A Gandhi Speaks Out: Let's Legalize Medicinal Cannabis in India

The words of a respected Gandhi family member carry special weight in India. Especially when she's a member of Narendra Modi's cabinet.

Recently, Maneka Gandhi, who serves the government as Indian Union Cabinet Minister for Women & Child Development, has recommended the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes be considered in India.

Gandhi was quoted in Quartz Media/India as saying, "Cannabis should be legalised for medical purposes, especially as it serves a purpose in cancer".

She continued, “(In) some of the developed countries like the US, marijuana has been legalised, which ultimately results in less drug abuse. The possibility of the same may be explored in India.”

(Editor's note: while legalization in the US is not complete, the country of Portugal has had resounding success in reducing drug addiction and drug-related deaths by legalizing drugs including cannabis - see details in the American Cannabis Report story).

Maneka Gandhi carries the Gandhi surname as the widow of Sanjay Gandhi, who was the son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Image source: Quartz Media, India