Hemp cultivation legal in UP now

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, October 30

The UP Government on Tuesday allowed the cultivation of hemp (bhang) for research and medicinal purposes. 

Following the lead of Uttarakhand, which last year became the first state in the country to allow farmers to cultivate hemp crop, the UP Cabinet has taken the decision at a meeting presided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

According to the decision, UP farmers are allowed to cultivate hemp crop under the supervision of the Excise Department. A government spokesperson said this decision was taken to improve the financial condition of farmers as the BJP government was committed to doubling their income by 2022.

Unlike other countries where the cultivation of cannabis is legalised for smoking purpose, the Uttarakhand and UP governments have allowed the hemp cultivation only for research, medicine and industrial purposes.

The stalk of a hemp plant can be used to make rope, apparel, shoes, upholstery, geotextiles and packaging. Hemp seeds can be used to make oil, flour and animal feed.