Tribune News Service
Shimla, March 5

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today said that the state government would consider legalising the controlled cultivation of cannabis after studying its various aspects.

He said that this during a debate under Rule 101 in the Vidhan Sabha on a motion moved by Jwalamukhi MLA Ramesh Dhawala on legalising the cultivation of cannabis. Dhawala urged the government to legalise the cultivation of cannabis, as it has many uses, including in manufacturing medicines, ropes, slippers and hemp fabric and Uttarakhand had already done so.

Thakur, while relying to the motion, said that many states had already allowed the cultivation of cannabis, considering its manifold benefits. “I am sure these states have taken the decision after thorough research and weighing all the pros and cons. Our government, too, will consider it,” he added.

Thakur said, “The cannabis produced in Himachal has been found to be of very high quality and therefore there is potential to undertake its controlled cultivation”.

The Chief Minister also listed various uses of cannabis for religious purposes and in traditional Himachali cuisine from times immemorial.