High time? Decks cleared to legalise cultivation of cannabis in Himachal Pradesh

The decision is aimed at easing the financial crunch being faced by the state

- ASHWANI SHARMA

Nearly seven years have passed since Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to legalise the cultivation of cannabis, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Now, Himachal Pradesh, a hill state facing financial constraints, is taking a bold step towards reform to lift its longstanding ban on cannabis cultivation.

The ban had been enforced because of an increased drug problem and trafficking of narcotics including charas, a by-product of Cannabis from the state.

However, faced with resource crunch, Himachal is moving towards allowing cannabis cultivation for specific purposes.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says the state will earn a revenue of Rs 400 to 500 crore once the facility for industrial and medical use is fully created in the state.

There is complete consensus between the ruling party and Opposition to allow cultivation of the non-narcotic forms of cannabis under strict regulatory measures.