Himachal Pradesh is set to introduce formal regulations for cannabis and hemp farming, with a pilot study already underway, according to Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. The decision follows growing momentum for legal, controlled cultivation in the state for medicinal and industrial use, reported Hindustan Times.
University-Led Pilot to Guide Policy
In January, the state cabinet cleared a pilot project assigning two major universities—Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (Palampur) and Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry (Nauni)—to spearhead research into viable cannabis strains and crop management. Negi affirmed the pilot will serve as the basis for drafting detailed regulations.
Legislative Backing and Technical Oversight
Last September, the Himachal assembly passed a resolution to amend the state’s NDPS rules, empowering the government to permit cultivation of non-narcotic cannabis, excluding charas. The current project seeks to build on that foundation by establishing standard operating procedures, facilitating research on medicinal and industrial potential, and setting up seed banks and licensing mechanisms.
Balancing Economic Opportunity with Caution
Medicinal varieties of cannabis will be closely regulated under NDPS Act guidelines, while industrial hemp—with THC levels under 0.3 percent—can be grown more freely. Studies by the cabinet-appointed committee emphasize the crop’s low water requirements, natural resilience, and potential to generate revenue of up to Rs 400–500 crore annually, making it especially appealing for mountain farmers.
Safeguards Against Misuse
Negi stressed that robust safeguards will prevent diversion to narcotic products. Proposed measures include geo-tagged farms, restricted licenses, university-based oversight, and monitoring by the excise department. However, local experts highlight the need to crack down on illicit charas production and prevent misuse by criminal groups before legalization moves forward.
Learning from Other States
During deliberations, committee members studied regulated cultivation models in Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, where industrial hemp is already permitted under state law. Visits to Himachal’s gram panchayats in districts like Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Solan, Kangra, and Sirmaur helped ensure policy aligns with local perspectives.
Envisioning Indigenous Industry
The proposed regulatory model calls for the creation of:
- A one-window licensing authority to streamline approval and regulation.
- Seed banks managed through agricultural and forestry universities.
- Clear SOPs for cultivation, processing, transport, and inter-state movement of hemp for designated — non-intoxicating — uses.
Public Sentiment and Expert Concerns
Support among farmers and community members appears high, as wild cannabis already grows across many districts and would otherwise be destroyed under current laws. Yet, experts caution that low-THC rules may threaten traditional livelihoods tied to indigenous high-resin strains. They also warn of the absence of high-yield industrial hemp varieties and potential market volatility.
Next Steps and Anticipated Timeline
The pilot study is expected to wrap up within six months, leading to a proposal for full-scale, regulated cultivation. Once guidelines are formulated, the state could position itself at the forefront of India’s medicinal and industrial cannabis industry, tapping both economic and environmental benefits.
Photo Credit: HT
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