The committee, led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, conducted studies in states where cannabis cultivation is already permitted. (Representational Image)
The Himachal Pradesh cabinet has approved the report of a committee recommending the controlled cultivation of cannabis for industrial, scientific, and medicinal purposes, setting the stage for its legalisation in the state. The report, previously passed by the Himachal Vidhan Sabha, was prepared with inputs from opposition BJP members, horticulture experts, and scientists.
Controlled cannabis cultivation will be undertaken jointly by two agricultural universities—Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, and Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture, Nauni, Solan. The Agriculture Department has been designated as the nodal body for the initiative.
“We have approved controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes, following the example of states like Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Only seeds with minimal intoxicating properties will be cultivated under strict monitoring by the Excise and Taxation Department and law enforcement agencies. Initially, seeds will be developed at agricultural universities, and new cultivation sites will be identified. All activities will comply with Sections 10 and 14 of the NDPS Act, 1985, and Rule 29 of the Himachal Pradesh NDPS Rules, 1989,” said Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar.
The committee, led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, conducted studies in states where cannabis cultivation is already permitted. Formed on April 26, 2023, the committee included scientists, horticulture experts, and representatives from political parties, including Congress and BJP. Members included Congress MLA Sundar Thakur and BJP MLAs Hans Raj, Dr Janak Raj, and Puran Thakur.
However, OP Sharma, former Narcotics Control Bureau officer and ex-adviser to the Himachal Pradesh Nasha Nivaran Board, raised concerns. “The government must act cautiously. Eliminating organised drug mafias should be the first priority. Thousands of illegal machines for extracting cannabis oil are active in the state, and organised groups have replaced traditional cannabis seeds with highly intoxicating varieties. These issues must be addressed before implementing this project,” he said.
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Sharma also emphasised the need for a comprehensive record of areas with illegal cannabis cultivation and vigilance regarding firms interested in purchasing the controlled produce. Citing Uttarakhand’s experience, he noted that the first state to legalise cannabis cultivation is yet to see desirable results.
The committee visited states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir to study controlled cultivation models and consulted gram panchayats in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Solan districts to gauge public opinion.
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The recommendations include amendments to Himachal Pradesh NDPS Rules to regulate cultivation, production, transport, and interstate movement of cannabis. The Agriculture Department, in collaboration with research experts and universities, will develop seed banks and provide specialised staff to the Excise Department for licensing and enforcement.
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The report highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s favourable topography and climate for cannabis cultivation. Currently, wild cannabis, growing in almost all districts, is destroyed by enforcement agencies due to its narcotic potential. The report suggested that regulated cultivation could benefit farmers and tap into the plant’s non-narcotic uses.
Additionally, the environmental benefits of hemp farming were noted, including reduced carbon impact and minimal use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. “There was overwhelming support for allowing cannabis cultivation in the state with appropriate checks and balances,” the report stated.
Uttarakhand remains the first Indian state to permit large-scale industrial hemp cultivation under government guidelines.
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