What is CBD oil? Legality of use of CBD Oil in India

Team Udayavani, Oct 3, 2020, 1:05 PM IST

Recently, late actor Irrfan Khan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar made an appeal to legalise CBD oil in India. It was followed by huge criticism by many as actor Rhea Chakrabaorty  had administered CBD oil to Sushant Singh Rajput when he was alive.

CBD oil is an extract from the cannabis plant. The two main active substances in it are cannabidiol or CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.

The high that is caused by the consumption of cannabis is due to THC. CBD, however, does not cause a “high” or any form of intoxication.

It is extracted as either an oil or powder. These can be mixed into creams or gels. They can be put into capsules and taken orally, or rubbed on your skin.

It is said that Cannabidiol has effects on the brain, preventing the breakdown of a chemical that aggravates pain and affects mood, and mental function. It can reduce pain and anxiety. It also reduces psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia as well as epilepsy.

Recreational use of Cannabis and its resin was outlawed in India in 1985 by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (“NDPS Act”).

The NDPS Act, however, does not apply to the leaves and seeds of cannabis plant when they are separated from the flowering or fruiting tops of the plant, which are its most intoxicating parts. This is why Bhang (cannabis plant leaf) is sold freely in most States in India, subject of course to Excise Control, since it is still an intoxicant.

In case the CBD is extracted from the leaves of the cannabis, then technically it is not illegal. CBD oil manufactured under a licence issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used. But the use of cannabis as a medicine is not much prevalent in India