Mumbai police educates actor Uday Chopra after ‘Marijuana’ tweet

Uday Chopra’s tweet asking to legalise Marijuana in India as it can be a huge source of revenue income received a good education from the Mumbai police, who asked the Bollywood actor to be “mindful” of his words.

Dhoom actor Uday had created a lot of buzz on social media after he tweeted that Marijuana is part of the Indian culture. Asking for it to be legalised in the country, the actor manifested his demands by saying that it has “medical benefits” and can also help in decriminalising it.

I feel India should legalize marijuana. Firstly, It’s part of our culture. Secondly, I think if legalized and taxed it can be a huge revenue source. Not to mention it will remove the criminal element associated with it. Plus and most importantly it has a lot of medical benefits!

— Uday Chopra (@udaychopra) September 13, 2018

But the eagle-eyed Mumbai police reminded the 45-year-old actor that the “consumption, possession and transportation of Marijuana” is still illegal and can invite harsh punishments under the Constitutional provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

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“Sir, a citizen of India, you are privileged to express your view on a public platform,” wrote Mumbai police in its tweet referring to the actor’s arguments that it Marijuana can be taxed and also be a huge revenue. But it further warned the actor, “Be mindful, as of now, consumption, possession and transportation of marijuana, invites harsh punishment as per provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.”

Sir,as citizen of India,you are privileged to express your view on a public platform. Be mindful,as of now, consumption, possession and transportation of marijuana, invites harsh punishment as per provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act,1985. Spread the Word https://t.co/YlT3kuCdA2

— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) September 15, 2018

Not ending it there, the police also asked the actor to spread the word to prevent any future consumption of Marijuana.

Twitter, however, continued to debate on the matter and when a user asked Uday on why he feels it was part of the Indian culture, the actor commented that people consume it during the Holi festival and it is also smoked by Sadhus during the Mahashivratri.

Well in Holi, Bhaang (which is similar to marijuana) has been used for centuries. Also during Mahashivratri many sadhus smoke it in emulation of Shiva. Guess more religion than culture but the two are kind of inter related.

— Uday Chopra (@udaychopra) September 13, 2018

The actor also later clarified that he does not smoke it.

And no I do not use it. I just really think it’s a wise move, given our history with the plant.

— Uday Chopra (@udaychopra) September 13, 2018