Himachal set to legalize cannabis cultivation for Industrial and Medicinal use
In a landmark move, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday took a major step toward legalizing cannabis cultivation for industrial, medicinal, and scientific purposes. A committee, appointed by the government to explore the possibilities of legal cultivation, submitted its report, which has been accepted by the state assembly.
The committee, which included scientists, horticulture experts, and members from various political parties, was tasked with studying the potential of growing cannabis and hemp (excluding charas) for non-recreational uses. Their findings, based on the NDPS Act 1985 and Himachal Pradesh’s NDPS Rules, suggested that the state could benefit from legalizing cannabis under controlled conditions.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi tabled the report, and the recommendations were warmly welcomed. These include changes to the state’s NDPS rules to allow the cultivation of cannabis plants in a regulated manner. The plan is to control the production, transport, and interstate movement of cannabis while ensuring that its cultivation is strictly monitored. The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with research experts and universities, will establish seed banks to support cannabis farming. Additionally, the excise department will receive specialized staff to manage the workload related to cannabis regulation.
The committee also conducted field visits to states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, where cannabis cultivation is already allowed in a regulated environment. They gathered opinions from local communities in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Solan, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many people supported cannabis cultivation as long as there were proper safeguards in place.
With Uttarakhand leading the way as the first state to permit large-scale hemp cultivation, Himachal Pradesh now seems ready to follow suit, potentially opening new economic avenues for the state through regulated cannabis farming.
