Dr. Shriram Nene calls India’s approach to Cannabis 'Hypocritical,' recalls medical use in US
Mumbai: Renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene, who is also the husband of actor Madhuri Dixit, has criticised India’s stance on cannabis, calling it “hypocritical” in comparison to its regulated medical use in other countries, including the United States.
Speaking on his health and wellness YouTube channel during a conversation with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Dr. Nene shared his experience of prescribing cannabis to cancer patients in the US, where medical marijuana is legal under controlled conditions.
“In India, there’s a bit of hypocrisy, it’s not that big of a deal,” Dr. Nene remarked, pointing out that while substances like ‘bhaang’ have been culturally accepted and traditionally used by ascetics and others, the broader discourse around cannabis continues to be burdened by stigma and legal constraints.
He elaborated that during his time as a practicing surgeon in the US, cannabis was commonly recommended for patients undergoing chemotherapy, particularly to alleviate nausea and improve appetite. It was also prescribed for those suffering from chronic fatigue and similar conditions.
Dr. Nene acknowledged the concerns surrounding the misuse of cannabis but underlined the need to distinguish between unregulated recreational use and prescribed medical application. “Cannabis has legitimate therapeutic benefits when used in the right medical context,” he said, emphasising the importance of scientific evaluation over societal fear.
The comments come amid growing global conversations about the decriminalisation and medical use of cannabis. While several countries have moved to relax laws and regulate cannabis for health-related purposes, India continues to classify it under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, barring limited exceptions like bhaang.
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Rahul Gandhi to attend friendly football match between Messi, Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad
Hyderabad (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend the GOAT India Tour event featuring football legend Lionel Messi at the RGI Cricket Stadium here on Saturday evening, Telangana Congress sources said.
A friendly match will be played between the two teams -- Singareni RR9 and Aparna-Messi All Stars. These two teams will be playing a 15-20 minute friendly match and five minutes before the game, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a football enthusiast and Messi will join and will dribble the ball together.
Rahul Gandhi will land here on a special flight at 4.30 PM and will proceed to Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel where Messi will be staying.
After watching the game, Gandhi will leave for the national capital by 10.30 PM.
Elaborate security arrangements are being made for the event at the RGI Cricket stadium.
Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu said security would be provided with 3,000 personnel.
