Country profile · Asia-Pacific
India
Cannabis leaves (bhang) are exempt from the 1985 narcotics act and traditional Ayurvedic preparations are permitted; some states license hemp and research cultivation.
Adult-useNot legalPossession for non-medical use is an offence.
MedicalRestrictedLegal on paper, with access limited to a few approved products or special permits.
RegionAsia-Pacific
Last reviewedStatuses reviewed quarterly by our newsroom
The law in brief
Cannabis leaves (bhang) are exempt from the 1985 narcotics act and traditional Ayurvedic preparations are permitted; some states license hemp and research cultivation. Flower and resin remain illegal for adult use.
Our classification for India: adult use not legal, medical cannabis restricted.
Adult-use: Not legalPossession for non-medical use is an offence.
Medical: RestrictedLegal on paper, with access limited to a few approved products or special permits.