HP Forges Ahead with Non-Narcotic Cannabis Cultivation, Brings Revenue Potential of Rs 500 Cr

The legal cultivation of non-narcotic cannabis in Himachal Pradesh is getting closer to becoming a reality. A government committee, under the guidance of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, has proposed the controlled cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal applications.

This initiative carries a dual benefit, it promises economic growth for farmers while potentially adding Rs 500 crore to the government's revenue stream. Presently, cannabis cultivation is prevalent in various regions of Himachal Pradesh, encompassing Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, and Shimla.

The committee's recommendations involve amending the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act, 1985, to permit the legal cultivation of cannabis. The fear of potential misuse of cannabis for narcotics purposes is being addressed through strict monitoring and regulations.

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One of the key challenges lies in obtaining hemp seeds with a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of 0.3% or lower. To safeguard against the misappropriation of cultivated cannabis for illicit purposes, rigorous safeguards will be enforced. Furthermore, the establishment of specialized laboratories is on the agenda to foster the production of top-tier cannabis seeds.

To streamline the initiative, the committee proposes the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cultivation. Additionally, they advocate for the establishment of a state-level authority that operates as a one-stop solution in alignment with the NDPS Act, of 1985.

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The committee also suggests the establishment of seed banks and the allocation of a dedicated fund for research and development, along with the appointment of specialized excise personnel to oversee and regulate the process.

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