India's Cannabis Prohibition: A Historical Mistake Worth Reversing, Says Activist Ed Rosenthal

Cannabis legalization advocate Ed Rosenthal argues that India's 1961 cannabis ban—imposed as a condition of signing the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs—represents a regulatory error worthy of reversal. Drawing on over 50 years of cannabis prohibition advocacy experience in the United States, Rosenthal contends that India's historical ganja traditions and potential therapeutic applications warrant policy reconsideration. The article examines how international pressure shaped India's drug policy and explores lessons from cannabis reform movements. This perspective is particularly relevant for patients seeking alternative therapeutic options and policymakers evaluating evidence-based approaches to cannabis regulation.