Shimla, Sept 7,
In a move towards exploring cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, the government-constituted committee, led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, presented its much-anticipated report in the state assembly on Friday. The report, which explores the possibilities of controlled cannabis farming for non-intoxicating purposes, was accepted by the House without any discussion following the presentation of a resolution letter by the Revenue Minister.
The committee, tasked with this responsibility, conducted an extensive study over several months, including visits to states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, where cannabis cultivation is already being practiced. Drawing on these observations, the committee prepared a detailed report, suggesting that controlled cannabis cultivation could be a transformative initiative for Himachal Pradesh, especially in boosting the state’s economy.
Central to the committee’s recommendations is the need for amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. These amendments would be crucial in legalizing and regulating the production, manufacture, possession, transportation, sale, and purchase of cannabis within the state, under strict conditions. The report also highlights the necessity of issuing general or special orders to permit the cultivation of the cannabis plant under certain conditions, thereby ensuring its use is limited to non-intoxicating purposes.
The committee proposed the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to oversee the entire process, from cultivation to the manufacturing of cannabis-based products. To ensure efficient regulation, the report recommends the establishment of a state-level authority that would act as a single-window system for decisions regarding seed banks, seed distribution, purchase of produce, and the establishment of pharmaceutical units. This authority would work closely with the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, as well as research institutions and universities, to create and maintain seed banks and other essential infrastructure.
Additionally, the report suggests allocating a certain percentage of income from cannabis cultivation towards research and development, public awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives. The committee also recommended bolstering the staff of the State Excise and Taxation Department to manage the additional workload anticipated from the controlled cannabis industry.
Speaking to the media outside the assembly, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi expressed optimism about the potential of hemp cultivation to strengthen the state’s economy and generate employment opportunities. He assured that a comprehensive SOP would be developed soon to ensure the initiative’s smooth implementation.
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