of double standards,” says Vaurora.
Social Stigma
Decades of prohibition have also perpetuated myths about cannabis, linking its use to moral decline and substance abuse. “The focus should be on education and regulation, not criminalization,” Vaurora asserts.
Vision for a Cannabis-Positive Future
Vaurora envisions a future where cannabis is fully integrated into India’s economy, healthcare, and cultural practices. GLM India is working to educate the public and policymakers on the plant’s multifaceted benefits and dispel myths through workshops, campaigns, and research initiatives.
“Cannabis is not the enemy,” Vaurora concludes. “The real harm lies in continuing to deny its potential while millions suffer from untreated ailments, ecological damage, and economic loss.”
