Himachal Pradesh is set to introduce regulated cannabis cultivation for medicinal, industrial, and scientific purposes, marking a significant policy shift in India. This decision comes after the Himachal Pradesh Assembly adopted a resolution to amend the state’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which will allow for the controlled cultivation of cannabis. The government hopes that this initiative will generate substantial revenue—potentially around Rs 500 crore annually—while providing opportunities for local farmers and reducing the illegal cannabis trade in the region.
History of cannabis in India
Cannabis has a long and complex history in India, where it is commonly known as “Ganja.” The use of cannabis dates back thousands of years and is deeply embedded in the country’s culture and traditions. It has been mentioned in ancient texts like the Atharva Veda, where it was referred to as one of the five sacred plants, known for its medicinal and spiritual properties.
Traditionally, cannabis has been consumed in various forms, such as bhang, charas, and ganja. While bhang is a mildly intoxicating preparation used in Hindu rituals, charas (hashish) and ganja (the flower) are more potent and have been part of the subculture in regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Despite its widespread use, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 prohibited the cultivation and sale of cannabis in most parts of India, pushing it underground.
Current developments in Himachal Pradesh
The decision to legalize regulated cultivation is driven by economic and social considerations. The Kullu-Manali valley, known for its high-quality cannabis, has been notorious for illegal cultivation and trafficking. By introducing regulations, the government aims to control this illicit trade and harness cannabis’s potential for industrial and medicinal applications, such as textiles, biofuels, cosmetics, and even in treating ailments like epilepsy and cancer.
Himachal Pradesh is not the first state in India to explore this opportunity. Uttarakhand and parts of Madhya Pradesh have already legalized cannabis cultivation under similar regulations, focusing on producing hemp with a low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content (less than 0.3%) to ensure it is not diverted for recreational use.
Source:
Himachal Calling: Panel on controlled cultivation of cannabis submits report in Assembly
Himachal Pradesh to regulate cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial use