Yes, you read that right—the Himalayan hill state of Himachal Pradesh is on its way to legalise cultivation of cannabis in the state. The decision is driven by the massive debt of INR 60,500 crores caused by the pandemic. Legalising cannabis cultivation in the state is expected to fetch revenue worth INR 18,000 crores. The development was announced by Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur.
Mr Thakur also clarified that any such cultivation would be in a controlled manner and would strictly be for medicinal, industrial and other such purposes. The decision has been taken after almost two years of mulling over it. Mr Thakur spoke about cannabis cultivation in the budget session, “The Cannabis produced in the state is of high quality and there is potential to undertake its controlled cultivation. Under the NDPS Act, 1985, there are provisions for the cultivation, production, maintenance and transportation of the Cannabis.”
– Read the entire article at Times Of India.