In a bold call for change, Viki Vaurora, founder of the Bengaluru-based Great Legalisation Movement India (GLM India), is urging the Indian government to lift the ban on cannabis, highlighting the herb’s vast potential for therapeutic, industrial, and ecological benefits. For over a decade, GLM India has been a vocal advocate for cannabis legalization, pushing for policy reforms that recognize cannabis not as a harmful drug but as a resource with vast untapped potential.
In an interview with Frontline, Vaurora emphasized that continuing the prohibition of cannabis is not only harmful but is preventing the country from realizing its true potential. He firmly believes that lifting the ban would open up opportunities for farmers, boost the economy, and lead to a more sustainable future.
Cannabis: A Solution to Ecological and Economic Challenges
Vaurora’s movement is not just about pushing for the recreational use of cannabis but rather its industrial and ecological applications. He argues that cannabis, particularly in the form of hemp, could replace environmentally damaging materials such as plastics, textiles, and paper. Hemp is a versatile, fast-growing plant that can be cultivated with far less environmental impact compared to traditional crops like cotton.
“Thousands of products we use today are ecologically damaging,” Vaurora explains. “Hemp offers sustainable alternatives that could significantly reduce our carbon footprint and environmental degradation. Legalizing cannabis and embracing hemp cultivation is an investment in a greener, more sustainable future for India.”
Therapeutic Benefits: A Long-Overlooked Resource
Vaurora also points to the therapeutic properties of cannabis, particularly in treating a range of medical conditions from chronic pain to anxiety and epilepsy. Despite growing global recognition of cannabis as a medicinal plant, India has yet to fully embrace its potential in healthcare.
He mentions the success stories from other countries where cannabis is used as part of medical treatments, underscoring its potential to alleviate suffering for millions of Indians. “Cannabis is a powerful tool in medicine, and its potential in treating pain, nausea, and mental health issues cannot be ignored,” he says.
Cannabis and the Legal Debate
The debate over cannabis legalization has been a contentious one in India. While some view cannabis as a harmful narcotic, others see it as a natural resource with significant potential for multiple sectors. Vaurora believes that the government’s focus on the negative aspects of cannabis, like its recreational use, is misguided and that it’s time for a paradigm shift.
“Cannabis has a history of cultural and medicinal significance in India,” Vaurora argues. “For centuries, it was part of traditional medicine and rituals. The current legal status does not reflect its true potential or historical role.”
Legalization and the Farmers’ Struggle
At the heart of GLM India’s campaign is the plight of farmers who could benefit from legal cannabis cultivation. According to Vaurora, legalizing cannabis would empower farmers, especially in rural areas, by providing them with a high-value crop that requires minimal water and pesticides.
The organization has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, seeking the legal recognition of cannabis cultivation. This, Vaurora believes, will not only benefit farmers economically but will also contribute to the nation’s overall development by fostering a new industry for hemp-based products.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
Vaurora’s ultimate goal is to create a legislative environment in India where cannabis is viewed as a valuable resource rather than a criminalized substance. He advocates for the government to acknowledge the scientific research supporting cannabis legalization and to consider the economic and social benefits of such a move.
“Cannabis is not the enemy,” he concludes. “It is an opportunity—an opportunity for farmers, for the economy, and for the planet.”
As the Great Legalisation Movement India continues to gain momentum, Vaurora’s call for change resonates with an increasing number of advocates and policymakers, all of whom are pushing for a future where cannabis is embraced for its full potential.
