Is Cannabis a Drug or Medicine? Understanding the Legal and Scientific Debate

In India, cannabis is more than just a plant—it is a symbol, a medicine, and a topic of legal debate. Known traditionally as Vijaya, cannabis has been mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as a powerful herb with diverse applications. However, with the rise of recreational use and its association with substance abuse, cannabis today finds itself in a grey zone. Is cannabis a drug that causes dependency, or a medicine capable of healing chronic diseases?

What is Cannabis? A Breakdown of Vijaya

“Cannabis” refers to a group of plants in the Cannabis sativa species. In Ayurveda, it is called Vijaya, meaning “the victorious one”—a name given due to its effectiveness in managing pain and disorders of the nervous system.

The Vijaya plant consists of several parts:

•          Leaves: Used in Ayurvedic medicine and legally allowed in India for medicinal preparations.
•           Flowers: The most potent part, containing high concentrations of active cannabinoids; often regulated or prohibited under narcotics laws.
•           Seeds: Contain no cannabinoids; used for their nutritional value in cannabis seed oil/ Hemp seed oil.
•  Stems and stalks: Used in industrial hemp products.

Key Components of Vijaya

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

a.    The psychoactive compound that creates a “high.”

b.    Also contributes to pain relief, appetite stimulation, and sleep induction.

• CBD (Cannabidiol)

a.    Non-psychoactive, calming, and anti-inflammatory.

b.    Widely used in modern medicine for epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain.

•           Other Cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC)

a.    Emerging compounds with possible roles in anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective therapies.

•       Terpenes and Flavonoids

a.    Aromatic compounds that affect the plant’s smell, flavor, and therapeutic profile.

How Cannabis Acts on the Brain and Body

The human body contains a natural system called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which helps maintain balance (homeostasis) in processes like mood, pain, appetite, and sleep.

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD mimic the body's own endocannabinoids and bind to specific receptors:

•           CB1 receptors: Found primarily in the brain and nervous system; interact with THC to affect mood, memory, and perception.
  
  
•           CB2 receptors: Found in immune cells and tissues; interact with CBD and other cannabinoids to reduce inflammation.

Cannabis Effects on the Brain

•         Alters neurotransmitter release (e.g., dopamine and serotonin)
• ·          Changes perception of pain and time
• ·           Can cause relaxation or, at high doses, anxiety and paranoia 

Why Is Cannabis Called a Drug?

The term “drug” is often loaded with negativity. While in pharmacology it simply means “any substance that causes a physiological change,” in everyday language it is often associated with addiction and illegality.

Cannabis is classified as a psychoactive drug because it alters brain function and can impact perception, mood, and consciousness. This classification underlies its restriction under narcotics laws in many countries, including India.

In India, The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 criminalizes cannabis resin (charas) and flowers (ganja) but excludes the leaves and seeds, which is why bhang remains legal.

Globally, cannabis remains in legal limbo. Some countries classify it as a Schedule I drug (high potential for abuse), while others—like Canada and certain U.S. states—have legalized it fully for both recreational and medicinal use.

Cannabis and Inflammation: A Scientific Perspective

Modern research has uncovered that cannabis doesn’t just act on the brain—it also plays a significant role in immune system regulation. The cannabinoids found in cannabis are known to reduce chronic inflammation, a common underlying cause of many diseases.

Mechanisms of Anti-Inflammatory Action

•            CBD suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemicals that trigger immune overreactions.
•            Cannabinoids inhibit COX enzymes, similar to how NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) work.
•          Modulates immune cell signaling via CB2 receptors.

This anti-inflammatory action is especially beneficial in:

•            Rheumatoid arthritis
•            Inflammatory bowel disease
•             Multiple sclerosis
•            Asthma and allergic reactions
•            Autoimmune conditions

Cannabis Medical Uses: What Is It Really Good For? 

The medical community has increasingly recognized cannabis for its therapeutic benefits. Let’s explore what medical cannabis is used for across different conditions:

1. Chronic Pain

One of the most well-established uses. Patients with arthritis, cancer, or neuropathy report significant relief.

2. Epilepsy

CBD-based medicines like Epidiolex are approved for rare forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

3. Anxiety and Depression

CBD acts as a natural anxiolytic, though THC in high doses may exacerbate symptoms.

4. Cancer Support

Cannabis helps in:

•             Reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea
•       Enhancing appetite
•             Easing cancer-related pain
  

5. Sleep Disorders

THC promotes sleep, while CBD helps regulate circadian rhythms, offering an alternative to synthetic sleep aids.

6. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

Preliminary research suggests cannabis may help reduce tremors, agitation, and improve cognition in neurodegenerative disorders.

Scientific Research Supporting Medical Use

The debate over cannabis as a drug or medicine isn’t just philosophical; it’s supported by mounting scientific evidence. Here are some landmark studies:

•            2018 WHO Review on Cannabidiol (CBD): Concluded that CBD is well-tolerated, with no indication of abuse or dependence potential.
  
  
•           Harvard Medical School Review (2020): Highlighted positive outcomes in chronic pain and sleep disorders.
  
  
• ·        The Lancet Neurology (2017): Found that medical cannabis significantly reduced seizures in treatment-resistant epilepsy. 

Legal vs. Scientific: Where the Debate Stands

The central debate—is cannabis a drug or medicine? —often stems from a disconnect between legal restrictions and scientific findings.

•            Legally, cannabis is still classified as a narcotic in many countries, leading to fear, stigma, and underutilization of its medical potential.
  
  
• ·         Scientifically, cannabis is emerging as a safe and effective remedy for numerous conditions, when used responsibly and under guidance.

In India, medicinal cannabis is legal under Ayurvedic regulations, with licensed companies offering prescription-based oils and capsules. However, there’s a dire need for broader public education and regulatory clarity. 

Cannabis, or Vijaya, walks a fine line between remedy and risk. Its centuries-old legacy in Indian medicine, combined with modern scientific validation, reveals that it’s not just a drug, but a powerful medicinal agent when used appropriately.

Still, context is everything.

•        As a drug, it can impair judgment and become addictive if misused.
• ·           As a medicine, it can reduce suffering, treat chronic illnesses, and improve quality of life.

Understanding the difference lies in dosage, intention, regulation, and guidance.

As the world shifts toward more evidence-based healthcare, perhaps it’s time we shed the stigma and recognize cannabis for what it truly is—a complex, misunderstood, yet potentially transformative gift of nature.