Current Affairs

Issue

Himachal Pradesh government is planning to come up with a policy to allow controlled cultivation of cannabis in the state.

Details

• The state government is planning to legalise commercial cultivation of the species for non-recreational uses such as fabrics and medicinal purposes.

• Indian government has banned the growing of cannabis plant under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. 

• The government has powers to allow controlled and regulated cultivation for obtaining its fibre and seed for industrial and horticultural reasons.

Uses of Cannabis

• In different regions of Himachal Pradesh, cannabis have traditionally been used for making footwear, ropes, mats, food items, etc.

• Seeds from the plants can also be used for making paint, ink and biofuel.

• Products from cannabis are increasingly being used for health and medicinal purpose.

Reason for legalisation

• Proponents have been demanding legalising cannabis cultivation in order to strengthen the state’s economy, which has been ravaged by Covid-19 pandemic.

• The government also plans to generate employment and become economically self-reliant by promoting its cultivation.

Misuse of cannabis

Cannabis contains chemicals that act as intoxicants. The leaves and flowers are dried and used for recreational purpose.

Legalised states

• Uttarakhand is the first state that had legalised cultivation of cannabis in 2018. However, it had allowed only those species that have a low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

• Uttar Pradesh has also adopted a similar method. Madhya Pradesh and Manipur are also planning to adopt similar policy.