Lawmakers in Himachal Pradesh, a state in India's western Himalayas, recently passed a significant amendment to the existing Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, allowing for the cultivation of industrial hemp and medical marijuana. The primary goal of this amendment is to spur economic growth in rural regions by harnessing the state's conducive environmental factors while exploring the diverse applications of hemp products such as natural construction materials, bio-plastics, textiles, and ayurvedic goods.
Advocates for marijuana legalization in Himachal Pradesh have underscored the myriad benefits of hemp production, emphasizing its potential to create employment opportunities and bolster the local economy. The amended law specifies that industrial hemp cultivation is limited to fiber, grain, and seed production, offering possibilities for both independent farming and contract arrangements. Furthermore, the production of medical marijuana will be closely regulated by the state government, with stringent monitoring through 24-hour CCTV surveillance in production facilities to ensure compliance with the law.
Notably, the legalization of industrial hemp and medical marijuana excludes the production of "Charas," a popular variant of hash derived from cannabis plants. In a strategic move to explore the commercial potential of cannabis cultivation, a legislative committee was formed last year to study the industry comprehensively. The committee's recommendations included initiatives like establishing seed banks in collaboration with government agriculture and horticulture agencies, as well as academic institutions such as the CSK Agriculture University in Palampur and Dr. YS Parmar University in Nauni. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who chairs the committee, emphasized the success of similar models in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, indicating widespread support for legalizing cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.
Looking ahead, the proposed resolution includes the establishment of a state agency to oversee production under industrial hemp and pharmaceutical subunits, with a commitment from the state government to facilitate research and development in this sector. Overall, this legislative step signifies a strategic move towards exploring the economic potential of hemp production in Himachal Pradesh while adhering to stringent regulations to safeguard against misuse.