Import of “Designer Drugs” As psychotropic Substances of Drug Abuse – Need to Amend Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

Cannabis or hemp is also known as Bhang in Hindi, is a drug that has been used since time immoral for its use as hemp fibre, hemp seed, oil, vegetable, juice, medicinal purpose, and also as a recreational drug. Three main species of Cannabis has been found namely Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis. All the species are recognized commonly in Cannabis sativa as one species. Cannabis belongs to the family of Cannabaceae. The problem of drug abuse among the adolescents in Punjab is the major worry for the parents residing in the villages of Punjab. In the earlier times Punjab was said to be called by the name of “Sone Di Chidi” The land of five rivers “Punj – ab” (Punjab) has now become the “Chitti Chidi” with the increased usage of the drug abusing drug “Chitta” (Heroin). Newer substances of abuse are often looked into to find an alternate way of abuse. Heroin being costly cannot be purchased by the poor and the poor often looks for the cheaper sources of abuse so that he or she can satisfy himself/herself. With the ever emerging ban on “Chitta” and the syringes and needles not to be given to anybody without prescription, the abusers are looking for the newer ways of abuse and turn towards the newer forms of lab designed drugs of abuse most commonly known by the name of K2 Drugs or as “Designer Drugs”. In this article the author tries to gain the knowledge about these K2 Designer Drugs besides discussing the Constitutional Provisions, the amendments made in the Act, the role played by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 in import of these drugs beside combating this evil and saving the lives of the young generation for the better future of our country like India.