The NDPS Act does not ban all parts of the Cannabis plant.

“Cannabis (hemp)” means
(a) ganja, the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant (excluding the seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops);
(b) charas, the separated resin;
(c) any mixture or drink prepared therefrom.

This distinction is the basis of legality in India:
✔ Leaves (Bhaang) → Non-narcotic, legally permitted
✔ Seeds → Non-narcotic, legally permitted
❌ Flowering tops (ganja/charas) → Narcotic, prohibited in medicines

Cannabis leaf (Vijaya patra) is a recognised therapeutic ingredient in classical Ayurveda.
Under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, Cannabis leaf formulations fall under:
Schedule E1 (Potent Ayurvedic Substances)

This means:

• They must be taken only under a doctor’s supervision
• They require a valid prescription
• They must be manufactured in licensed GMP Ayurveda facilities
• They must follow strict formulation and testing standards.

All BOHECO Cannabis-leaf-based medicinal products are manufactured under:
AYUSH Manufacturing Licence Number: MP25E/18/633
Issued by the State AYUSH Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

This licence legally authorises:

• Use of Cannabis leaf (Bhaang) as per approved proprietary formulations
• Production under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Testing, stability protocol, and batch-level documentation
• Sale of medicines across India, as regulated by the Drugs & Cosmetics Act and state Excise Acts

Cannabis leaf is not covered under the NDPS Act but is regulated at the State level under Excise laws.
BOHECO operates under an Excise license issued to the manufacturer by the state Excise Department of Madhya Pradesh. Excise License Number: 08/2022/008

In Madhya Pradesh:

• Cannabis leaf is regulated under the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act, 1915 and Madhya Pradesh Bhang Rules, 1960
• Only the MP State Excise Department can supply Cannabis leaf
• Manufacturers like BOHECO must procure it directly from State Excise depots
• Raw leaves cannot cross state borders
  

However: Once the leaf is processed into licensed Ayurvedic medicine, the finished product can be sold pan-India because it then comes under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, not the Excise Act.
This is the single biggest legal distinction consumers should understand.

A multi-layered system ensures legal, safe, and responsible use:

• NDPS Act, 1985
  Defines narcotic vs non-narcotic plant parts
• Ministry of AYUSH
  Regulates medicinal use within Ayurveda.
• State AYUSH Licensing Authorities
  Issue manufacturing licences and formulation approvals.
• State Excise Departments
  Control procurement and movement of raw Cannabis leaf.
• Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940
  Regulates licenses, quality, packaging, testing, and nationwide sale.

Together, they create a strong regulatory framework that balances therapeutic value, patient safety, and legal compliance

A Cannabis-based Ayurvedic medicine in India is legal when it:

• Uses only Cannabis leaf, not flowers or resin
• Is made under a valid State AYUSH manufacturing licence
• Procures raw leaf from the State Excise authorities under a valid State Excise license
• Follows Schedule E1 (doctor prescription mandatory) for consumption medicines
• Meets the Drugs & Cosmetics Act standards
• Is dispensed only on a doctor’s prescription