SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has officially cleared the way for industrial and medicinal cultivation of cannabis (bhang) in the state, following a resolution passed unanimously.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who led the sub-committee on cannabis assigned by the Sukhu government, confirmed this major development to media here today. 

The move aims to explore the industrial and medicinal potential of cannabis cultivation while keeping strict checks to prevent its misuse.

Negi explained that the committee thoroughly studied how other states and countries manage cannabis cultivation for industrial purposes.

He stressed that the cannabis intended for cultivation in Himachal will be drug-free and primarily used for producing industrial products like textiles and medicinal compounds.

"There will be no chance for misuse or intoxication. The cannabis variety for industrial use has negligible THC content, which eliminates any possibility of it being used for intoxication," he said.

Farmers in Himachal will have the option to either cultivate the crop themselves or engage in contract farming.

"The seeds will be certified by the university, ensuring they are drug-free. Farmers can choose what's best for them – grow it independently or in partnership with industrial buyers," Negi added.

Addressing concerns about the possible misuse of cannabis under the guise of legal cultivation, Negi assured that strict monitoring systems would be put in place.

"We will have licenses with many conditions, and the entire department will oversee the cultivation. CCTV cameras will be installed at farms cultivating cannabis for medicinal use, keeping them under 24-hour surveillance," he said.

The committee also highlighted that cannabis could be an ideal crop for Himachal's tough terrain, as it requires minimal water, is resistant to diseases, and is not consumed by animals.

With a separate board being set up to oversee the licenses and implementation, the government plans to follow strict SOPs and create rules to prevent any misuse under the NDPS Act.

Negi expressed confidence that this initiative will provide substantial revenue for the state through GST, income tax, and employment generation for the local population.

The resolution marks a historic moment as Himachal Pradesh gears up to join other states and countries in tapping into the industrial and medicinal potential of cannabis cultivation.

Much depend how the government goes about it and how the farmers will respond to the new crop.