New Delhi: The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has issued a recent advisory, directing Indian System of Medicine (ISM) practitioners not to promote themselves as cannabis specialists. This directive follows the NCISM's concerns over the illegal sale of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) drugs containing Bhang (Cannabis), which have been prescribed by certain Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa practitioners on various platforms, including e-commerce sites, for the treatment of multiple diseases.
In the advisory, NCISM emphasized that ISM practitioners should not self-proclaim as cannabis specialists, warning that legal consequences could follow if this directive is ignored. The regulatory body for AYUSH practitioners clarified that while it is lawful for ISM practitioners to prescribe medicines containing Bhang (Cannabis) under classical references, this must be done with prior approval from the State Drug Licensing Authority (AUS) as per the Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1940 and its accompanying rules.
The advisory, issued in July 2024, is part of NCISM's efforts to prevent the misuse of cannabis in medical practice and to ensure that it is used safely, effectively, and ethically. The NCISM noted that an inter-ministerial coordination committee meeting was held on May 8, 2024, during which it was decided to issue an advisory reminding registered medical practitioners not to promote themselves as cannabis specialists.
The key points of the advisory are as follows:
- Practitioners must ensure that any use of cannabis-containing drugs complies with The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985, The Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945, and the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954, as well as any relevant regulations framed by the concerned State Government. Pre-approval from the State Drug Licensing Authority is mandatory before the use of cannabis-containing drugs.
- Practitioners are explicitly directed not to self-proclaim as cannabis specialists to prevent the spread of misinformation.
- Ethical practices must be adhered to, avoiding any misleading claims about expertise or the benefits of cannabis-based treatments.
- Patient safety and well-being should remain the top priority, ensuring that treatments are evidence-based and administered responsibly.
The advisory also outlines the legal consequences for non-compliance. Practitioners who violate these guidelines may face legal action under Chapter IV (Offences and Penalties) of The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985, as well as relevant acts or regulations framed by the concerned authority.
Furthermore, according to sub-regulation (d) of Regulation 27 of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Ethics and Registration) Regulation 2023, practitioners who misrepresent their qualifications or present false credentials may face penalties. These could range from a warning or temporary suspension for up to three months, along with a fine of up to ₹25,000 for the first offense, to longer suspensions or permanent removal from the State and National Registers for repeated offenses, with fines up to ₹50,000.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
