Indian states that have legalised cannabis

Hip or not, legalising marijuana has been one of the biggest debates across the globe. The United States administration considers it a Schedule I drug, putting it in the same category as heroin, LSD and ecstasy. 

Also read | New York looks to become America’s next marijuana hub

India in 1985 banned its cultivation under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act and effectively criminalised the use of fruit and flower of cannabis. However, this bracket excluded the cannabis leaves since they are used for making bhang and have a connection with the Hindu religion and the cult of Lord Shiva. 

Furthermore, the Indian laws allow its production, manufacturing and possession for medical and scientific purposes or with the government’s permission. 

Following is the list Indian states that have legalised the herb seeing the significant profit margins in cultivation of marijuana: 

1: Uttarakhand 

In 2018, seeing the worsening condition of farmers and realising the cash crunch in the state’s rural economy, Uttarakhand legalised marijuana. Of course, the legalisation came with a list of ‘ifs and buts’ but it became the first state to legalise its cultivation. 

2: Uttar Pradesh 

The Yogi Adityanaath-led government legalised the cultivation of bhang for medicinal and industrial purposes. They gave green signal for growing low THC grade bhang with low levels of psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol.

The decision was made in October 2018 during the Green Legalisation Movement of India. 

3: Odisha 

Odisha is one of the largest producers of marijuana in the entire country. However, the state does not allow its cultivation and has been rigorously campaigning to fix its image around the topic.

Also read: All about Raja Parba, Odisha’s festival celebrating fertility and womanhood

As per the Odisha Narcotics Act, 1989, possession and consumption of cannabis is not legal for recreational use but is given as prasad in Shiva temples. The state also happens to have over 950 temples, one of the highest counts in the country. 

4: Manipur 

Manipur, supposedly the state which has the highest quality weed in the country, was also considering legalising cannabis’s plantation. 

Chief Minister N Biren Singh said in February 2020 that his administration was seriously considering it to boost the state’s revenue. He even suggested that start-ups could get involved in the legalisation process since they showed a high interest in the industry.