Taking cue from its neighbouring state of Uttarakhand and in an attempt to revive its post-pandemic ravaged economy, the state (in)famous for its ‘mallana cream,’ Himachal Pradesh has decided to legalise the cultivation of cannabis for non-recreational purposes.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur made the announcement in his annual budget speech last week. The policy will allow for the controlled cultivation of hemp or cannabis in the state which translates to the legalisation of commercial cultivation of the plant for non-recreational uses such as making medicines or fabrics.
He said, “The cannabis produced in the state is of high quality and there is potential to undertake its controlled cultivation. Under the NDPS Act 1985, there are provisions for the cultivation, production, maintenance and transportation of cannabis.”
While the cultivation of cannabis still remains illegal in India as of 2021 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, there are provisions in the statute for individual states to “permit and regulate” not just the cultivation of cannabis but also the sale, transportation, purchase and possession. Many states are now considering legalising the commercial and industrial use of hemp and cannabis.
As reported by The Indian Express, “this Act allows state governments to allow controlled and regulated cultivation of hemp for obtaining its fibre and seed for industrial or horticultural purposes.”
It also reported, “In 2018, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to do so, allowing the cultivation of only those strains of the cannabis plant which have a low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis that produces a high sensation. Uttar Pradesh followed a similar policy, while Madhya Pradesh and Manipur are reportedly considering it as well.”
Seeing the growing interest of the market in hemp products, considering their sustainable nature as well, the government has decided to take up the provisions in order to redeem itself of some debt burden approximately Rs. 60,500 crore caused due to the global pandemic and its repercussive health crisis.
“This creates investment and employment opportunities. The state government proposes to frame a policy to permit commercial hemp cultivation with proper regulatory framework,” stated Thakur in his speech.
Kullu legislator Sunder Singh Thakur, who is a vocal advocate for the legalisation of cannabis cultivation said, “Cannabis extract is used in manufacturing medicines for the treatment of cancer and Alzheimer’s. It will generate employment opportunities.”
Hindustan Times also reported, “An estimated 2,400 acres in Himachal Pradesh is under organised illicit cultivation of cannabis. Charas worth ₹960 crore is smuggled out of the state each year and finds its way to western European and Scandinavian countries, while in Israel there is demand for Malana cream. The lower quality illicit charas cultivated in Shimla, Chamba and Sirmour districts has a market in Rajasthan. Hemp, the plant from which charas is extracted as resin, grows in the wild in all districts of the state barring Lahaul and Spiti. In the remote regions of Kullu district, hybrid hemp is sown clandestinely by foreigners to extract high-quality charas, which is sold at exorbitant prices abroad and at key destinations in India.”
With the controlled cultivation of cannabis, the state is reportedly looking at an annual revenue of Rs. 18,000 crores from its medicinal and industrial use.
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