Himachal may consider legalising cannabis cultivation, says Jai Ram
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh government may consider legalising the cultivation of cannabis and is looking into various aspects related to it, chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said in the Assembly on Friday.
He was replying to a private member motion moved by BJP’s Jwalamukhi legislator Ramesh Dhawala.
The chief minister said that use of cannabis as a medicine has been described in ayurveda and is also known as ‘Vijaya’.
“It is also consumed in India on festivals such as Shivaratri and Holi. Under various medical practices of the world, cannabis has been used to treat diseases such as cold, phlegm disorder, diarrhoea, cancer, diabetes, and depression,” he added.
In Canada and the United States, Jai Ram said, it is used as a food item for being rich in oil and protein.
In the International Convention on single treaty on narcotic drugs held in 1961, Thakur said, cannabis was classified as hard drug and its production and supply, except for specific purposes (such as medicinal treatment and research) was banned.
“India opposed this treaty, assuming it to be intolerance towards its social and religious customs and resultantly was given 25 years to use cannabis during festivals and manufacture of recreational drugs. After the lapse of 25 years, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act was passed in 1985,” he added.
He said the American Cancer Research Association has found that cannabis is helpful in slowing diseases such as lung and breast cancer.
Subsequently, in the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotics Drugs, the proposal to remove cannabis and its resin from the ‘most dangerous’ drugs category was passed.
“Research conducted on cannabis leaves in the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, under the joint aegis of the Central Council of Medical Sciences of the ayush ministry and Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar, has found that it helps relieve pain after chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” said the CM.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMMS) will also conduct a detailed research on cannabis and its use.
He said that the NDPS Act prohibits the production and sale of part resin and flowers, but permits the use of leaves and seeds, giving states the right to regulate it.
He said currently, Gujarat and Uttarakhand have framed rules for cannabis cultivation under the Act, while it is being considered in Madhya Pradesh and Manipur.
The geographical location and climate of Himachal Pradesh has been found suitable for largescale cultivation of cannabis, he added.
He said Chapter 3 of the Himachal Pradesh NDPS Rules, 1989, provides for the procedure regarding cultivation, production, maintenance and transportation of cannabis.