Himachal Pradesh plans to legalise cannabis cultivation for scientific, industrial, and medicinal use. The Assembly accepted a report recommending controlled cultivation of cannabis.
Himachal Pradesh Moves to Legalize Cannabis Cultivation for Scientific, Industrial, and Medicinal Purposes
Himachal Pradesh is set to legalize the controlled cultivation of cannabis for scientific, industrial, and medicinal purposes, following the State Assembly’s approval of a report recommending such measures. The report, presented by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Friday, marks a significant step toward regulated cannabis use in the state.
Revenue Minister Negi explained, “In previous sessions, a proposal under Rule 130 was discussed for cannabis cultivation in the state. Both the government and the Opposition supported it, prompting the Speaker to form a committee under my chairmanship to explore the matter.” He added, “The people of the state also back this move, as cannabis requires minimal effort for cultivation and can be utilized for medicinal and industrial purposes. Today, the House unanimously adopted this resolution.”
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukku, speaking at an ET Roundtable in December 2023, estimated that legalized cannabis cultivation could generate up to ₹2,000 crore in annual revenue. This decision comes as the state faces significant financial challenges, with projected expenditure for FY25 at ₹52,965 crore and a debt repayment of ₹5,479 crore.
The committee, established on April 26, 2023, to evaluate the legalization of cannabis cultivation, excluded charas from its considerations. Comprising scientists, horticulture experts, and political representatives, the panel recommended amending the state’s NDPS rules to allow, control, and regulate cannabis cultivation.
The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with experts and universities, will develop seed banks for cannabis cultivation. The committee’s members also visited states such as Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, where controlled cannabis cultivation is already permitted, and consulted with local communities in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Solan to gauge public opinion. Notably, Uttarakhand was the first state in India to allow regulated industrial hemp cultivation under government supervision.