Himachal Pradesh Launches Cannabis Farming Pilot Project
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | Himachal Pradesh launches a pilot project for cannabis (hemp) farming. |
| Pilot Project Launch | Approved by the Himachal Pradesh government on January 24, 2024. |
| Collaborating Institutions | Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agriculture University, Palampur & Dr. Y.S. Parmar University, Nauni. |
| Global Recognition | Cannabis is globally valued for its medicinal, industrial, and agricultural benefits. |
| Historical Context | Cannabis farming was common before the 1985 NDPS Act ban; illegal cultivation continues. |
| Industrial and Medicinal Benefits | Cannabis is a "trillion-dollar crop" with uses in fibre, seeds, and cannabinoids (e.g., CBD, THC). |
| Local Advocacy | Campaigns by advocates like Sant Ram emphasize its economic and cultural significance. |