India’s Himachal Pradesh to License Regulated Cannabis Cultivation for Medical and Industrial Purposes
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said today that once the proposed rules are approved by the state Cabinet, farmers will be allowed to grow non-narcotic cannabis under strict regulations. Negi, who chaired a meeting with officials from departments including Excise, Law, Horticulture, and Agriculture, said the goal is to support farmers while ensuring that the cultivation remains tightly controlled. “There will be no scope for drug trafficking,” he said. “Farmers will benefit from growing cannabis for non-narcotic uses.”
The move aligns Himachal Pradesh with other Indian states like Uttarakhand, which already allows controlled cultivation. Negi dismissed concerns about increased illegal activity, pointing out that wild cannabis already grows freely in the region’s forests and that enforcement has struggled to control it.
Under the plan, only cannabis strains without narcotic content would be permitted. The state would allow use of the fiber, leaves, and flowers for non-intoxicating products. For medical applications, cannabis would be grown in fenced poly houses under camera surveillance to prevent diversion.
A workshop held in the state capital brought together stakeholders producing cannabis-based products such as medicines, cosmetics, textiles, leather goods, and construction materials. “We wanted to show the full potential of cannabis as a resource,” said Negi.
On a separate issue, the minister said the removal of apple trees from encroached forest land is being carried out in accordance with a High Court order. He clarified that under the Forest Rights Act, only those who have relied on forest land for at least three generations are eligible for land rights.
Negi also provided an update on the monsoon’s toll in Himachal Pradesh, reporting 61 deaths from flash floods, cloudbursts, and heavy rain, along with 41 additional fatalities from road accidents. Restoration of roadways, water, and electricity is underway.