Despite opposition from people carrying out anti-drug campaigns, and the possible ill effects and challenges involved in controlled cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, the state government will issue permits for its cultivation for medicinal and non-narcotic uses. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said, "We are in the process of framing rules for allowing controlled cultivation of cannabis in the state and will issue licenses to farmers, legalizing its cultivation for non-narcotic uses."
He said, "After conducting a pilot project study in this regard, a meeting of officials from various departments, i.e., Excise, Law, Horticulture, Agriculture, and other concerned departments, was held, and Cabinet approval will be sought for the rules giving permits to farmers."
The Minister said, "I guarantee there will be no scope for drug trafficking, and farmers who will be issued licenses will benefit by growing cannabis for various non-narcotic uses."
Though the cultivation of cannabis and possession of its by-product, 'Charas,' is a serious crime at present and cases are registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to check its smuggling, several areas of the state, especially Kullu district, have become infamous for illegal smuggling and as havens for 'Charas' smugglers and users, despite campaigns to check it.
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