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Himachal Pradesh has launched a pilot project for cannabis farming to explore its medicinal and industrial potential.

About Cannabis

Cannabis refers to a group of three plants with psychoactive properties: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These plants are native to Asia and are known for their psychoactive properties.

It contains over 120 components called cannabinoids, with the most well-known being cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

It is used for medicinal, industrial, and recreational purposes. Medicinally, it is gaining attention for its potential to treat conditions like epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety. Industrially, hemp (a variety of cannabis) is used for producing sustainable textiles, paper, biofuels, and protein-rich food products.

Common terms associated with cannabis

• Marijuana: A Mexican term often used to refer to cannabis leaves or crude plant material.
• Hashish: Refers to unpollinated female cannabis plants.
• Cannabis Oil: A concentrate of cannabinoids obtained through solvent extraction of plant material or resin.

Where is cannabis naturally found in India?

Cannabis grows mainly in the Indo-Gangetic plains (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal) and the Deccan region. It is known as Ganzai in Telugu, Ganja in Tamil, and Bangi in Kannada.

How is cannabis cultivation regulated in India?

The cultivation of cannabis is regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The Act prohibits the production and trade of cannabis resin (charas) and flowering tops (ganja). 

However, leaves and seeds (used in bhang) are exempt from this ban. States can license cultivation for industrial, medicinal, or scientific purposes under Section 10 of the Act.

Which states have taken steps toward legal cannabis cultivation?

Uttarakhand: Became the first state to allow commercial cannabis cultivation in 2018, focusing on industrial hemp.

Himachal Pradesh: Launched a pilot project to explore cannabis farming for its agricultural, medicinal, and industrial value.

Madhya Pradesh: Proposed cannabis cultivation zones for research and medicinal purposes.

What challenges does India face in cannabis cultivation

Regulatory Hurdles: Strict NDPS Act provisions complicate licensing and commercialization.

Stigma: Cultural associations with recreational use hinder acceptance of medicinal and industrial applications.

Infrastructure Gaps: Lack of processing facilities for hemp and cannabis-derived products.

Global Competition: Countries like Canada and Israel lead in cannabis research and exports.

Potential for cannabis cultivation in India

The sector holds immense potential, with India’s medicinal cannabis market projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2030 and hemp farming potentially creating 10 million rural jobs.

Way Forward for India to harness the potential of cannabis

Amend the NDPS Act to clarify distinctions between industrial hemp and recreational cannabis.

Educate the public about the medicinal and industrial benefits of cannabis.

Support research institutions and private companies in developing cannabis-based products.

Build processing facilities for hemp and cannabis-derived products.

Partner with countries like Canada and Israel to leverage expertise and technology.

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