Cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh

Why in the news?

• Recently, the Himachal Pradesh government has approved a pilot project for the cultivation of cannabis (cannabis/hemp).
• This step has been taken amid growing global recognition of the agricultural, medicinal and industrial value of cannabis.
• Nodal institutes - Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agricultural University and Dr. Y.S. Parmar Horticultural University
• Nodal agency - State Agriculture Department

Cannabis/hemp

• It is a species of plant found in tropical and temperate regions.
• This species is divided into male and female.
• In this, cannabis is made from the male species and ganja is made from the female species.
• Many nutrients including carbohydrates, protein, manganese, vitamin E, magnesium and phosphorus are found in cannabis.
• Many nutrients including carbohydrates, protein, manganese, vitamin E, magnesium and phosphorus are found in cannabis. 
• It is used for medicinal and recreational use
• Taking it in the right dose controls cholesterol.
• Its fiber is used for hemp rope and its oil is used as a vehicle for paint.

Negative effects on health:

• Cognitive impairment, cannabis dependence syndrome, long-term mental health damage, respiratory problems and pregnancy risks etc.

Medical uses:

• Effective for nausea and vomiting in cancer and AIDS patients, Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or dronabinol (THC) has been used by doctors in the US for treatment for over a decade.

Legal status in India:

• Cultivation of cannabis in India is prohibited under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
• Unlike opium, there is no official policy to regulate its legal cultivation in India.