Himachal Government Greenlights Pilot Study on Controlled Cannabis Cultivation

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Successful Pilot Project Could Make Himachal Pradesh the Fourth State in India to Legalize Controlled Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis cultivation explained

"Controlled cannabis cultivation aims to harness its non-narcotic potential, with a focus on pharmaceutical and industrial applications. (Image via DeepAI)"

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Shimla, January 30: On January 24, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet gave its approval for a pilot study to be conducted by two universities on the controlled cultivation of cannabis. The study will focus on exploring the plant’s potential for medicinal and industrial uses, marking a significant step towards harnessing cannabis for non-narcotic purposes. This move reflects the state’s interest in tapping into the growing global demand for cannabis-based products in the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. If successful, the pilot project could pave the way for regulated cannabis cultivation, benefiting both the local economy and healthcare advancements.

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The approval came after a detailed study conducted by a committee led by Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi. As part of their research, committee members visited Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, where controlled cannabis cultivation has already been authorized. While the study provided valuable insights, the decision has faced some opposition. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, BJP MLA and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, along with independent experts, have expressed concerns regarding the potential risks and long-term implications of cannabis cultivation in the state. These concerns highlight the need for careful consideration and monitoring as the pilot study progresses.

If the pilot project proves successful, Himachal Pradesh will become the fourth state in India to permit controlled cannabis cultivation, following in the footsteps of states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. This move places India alongside countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany, where controlled cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes is already legal. In India, while the cultivation of cannabis for recreational use remains illegal, there is growing interest in harnessing its non-narcotic potential for medical research, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. This evolving status marks a shift toward more progressive cannabis policies, aligning with global trends.

Understanding Controlled Cannabis Cultivation: Its Purpose and Potential

Controlled cannabis cultivation refers to the regulated farming of specific cannabis varieties that have minimal intoxicating properties, ensuring strict oversight to prevent misuse. These varieties, commonly referred to as hemp, are cultivated for their industrial and medicinal benefits rather than recreational use. The key characteristic of controlled cannabis is its low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content—the chemical responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. In such regulated cultivation, the THC level is maintained at or below 0.3 percent, ensuring that the plant remains non-intoxicating and suitable for a range of applications, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and other industrial uses.

Under controlled cannabis cultivation, the focus is primarily on harnessing the plant’s non-narcotic applications, particularly within the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. Hemp, a variety of cannabis, offers a versatile range of uses—its stalks, leaves, and seeds can be processed into textiles, paper, food products, cosmetics, biofuels, and more. One of the key compounds found in hemp, cannabidiol (CBD), has gained significant attention for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation. By regulating its cultivation, authorities aim to unlock the plant’s full potential for health and industry while ensuring safety and preventing misuse.

On April 26, 2023, the Himachal Pradesh government formed a committee led by Minister Jagat Singh Negi to explore the possibility of legalizing cannabis and hemp cultivation, specifically for medicinal, scientific, and industrial purposes, while excluding charas. The committee was tasked with assessing the potential benefits and implications of such a move, considering its impact on the state’s economy, healthcare, and industries. The formation of this committee marks a significant step towards evaluating the controlled use of cannabis in a regulated framework, aiming to unlock its therapeutic and industrial potential while addressing concerns about safety and misuse.

Cannabis plants are naturally found across all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh, with certain regions standing out as particularly suitable for cultivation due to their favorable climate and elevation. Areas such as Kullu, Chamba, and parts of Sirmaur, Mandi, Solan, and Kangra are considered ideal for growing cannabis, especially for non-narcotic purposes. However, Malana village in the Manikaran Valley (Kullu district) is notorious for illegal narcotic cannabis cultivation. To gauge local sentiment, the committee engaged with Panchayati Raj representatives from these districts and found strong support for legal cultivation, provided that proper safeguards are put in place to prevent misuse and ensure regulated practices. This local backing suggests a potential pathway for regulated cannabis cultivation that could benefit both the community and the state’s economy.

Legal Landscape of Cannabis Cultivation in India: What the Law States

In India, cannabis cultivation is largely prohibited due to its psychoactive effects. Under Section 2 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the production, sale, and possession of cannabis resin and flowers are banned. The law specifically defines charas as the separated resin, in any form (whether crude or purified), derived from the cannabis plant. It also includes concentrated forms such as hashish oil or liquid hashish. These regulations are in place to control the misuse of cannabis for narcotic purposes, with strict penalties for those involved in illegal cultivation and trafficking of these substances. However, the cultivation of non-psychoactive hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes remains an area of evolving legal discourse.

Despite the general prohibition on cannabis cultivation, the NDPS Act provides exceptions for its regulated use in industrial and medicinal sectors. Under Section 10 of the Act, state governments are granted the authority to regulate, permit, or even prohibit cannabis cultivation specifically for medicinal and scientific purposes. This provision enables states to explore the potential benefits of cannabis for therapeutic and industrial applications, provided there is strict oversight and control to prevent misuse. The growing recognition of cannabis’ medicinal properties has prompted several states to consider these exceptions, opening the door for regulated cultivation under government supervision.

In addition to the powers granted to state governments, Section 14 of the NDPS Act provides the Central government with the authority to authorize and regulate cannabis cultivation for research or other approved purposes. This section allows the government to issue orders—either general or specific—permitting the cultivation of cannabis plants under certain conditions. Notably, it outlines that cultivation may be allowed for industrial purposes, such as obtaining fiber or seeds, or for horticultural purposes. This provision facilitates the exploration of cannabis for non-psychoactive uses, such as in textiles, biofuels, and other industrial applications, provided it adheres to the regulatory framework established by the government.

Challenges in Implementing Regulated Cannabis Cultivation: Key Considerations
Drawing from the experience of Uttarakhand, which became the first state to allow controlled cannabis cultivation in 2018, the committee identified several challenges in implementing similar practices in Himachal Pradesh. One of the major hurdles highlighted was ensuring that the cannabis plants stay within the government-mandated THC limit of 0.3 percent. Officials from Uttarakhand’s Excise Department, as well as industry experts, noted that consistently obtaining seeds capable of producing plants with such low THC levels has proven difficult. This challenge underscores the need for specialized cultivation techniques, proper seed sourcing, and advanced monitoring systems to maintain the required standards and prevent potential misuse.

Cross-pollination among cannabis plants further complicated efforts to consistently maintain the required THC levels, as it could lead to the unintended production of higher-THC plants. In addition to this, the committee identified several other challenges, including the need for increased awareness and training among officials and stakeholders involved in cannabis cultivation. The shortage of skilled manpower in this emerging sector posed another significant obstacle, along with the need to establish specialized laboratories for developing high-quality seeds that meet the strict THC standards. Furthermore, the creation of an effective regulatory framework was essential to ensure compliance, monitor cultivation, and prevent any potential misuse of cannabis plants for non-approved purposes.

Key Recommendations from the Committee on Controlled Cannabis Cultivation
After reviewing experiences from other states and holding discussions with state officials from various departments—including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Excise and Sales Tax Departments, Health Departments, and research institutions such as the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu & Kashmir—the committee put forward eight key recommendations. These suggestions were aimed at addressing the challenges identified during the study and ensuring a smooth, regulated implementation of controlled cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes. The committee’s recommendations focused on establishing clear guidelines, enhancing regulatory oversight, and fostering collaboration between state agencies and research institutions to ensure the successful and safe cultivation of cannabis.
Among the committee’s key recommendations was the amendment of the Himachal Pradesh
NDPS Rules, 1985, to allow for the controlled cultivation of cannabis while ensuring strict regulation and oversight. The committee proposed that cannabis cultivation be permitted exclusively for industrial purposes, such as fiber and seed production, in order to align with non-narcotic applications. Additionally, the committee recommended the development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide the cultivation process and establish a state-level authority. This authority would oversee and regulate cannabis cultivation through a single-window system, streamlining approvals and ensuring compliance with all legal and safety standards.

The committee also recommended that the CSK HP Agriculture University in Palampur and Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry in Nauni be designated as key institutions for developing research and development techniques related to controlled cannabis cultivation. These universities would play a pivotal role in advancing agricultural practices, seed development, and scientific research to ensure the cultivation process meets the necessary standards. In September 2024, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly accepted the committee’s report, marking a significant step toward implementing the recommendations and laying the foundation for regulated cannabis cultivation in the state.

Concerns Raised: Challenges and Considerations for Cannabis Cultivation in Himachal

While the pilot project has garnered general support, some experts and political leaders have urged the state government to proceed with caution. They have emphasized the need for careful planning and monitoring to address any potential risks or challenges that could arise during the initial phase. Despite these concerns, there has been no outright opposition to the idea of controlled cannabis cultivation. Most stakeholders recognize the potential benefits, but they stress the importance of ensuring a well-regulated framework to mitigate any adverse effects on public health, safety, and the environment.

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OP Sharma, a former officer of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and ex-adviser to the Himachal Pradesh Nasha Nivaran Board, expressed concerns about the potential misuse of cultivated cannabis by private firms. He raised questions about whether the initiative would truly benefit small farmers or merely serve the interests of larger, more organized entities. Sharma also highlighted the risk of illegal drug rackets exploiting the legal cannabis cultivation, potentially leading to a rise in illicit trade. His concerns underscore the need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure that the project is implemented responsibly and that its benefits are equitably distributed without contributing to the black market.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jairam Thakur stressed the importance of implementing stringent safeguards, particularly given the ongoing threat of drug abuse in society. He cautioned that keeping controlled cannabis cultivation out of the reach of anti-social elements would be a significant challenge. Thakur urged the state government to establish a clear mechanism to prevent misuse before proceeding with the project. Additionally, environmental activist Guman Singh emphasized that the primary focus of the initiative should be on generating revenue and improving the livelihoods of farmers. Singh highlighted the potential of the project to benefit local communities, provided it is carefully managed with both economic and environmental considerations in mind.

Controlled Cannabis Cultivation in India: Status Across Different States

In Uttarakhand, the Centre for the Aromatic, Selaqui, has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for the cultivation of industrial hemp, marking the state’s commitment to exploring cannabis’ non-narcotic uses. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh has taken a significant step by granting a license to Sai Phytoceuticals under the newly amended hemp rules for the production of medicines derived from cannabis. However, despite this move, the state has yet to permit the cultivation of cannabis itself. These steps reflect a growing interest in leveraging cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes, even as the cultivation aspect remains tightly regulated in several states.

In Jammu & Kashmir, a pilot project for cannabis cultivation is underway at a farm in Jammu, led by CSIR-IIIM in collaboration with a Canadian firm under a Private Public Partnership (PPP) model. This marks India’s first medicinal cannabis initiative. The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, plays a central role in developing cannabis-based medicines, particularly focusing on its potential to treat conditions like cancer and epilepsy. Through this collaboration with the government, IIIM aims to explore the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, paving the way for groundbreaking research in medicinal cannabis applications.

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Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.

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