Did you know India has one of the longest histories of cannabis use in the world? For over 3,000 years, it’s been part of religious rituals, festivals, and traditional medicine.
Fast forward to 2025, and the debate around cannabis legality is hotter than ever. About 31 million Indians (2.8% of adults) use cannabis yearly, according to a 2024 United Nations report.
Is Cannabis Legal in India? Legal Status in 2025
Cannabis is partially legal in India. Authorities allow medical cannabis. Regulators control hemp use. But recreational cannabis is still illegal. India has complicated cannabis laws. They change based on the type of cannabis and how it is used.
The NDPS Act of 1985 bans the sale and use of cannabis resin (charas) and flowers (ganja). But the law does not ban leaves and seeds.
This loophole lets states like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand sell bhang legally. Bhang is a drink made from cannabis leaves. They can sell it during festivals like Holi.
In 2025, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use under federal law. More people are learning about its health benefits and industrial uses. This has sparked demands for change.
1. Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis (like smoking ganja or using charas) is illegal nationwide. Possession can lead to jail time or fines. But bhang is openly sold in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. Over 15 states allow bhang sales in government-approved shops.
2. Medicinal Use
Medicinal cannabis is legal but tightly controlled. In 2025, only licensed companies in India will be able to grow cannabis for medical use.
The Ayush Ministry, for example, approves cannabis oils and tablets. These are for pain, epilepsy, and cancer. A 2024 study found that 62% of Indian patients using medicinal cannabis felt better.
3. Industrial Use
Industrial hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) is booming. The adverb cannot be eliminated. Uttarakhand became the first state to legalize hemp farming in 2018.
By 2025, India’s hemp market will be worth ₹420 crore ($50 million), creating over 12,000 jobs.
Cannabis Law and Control in India
1. How India Applies Cannabis Laws
India’s cannabis laws are enforced by state police and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). While the NDPS Act sets national rules, states can adjust penalties. Odisha has lighter fines for small amounts. In contrast, Maharashtra enforces strict jail terms.
2. The Illegal Cannabis Market
Despite laws, India’s illegal cannabis market thrives. The NCB estimates that 380+ tons of cannabis are seized yearly, worth ₹900 crore ($110 million). Remote areas, like Kandhamal in Odisha and Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, often face illegal farming.
Cannabis Usage and Its Impact in India
1. Recreational Drug Use
About 3.1 crore Indians use cannabis recreationally. While many argue it’s less harmful than alcohol, heavy use can cause memory loss or addiction. A 2024 survey found that 18% of users started before the age of 18.
2. Mental Health Concerns
Cannabis use is linked to anxiety and psychosis in 1 out of 10 regular users, according to a 2025 AIIMS study. However, experts note that most cases involve high-THC products or pre-existing conditions.
3. Industrial Cannabis Use
Hemp is changing India’s agriculture. It needs 50% less water than cotton and enriches the soil. Brands like “BOHECO” sell hemp clothing, earning ₹200 crores annually.
Cannabis Cultivation in India
Legal cannabis farming requires state licenses. Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir issue permits for medicinal or industrial hemp.
Illegally, cannabis grows wild in states like West Bengal and Kerala. In 2025, over 1,200 acres will be legally farmed, compared to over 40,000 acres illegally.
Cannabis Penalties in India
| Offense | Penalty |
| Personal Use | Getting caught with small amounts (up to 1 kg) can mean 6–12 months in jail or a ₹10,000 fine. First |
| Trafficking | Selling or transporting cannabis leads to 10+ years in jail. |
| Growing | Growing up without a license risks 10–20 years in prison. |
Future of Cannabis Legalization in India
India is gradually becoming more receptive to cannabis reform. States like Punjab and Manipur want to legalize medicinal use. A 2025 survey found that 55% of Indians support regulated cannabis sales.
Full legalization may not happen soon. But, growing hemp industries and medical research might make lawmakers reconsider old laws.
Cannabis laws in India are a mix of strict bans and cultural acceptance. While recreational use is illegal, medicinal and industrial cannabis is rising.
By 2025, science may show more benefits, and the economy could grow. This might mark the beginning of a greener, smarter way to approach cannabis in India.
