Syllabus: GS2/Government Policy and Intervention; GS3/Security Issues
Context
- In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh government has approved a pilot project for the controlled cultivation of cannabis, aiming to harness its medicinal and industrial potential.
- It positions Himachal Pradesh as the fourth state in India to permit such cultivation, following Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Background and Rationale
- Cannabis is a naturally occurring weed found throughout Himachal Pradesh, yet its cultivation had been banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- Recent amendments to the NDPS Act have allowed states to regulate cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes under specific licensing and regulatory conditions.
- Himachal Pradesh government’s initiative aims to identify suitable cannabis varieties and cultivation practices, focusing on non-narcotic applications such as textiles, paper, food, cosmetics, and biofuel.
Global Scenario
- Several countries like Canada, United States of America, Japan, France, Italy, Hungary, China, Australia, Denmark, and other European countries are leading in hemp cultivation and manufacture of multi-utility products worldwide.
- Presently, the Cannabis crop has been considered as a ‘Trillion Dollar Crop’.
- By joining this global trend, Himachal Pradesh hopes to tap into the trillion-dollar cannabis market, which includes over 25,000 products.
| Cannabis Sativa L. (Industrial Hemp) – It is commonly grown as a fiber, seed, biomass or other dual-purpose crop. There are more than 100 cannabinoids present in the plant among which Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are in major proportions. – THC is psychoactive while CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and only due to presence of high THC (Assumed > 0.3%) in cannabis plants it is considered as a narcotic crop. Applications: – Industrial: THC < 0.3%; – Medicinal: THC > 0.3% – Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): For treatment of chronic diseases or symptoms, including Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and chronic pain. – Cannabidiol (CBD): It has putative therapeutic applications for treating psychosis, affective and seizure disorders, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease. – Hemp: It produces some of the best and most durable fibers of natural origin. 1. Hemp seed, oil and oilcake are used in cosmetics, personal care and pharmaceuticals, and can be an alternative food protein source or as an animal feed. Legality of Cannabis in India – Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971) and the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988). 1. India adopted the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) in 1985, and places cannabis alongside drugs like heroin. – Article 47 of the Constitution of India (DPSP): It prohibits harmful drugs and drinks. – Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act): Marijuana is illegal in India. 1. Special Provision: Section 14 of the NDPS Act empowers the Government to, by general or special order, permit cultivation of cannabis exclusively for horticultural and industrial purposes. 2. Exclusions of the Act: Bhang, which is made with the leaves of the plant, is not mentioned in the NDPS Act. 1. It comes under the jurisdiction of State Governments. |
Controlled Cultivation of Cannabis
- Controlled cannabis cultivation focuses on non-narcotic applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.
- Varieties with minimal intoxicating properties, commonly known as hemp, will be cultivated with THC content kept below 0.3% to prevent misuse.
- Hemp’s stalks, leaves, and seeds can be converted into textiles, paper, food, cosmetics, and biofuel.
Economic Impact
- The pilot project is expected to generate significant revenue, with estimates suggesting an additional income of Rs 500 crore annually for the state.
- This move aligns with global trends, as countries like the US, Canada, and Germany have already embraced controlled cannabis cultivation for its industrial and medicinal benefits.
Challenges
- Despite the potential benefits, concerns have been raised about regulatory compliance, quality control, and preventing diversion to the illicit market.
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