HP panel meets CBN officials in Gwalior

Shimla: The committee constituted by the Himachal Pradesh government to study cannabis cultivation for industrial and non-narcotic use held a meeting with the officials of the Central Bureau of Narcotic (NBC) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and discussed various aspects of cannabis cultivation.The committee held a detailed discussion over similarities between cannabis and opium, besides technical and legal facets involved in production and marketing with the officials of the bureau. The committee also seeks support of the bureau in order to draft policy for legalizing cannabis cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.Earlier, the cannabis committee had held a meeting with the excise and taxation officials of Uttarakhand and people associated with cannabis cultivation.Revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi, who is chairman of this committee, said in order to legalize the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and non-narcotic use, the committee would comprehensively study and discuss the problems and challenges faced by the Uttarakhand government. He said the committee would also consider experiences and suggestions of people associated with cannabis cultivation in Uttarakhand.The committee also obtained detailed information from the officials concerned about various aspects related to licensing for cannabis farming and it also held discussion with various firms about the variety of products and materials that can be prepared with cannabis.