Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi’s private Bill to seek legalisation of “traditional” and “non-synthetic” intoxicants, such as opium and cannabis (marijuana), has been cleared by the legislative branch of Parliament, a statement issued by him here informed on Wednesday. This is the second Bill by Gandhi to be accepted for tabling in the Parliament, the first being the Sikh Marriage Bill 2016 that has already been tabled in the Parliament. The reason for bringing up this amendment to the NDPS Act, says Gandhi, is that “the 30 years’ period of enactment and implementation of NDPS Act has produced results contrary to the desired results”. Dr Gandhi described the intentions behind the enactment that the “NDPS Act was enacted in order to meet then UN Conventions on Drug Policy... (HT File Photo)“As the common man’s recreational substances were made unavailable, the newer, more potent, addictive and dangerous alternative drugs flooded the markets.

Source: Hindustan Times October 19, 2016 13:05 UTC