Seminar on innovative use of cannabis, hemp at Shimla

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi today inaugurated a seminar and exhibition on ‘Innovative Industrial and Medicinal Cannabis, Hemp plant based products’ in which various stakeholders took part.

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Addressing the participants, Negi said the state government is committed to realising the concept of a drug-free and prosperous Himachal.

The state government is contemplating allowing controlled cultivation of cannabis for non-narcotic use in sectors like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food items, garment and construction industry. A committee headed by the Revenue Minister had visited other states like Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh where cannabis cultivation has been legalised. The committee has submitted its report before the Cabinet but a final decision is still awaited.

Presentations were made by various corporate stakeholders related to industrial innovation and medicinal uses of hemp. A majority of the participants were of the opinion that there awareness needs to be created to familiarise farmers about various non-narcotic use of cannabis and hemp. “There is a huge market and demand for products like medicines for cancer, epilepsy and arthritis, food items, cosmetics, apparels and construction material made from cannabis plants,” said Siddharth Gupta, Founder Indian Hemp Store.

Rohit Chauhan from In Care Lab and Kannarama, Dr Piyush Juneja from Ayurinstinct Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Hanish Katnavar from Himalayan Hemp Industries Pvt Ltd, Bhavik Vipul Shah from Himalayan Hemp Incorporation, Kanika Sood from India Hemp and Cannabis Network, Dr Rashmi Punhani and Anil Kumar from Pi Hemp Pvt. Ltd, Siddharth Gupta from Indian Hemp Store, Delzad Dololiwala from Bombay Hemp Company and Government Advisor Advocate Deven Khanna gave their detailed presentations.

The minister visited the exhibition organised by various companies and gained information about different products from hemp cultivation. During this period, he also learned about various nuances and problems faced in manufacturing various products from cannabis and hemp.