Author's reply.

Sir,

We acknowledge the comments[1] regarding our article published in Lung India.[2] We agree with the author that Bhang, which consists of cannabis leaves, is not included under the purview of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985, in legal terms. However, the purpose of our review was to shed light on the medicinal use of Marijuana in general. It is also to be noted that, in India, unscrupulous use of Bhang is prevalent. Bhang, exclusively in its leafy form is sparingly used, because of its frequent mixing with the other constituents of cannabis. It is also our view that Bhang should be strongly regulated due to its psychotropic effects, as discussed by the author,[1] and therefore, should be included under the NDPS Act.

The various forms of cannabis are as follows:[3]

Marijuana: The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content 0.5-5%, which further includes two preparations:

Bhang-Only dry leaves

Ganja-Leaves and flowering tops with a higher resin content

Hashish: Dried resin extracted from flowering tops with a THC content of 2-20%

Hash oil: Liquid extract that contains 15% THC

Sinsemilla: Non-pollinated flowering tops from female cannabis plant, with high content of THC (20%)

Dutch Hemp (Netherweed), with THC concentration as high as 20%

There is not much literature on Bhang and its effects among its users, so it is prudent to study this form of cannabis in more depth.

Interestingly, there has been an amendment in the NDPS act in March, 2014.[4] The amendment has broadened the objectives of the NDPS Act and promotes the medical and scientific use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This will also pave the way for more research in the field of chronic pain management and palliative care including the use of medicinal cannabis and its congeners.