India Votes To Reclassify And Delist Cannabis From The Most Strict Drug Control List At The UN

India has voted in support of UN Commission on Narcotic Drug’s (CND) decision for cannabis to be removed from the Schedule IV of the 1961 convention that placed it in the list with other drugs like heroin.

The Times of India reports that the government will explain its stand of this issue later on.

However, India is believed to have taken this step following a recommendation by WHO to alter the range of control of cannabis and cannabis-related substances. Henceforth, the reclassification means that it will be dropped from the list of the most strict drug control list.

“Moreover, according to news reports, the decision could also drive additional scientific research into the plant’s long-heralded medicinal properties and act as catalyst for countries to legalise the drug for medicinal use,” the UN news was quoted by TOI.

The CND is willing to identify and medicinal and therapeutic scope of this drug. The recommendation was accepted after it received 27 ayes and 25 noes.