Controlled Cannabis Cultivation

Controlled Cannabis Cultivation Latest News

Recently, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved a pilot study by two universities on the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.

About Controlled Cannabis Cultivation

• It is the regulated cultivation of specific cannabis varieties having minimal intoxicating properties, along with strict monitoring to prevent misuse. Such varieties are commonly known as hemp.
• The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabinoid content (a kind of chemical that has an intoxicating effect) in controlled cannabis should be less than or equal to 0.3 per cent.
• Under this, authorities focus on its non-narcotic applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.
• Uses of Hemp: Hemp’s stalks, leaves, and seeds can also be converted into textile, paper, food, cosmetics, biofuel and more. Additionally, cannabidiol (CBD) compounds in the plant are effective in treating chronic pain.

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Laws related to Cannabis Cultivation in India

• Cannabis cultivation is largely prohibited in India due to its psychoactive properties.
• Section 2 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, prohibits the production and sale of cannabis resin and flowers.
• It defines charas as the separated resin, in any form (crude or purified), obtained from the cannabis plant. It also includes concentrated preparations such as hashish oil or liquid hashish.
• However, it provides exceptions for cannabis cultivation and use for industrial and medicinal purposes under government regulation.
• Section 10 of the Act allows state governments to regulate, permit, or prohibit cannabis cultivation for medicinal and scientific purposes.
• Additionally, Section 14 grants the Central government the power to authorise and regulate cannabis cultivation for research or other approved purposes.

Controlled Cannabis Cultivation FAQs

Q1: What does cultivating cannabis mean?

Ans: It refers to the practice and process of producing cannabis flowers

Q2: What are the active agents in cannabis?

Ans: Tetrahydrocannabinol

Q3: Which state initiated operation parivartan to eliminate the cultivation of cannabis?

Ans: Andhra Pradesh

Q4: What is cannabis called in India?

Ans: Charas (resin), ganja (flower), and bhang (seeds and leaves)

Source: IE