Punjab is grappling with an escalating drug crisis that has left a devastating impact on its youth and communities. With the highest number of drug overdose deaths in India, the state’s struggle highlights deep-rooted issues in the approach to drug control and rehabilitation.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, has been at the center of this battle, drawing criticism for its rigid stance on plant-based intoxicants and its failure to address the root causes of addiction. A closer examination reveals the need for a paradigm shift in drug policies, emphasizing harm reduction and the potential decriminalization of natural substances.
The Legacy of the NDPS Act
The NDPS Act was enacted as part of India’s commitment to the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The law prohibits the cultivation, possession, sale, consumption, and transport of all plant-based psychotropic substances, including cannabis, opium, and hemp. While its intent was to curb drug trafficking and abuse, the outcomes have often been counterproductive, particularly in states like Punjab.
Critics argue that the ban on traditional plant-based substances has inadvertently created a thriving market for synthetic drugs, which are far more addictive and dangerous. The rise of injectables and chemical intoxicants has led to public health crises, including the spread of AIDS and hepatitis.
A Shifting Global Perspective
Globally, there is growing consensus that punitive drug laws have failed. In June 2024, Tlaleng Mofokeng, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, urged countries to adopt harm reduction strategies. Countries like Portugal, Switzerland, and several U.S. states have decriminalized cannabis, resulting in significant reductions in overdose deaths and drug-related crimes. These examples provide a roadmap for Punjab to explore alternative strategies prioritizing public health over criminalization.
Punjab’s Political Promises and Ground Realities
Successive governments in Punjab have made ambitious promises to eradicate drug addiction, but their efforts have fallen short. The Aam Aadmi Party’s pledge to make Punjab drug-free within three months of coming to power in 2022 underscores the political rhetoric surrounding this issue. Similarly, former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had promised to eliminate the drug menace within four weeks during his tenure. These promises have highlighted the complexity of the problem, which requires sustained and nuanced interventions rather than quick fixes.
As of recent reports, around 2.74 lakh (274,000) patients are under treatment at 529 Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics across Punjab large amounts of patients since its inception. Meanwhile, over 75% of Punjab’s youth are reported to be struggling with drug abuse, with many incarcerated for drug-related offenses under the NDPS Act.
Decriminalization: A Controversial but Necessary Debate
The prohibition of traditional substances like cannabis and opium has not only fueled synthetic drug use but also empowered drug cartels and created narco-terrorism networks. Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP from Patiala, Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi has been a vocal advocate for decriminalizing organic intoxicants, arguing that their recreational and medicinal use poses fewer societal risks compared to synthetic drugs. He also highlights the hypocrisy of promoting alcohol and cigarettes, which are far more harmful yet economically lucrative for governments.
Experts also challenge the assumption that easier access to natural substances will lead to widespread abuse. Data suggests that even with widespread availability, only a fraction of the population consumes alcohol, supporting the argument that decriminalization might not exacerbate addiction issues.
Charting a Way Forward
The need for reform in Punjab’s drug policies is urgent. A multifaceted approach that includes the following could be more effective:
Amendments to the NDPS Act: Allowing the cultivation and regulated use of natural substances like cannabis and opium for medicinal and industrial purposes, as seen in states like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Harm Reduction Strategies: Shifting focus from criminalizing users to providing comprehensive rehabilitation and harm reduction services. This includes expanding OOAT clinics and integrating mental health support.
International Collaboration: Learning from successful decriminalization models in Portugal and other countries to adapt these strategies to Punjab’s socio-cultural context.
Punjab’s drug crisis is a complex interplay of socio-economic, legal, and political factors. Critics of the NDPS Act argue that while rooted in a global convention, it has outlived its relevance in its current form. Decriminalizing plant-based substances and adopting harm reduction policies could provide a more sustainable solution to this crisis. For Punjab to emerge from the clutches of addiction, it must balance public health priorities with a pragmatic approach to drug control, aligning with global best practices.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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