HP notifies comprehensive weed policy, opens door for regulated medicinal cultivation of hemp
Shimla, July 25
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Government in the state has formally notified a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cultivation, processing, manufacture, storage, transportation and research of cannabis for medicinal and scientific purposes, becoming one of the few states in the country to establish a detailed legal mechanism for the sector.
The notification, issued by the Department of State Taxes and Excise under the Himachal Pradesh Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Rules, 2026, amends the existing 1989 rules to regulate every stage of the cannabis supply chain while ensuring strict compliance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Under the new policy, cannabis cultivation will be permitted only for medical and scientific purposes through a licensing system. Separate licences have been prescribed for authorised seed suppliers, cultivators, warehouses, processing and manufacturing units, research institutions and transport of cannabis produce. The rules also introduce prescribed application forms, licence formats and fee structures for each category.
The policy provides that cultivation will be allowed only in notified areas under licences issued by the competent authority. Farmers and other licence holders will have to cultivate cannabis in enclosed and secured premises equipped with fencing, CCTV surveillance, geo-tagging and strict access control. Open cultivation has not been permitted. Regular inspections will be carried out by officials of the Agriculture, Excise and Police departments to prevent diversion of cannabis into the illegal market.
The rules make it mandatory for licensed cultivators to procure certified seeds from authorised suppliers, maintain detailed digital records of cultivation and harvesting, and transport produce only through authorised permits. Warehousing, processing and manufacturing units will also operate under stringent monitoring and record-keeping requirements.
The government has also created a State Level Review Committee headed by the Administrative Secretary, State Taxes and Excise, to oversee implementation of the policy. District-level committees headed by Deputy Commissioners will monitor compliance, review licences and coordinate enforcement among various departments.
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The notified rules define procedures for cultivation, harvesting, scientific testing, transportation, disposal of plant waste, manufacturing of cannabis-based medicinal products and research activities. They also prescribe penalties, suspension and cancellation of licences in cases of violations, besides requiring strict adherence to safety and security protocols.
The notification is expected to provide the legal foundation for regulated cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, with the government aiming to promote medicinal and scientific applications while maintaining tight regulatory control over production and movement of cannabis in the state.
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