Bollywood actor Uday Chopra raised a storm in social media thanks to his September 13 post in support of marijuana aka ganja being legalized in India. The controversy drew even more attention as the Mumbai police cautioned the Dhoom actor to mind what he says in a polite yet firm tone that sent out a clear message.

In his post that has so far attracted 474 retweets, 430 comments, 1565 likes and still counting, Uday presented several arguments in favor of the legalization move, such as use of marijuana being around in India for centuries. He also suggested that legalization could bring in huge tax money to the government.

The Mumbai Police was quick on the uptake as it noticed the attention Uday’s tweet was attracting.In a reply tweet on September 15, the agency pointed out that use of marijuana remains illegal in India and that it could attract legal action. The agency concluded its tweet asking citizens to “Spread the word”. Here are the exact words from Mumbai Police.

“Sir, a citizen of India, you are privileged to express your view on a public platform,” the police tweeted, taking note of his argument where he had said if marijuana is taxed it can earn huge revenue. “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) 15 September 2018

This was in response to Uday’s original tweet:

“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!”

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) 13 September 2018

Uday also clarified in a subsequent tweet: “And no I do not use it. I just really think it’s a wise move, given our history with the plant.”

One may wonder where all this comes from, but then it strikes one that Uday has spent a majority of his time the past few years in the USA where legalization of marijuana is gaining momentum.
The responses to Uday’s tweet ranged from matter-of-fact to outright funny.

Twitter user responded with their views on this.

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) 13 September 2018

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) 13 September 2018

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) 13 September 2018

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) 13 September 2018

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) 13 September 2018

--Uma Sivaprakash