Questions :

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

• the number in which AYUSH has supported the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for medicinal purposes in the country, considering its potential benefits in treating pain and anxiety;
• the steps Government is taking to educate the public and healthcare professionalsabout the appropriate usage and potential side effects of CBD, ensuring responsible consumption and preventing misuse;
• whether there are plans to expand the scope of CBD usage beyond pain and anxietytreatment, the potential areas of exploration and research in this regard; and
• the statistics on the overall growth and economic impact of the CBD industry in thecountry, including job creation and revenue generation?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF AYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

• to (d): Bhanga (except seeds) is enlisted in the Schedule E-I of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1940 which contains list of poisonous substances of the Ayurvedic, including Siddha and Unani Systems of Medicine. Further, Cannabidiol do not come under the definition of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Medicines as prescribed in Section 3(a) & 3(h)(i) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rule 158-B of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.

As per Rule 161(2) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 the drug containing ingredients mentioned in Schedule E(1) of the D&C Act, 1940 has to be labelled conspicuously with the words “Caution: To be taken under medical supervision” both in English and Hindi language. Further, provisions for sale license of Ayurveda drugs are not available in Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, thereunder.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) vide letter no. F. No. -25/64/2022- CCPA dated 14.07.2022 has also issued an advisory to e-commerce platforms that the sale or facilitating the sale of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani drugs containing ingredients listed in Schedule E (1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 shall be done only after a valid prescription of a registered Ayurveda, Siddha or Unani practitioner respectively is uploaded by the user on the platform.