The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has instructed practitioners of the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) not to identify themselves as cannabis specialists in a recent advice.

The NCISM released this advisory in response to reports of illicit sales of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) drugs that contain Bhang (Cannabis), which have been prescribed for a variety of ailments by some Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa practitioners on a variety of platforms, including e-commerce sites.

"In view of above, an advisory is being issued for Stakeholders/Practitioners of the Indian System of Medicine (ISM) regarding the use of cannabis-containing drugs and not to self-proclaims himself/herself as a cannabis specialist," NCISM mentioned in the Advisory. It was made clear by the Apex Regulatory Body for AYUSH doctors that doctors who disobey these instructions could potentially face legal consequences.

However, NCISM also stated in the July 2024 advisory that "It is lawful for the Practitioners of ISM Ayurveda/Unani/Siddha & Sowa-Rigpa to prescribe medicine Containing Bhang (Cannabis) in accordance with classical reference as per approval by State Drug licensing authority (AUS) under Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 & rule 1945."

NCISM released an advisory to "prevent misuse and ensure that cannabis is used in a safe, effective, and ethically responsible manner in medical practice."

The Commission noted that on May 8, 2024, an interministerial coordination committee meeting was conducted, and at that meeting, it was resolved to issue an "Advisory that registered medical practitioner should not promote himself/herself as a cannabis specialist".

In light of this, the Commission advised Indian System of Medicine (ISM) practitioners not to identify themselves as cannabis specialists and to refrain from using medications containing cannabis.

NCISM has released the following advisory:

1. Practitioners should make sure that the use of cannabis-containing drugs complies with the following laws: the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945, and the Rule/Regulation framed by Concerned State Govt. (Prior to using cannabis-containing drugs, preapproval must be obtained from the State Drug Licensing Authority).

2. It is advised that practitioners refrain from identifying themselves as cannabis experts. This is to guard against false information.

3.Upholding ethical standards is essential to prevent deceptive statements on skill or the advantages of cannabis-based therapies.

4. The main priority should be the safety and well-being of the patient, ensuring that therapies are properly provided and grounded in scientific evidence.

Legal Consequences:

The appropriate Act or regulation created in this respect by the Concerned authority, as well as Chapter IV, OFFENCES AND PENALTIES OF THE NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, ACT, 1985, will be followed for the necessary legal action.

As per sub-regulation (d) of regulation 27 of National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Ethics and Registration) regulation 2023, "When a practitioner including a teaching faculty of Indian System of Medicine misrepresents his qualifications or presents false qualifications or degree or produces a fake certificate of registration is convicted; he shall be on first time a warning or temporary suspension of a practitioner whose name is enrolled in the State Register and the National Register, for a period not exceeding three months or with a penalty not exceeding twenty-five thousand rupees be imposed by the respective State Medical Council or the Board as the case may be or with both; and in the event of a second time, a temporary suspension of a practitioner whose name is enrolled in the State Register and the National Register for a period not less than three months and not more than one year or with a penalty not less than twenty-five thousand rupees and not exceeding fifty thousand rupees or both be imposed by the respective State Medical Council or the Board as the case may be; and in the event of third and subsequent conviction there shall be permanent removal of the name of the practitioner enrolled in the State Register and the National Register".

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)