The State government has initiated efforts to facilitate cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes along with industrial hemp. The State’s Agriculture minister Subodh Uniyal chaired a meeting with departmental officials on this subject here on Tuesday.
The minister informed that possibilities for medicinal use of cannabis were being looked into across the world. “Many people are coming to Uttarakhand also with such ideas. However, unfortunately there are no rules and regulations made for this purpose. I held discussions with the Agriculture secretary, the Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP) director and some scientists on how we can encourage cultivation of hemp for both medicinal and industrial purposes. This will also improve the economic condition of farmers, attract investors and also improve the economy of the state.” He said that there is much which needs to be done for cannabis cultivation for medicinal purposes.
He further informed that the next meeting on this subject will be chaired by the chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. Uniyal said that various departments including the Excise, Medical Education and AYUSH departments among others have a role to play in this. The State government will try to finalise the plan so that cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purpose and industrial hemp can be undertaken properly in Uttarakhand.
Earlier, while addressing officials, the minister directed them to prepare a work plan in coordination with the Excise, Medical Education and AYUSH departments. Agriculture secretary Harbans Singh Chugh and CAP director Nripendra Singh Chauhan among others were present in the meeting.
Wednesday, 16 December 2020 | PNS | Dehradun
