Dharam Prakash Gupta
Despite opposition from people carrying out anti-drug campaigns, and possible ill effects and challenges involved in controlled cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, the state government will issue permits of its cultivation for medicinal and non- narcotic uses.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said, “We are in the process of framing rules for allowing controlled cultivation of cannabis in the state and will issue licenses to farmers and legalize its cultivation for its non- narcotic uses.”
He said, “ After conducting a pilot project study in this regard a meeting of officials various departments i.e. Excise, Law, Horticulture, Agriculture and other concerned departments were held, and Cabinet approval will be sought for the rules giving permits to farmers.”
The minister said, “I guarantee there will be no scope for drug trafficking and farmers, who will be issued licenses will benefit by growing cannabis for various non-narcotic uses.”
Though the cultivation of cannabis and possession of it’s by -product ‘Charas “is a serious crime at present and cases are registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Act (NDPS) Act to check its smuggling , but several areas of the state, especially Kullu district have become infamous for its illegal smuggling and haven for ‘Charas ‘smugglers and users, despite campaigns to check it.
The cash strapped Himachal government is looking forward to generating revenue of nearly Rs 500 crore annually by allowing controlled cultivation of cannabis.
Since checking the use of drugs in the state among its youths has become a big challenge for the state government, many experts have reservations about legalizing cannabis cultivation.
Creating awareness and sensitizing local people would also be a big challenge for the state government.
However, the minister said,. “It is a misconception this could create a problem of illegal cultivation of cannabis. Cannabis grows in the wild in forests in Himachal and various agencies have failed to control it; the Uttarakhand government is already allowing its cultivation,” he said.
