Hemp Cultivation in India: A Sustainable and Legal Opportunity (Cannabis)

Hemp cultivation in India is slowly gaining traction due to its versatile applications and numerous environmental benefits. With its rich history, the plant is making a comeback in the country, offering potential for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and health benefits.

In this article, we will explore the legality of hemp in India, the cultivation process, and the benefits it offers.

What Is Hemp Called in India?

Hemp, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, is recognized by different names across various regions in India. While many people are familiar with the term "Bhaang," it’s important to understand that this name often refers to both the psychoactive and non-psychoactive varieties of cannabis.

Industrial hemp, cultivated for its fibers, seeds, and oils, is distinct from marijuana (often associated with higher THC content). Below are the local names for hemp in various languages:

Ayurvedic Name for Hemp:

In Ayurvedic texts, hemp is referred to as "Bhaang" or "Vijaya". These names highlight the plant’s medicinal properties, particularly for its calming and cooling effects.

Local Names in Various Indian Languages:

• Hindi: Bhaang
• Marathi: Bhaang
• Bengali: শণ (Shon), ভাং (Bhang), গাঁজা (Ganja), গঞ্জিকা (Ganjika), or সিদ্দি (Siddi)
• Tamil: சணல் (Chanal)
• Kannada: ಸೆಣಬು (Sennabu), ನಾರು (Naru), ಗಾಂಜ (Ganja), ಬಂಗಿ (Bangi)
• Gujarati: Bhaang
• Punjabi: Bhaang, Vijaya
• Odia: Bhaang

Difference Between Cannabis, Weed, Hemp, and Hash

In simple terms, Cannabis is the name of the plant, while weed, marijuana, and hash are different products that come from this plant. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to distinct things. Here’s a breakdown of what each term means:

1. Cannabis (Hemp):

Cannabis refers to the plant itself, and it has two main varieties: Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that is primarily cultivated for industrial uses like making ropes, textiles, and construction materials. It has very low levels of THC (the psychoactive component) and doesn’t cause intoxication.

2. Weed/Marijuana:

Weed or marijuana refers to the dried flowers, leaves, and buds of the Cannabis plant, particularly from the varieties that are high in THC. People typically use marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes because of its psychoactive effects, caused by THC.

3. Hash/Hashish:

Hashish (often called hash) is a concentrated form of cannabis made from the resin found in the buds of the cannabis plant. This resin is collected, compressed, and processed into a sticky, brown substance that is much stronger than regular marijuana. Hash is typically used for its potent effects and contains higher levels of THC than regular marijuana.

In Summary:

Cannabis is the plant itself, while hemp is a non-psychoactive type used for industrial purposes. Weed or marijuana refers to the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant, commonly used for recreational or medicinal purposes. Hash is a concentrated form made from the resin of cannabis buds and is more potent than regular weed.

Is Hemp Legal in India?

Yes, hemp is legal in India under specific conditions. According to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985, industrial hemp is permitted as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. This means that hemp cultivated for industrial use in India, such as hemp fiber and seeds, is legal in most states as long as it meets the required THC levels.

Is Hemp Oil Legal in India?

Yes, hemp oil is legal in India. Hemp oil, extracted from the hemp plant seeds, is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is widely used for its therapeutic properties, especially in skin care products and as a dietary supplement. However, the THC content of hemp oil must remain within legal limits for it to be sold in the market.

Can We Grow Hemp in India?

Hemp cultivation in India is allowed in select states such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. As long as the THC content in the hemp plant is under 0.3%, farmers in these states can legally grow hemp. This makes it an ideal crop, especially in areas where traditional crops like cotton or rice are not viable due to climatic conditions. Additionally, hemp is an eco-friendly crop that requires less water and pesticides, making it a sustainable choice for farmers.

How to Get a Hemp License in India?

To legally grow hemp in India, farmers and businesses must obtain a license from the state government or relevant authorities. The process of obtaining a hemp cultivation license typically involves compliance with local regulations, including the inspection of the land for cultivation, maintaining a record of the hemp plants, and ensuring that the THC content remains below the legal threshold. Depending on the state, the application process may vary.

Steps to Get a Hemp License in India:

• Research Local Regulations: Understand the specific regulations in your state regarding hemp cultivation.
• Register with Authorities: Register with the Excise or Agriculture Department of your state.
• Submit Application: Apply to hemp cultivation, ensuring that you have all required documents.
• Approval and Inspection: After approval, your land may be inspected to ensure compliance with THC content and cultivation practices.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Once licensed, ongoing monitoring will be conducted to ensure that the THC levels of the hemp remain legal.

Hemp as a Sustainable Crop in India

Hemp is not just a profitable crop, but also an environmentally sustainable one. It grows quickly, requires minimal water, and needs fewer chemicals compared to cotton or other crops. The hemp plant is known for its ability to improve soil health, reduce water usage, and promote carbon sequestration, making it a great option for farmers looking to shift toward eco-friendly agriculture.

Environmental Benefits of Hemp Cultivation:

• Water Conservation: Hemp uses less water than cotton and other traditional crops, making it ideal for regions facing water scarcity.
• Pest Resistance: Hemp has natural pest-repellent properties, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
• Soil Health: Hemp can help prevent soil erosion and enhance the soil quality for subsequent crops.

Hemp in India: Economic Opportunities

Hemp cultivation presents a lucrative opportunity for India's economy, especially for farmers in rural areas. With the rise of hemp-based products in industries such as textiles, construction, and wellness, there is growing demand for hemp fiber, seeds, and oil. As the awareness around hemp grows, the potential for export also increases.

Hemp has the power to revolutionize sectors such as fashion, construction, and pharmaceuticals, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. With a growing market for eco-friendly products, hemp is positioned to become a key player in India's green economy.

Hemp Products: What Are the Uses?

Hemp is a versatile plant, offering a wide range of products. Some of the most common uses of hemp include:

• Hemp Fiber: Used for textiles, clothing, ropes, and eco-friendly paper.
• Hemp Seeds: Consumed as a superfood in raw form or used to make hemp oil, protein powder, and other food products.
• Hemp Oil: Widely used in skin care, wellness products, and as a cooking oil.
• Hemp-based Building Materials: Hemp can be used in construction for making eco-friendly concrete, insulation, and bioplastics.

The Future of Hemp in India

Hemp cultivation in India is at a promising stage. As awareness about its benefits grows and the legal landscape evolves, more states may allow hemp cultivation. With its low environmental impact, high profitability, and growing demand for hemp-based products, hemp could play a pivotal role in India's future agricultural and industrial landscape.

The global shift toward sustainability provides an excellent opportunity for India to leverage hemp as an eco-friendly, high-yielding crop. By investing in hemp cultivation and products, India can secure a leading position in the growing green economy.

FAQ

Question 1: What is hemp, and how is it different from marijuana?

Answer: Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa grown primarily for industrial purposes, such as producing fibers, seeds, and oils. Unlike marijuana, which contains high levels of THC (the psychoactive compound), hemp has very low THC content (below 0.3%) and doesn’t cause intoxication. Hemp is used for products like textiles, wellness items, and construction materials, while marijuana is mainly used for recreational or medicinal purposes due to its psychoactive effects.

Question 2: Is hemp legal in India?

Answer: Yes, hemp is legal in India under certain conditions. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 allows industrial hemp cultivation as long as the THC content is under 0.3%. This regulation permits the growth of hemp for industrial uses, such as fibers, seeds, and oils, in select states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.

Question 3. Is hemp oil legal in India?

Answer: Yes, hemp oil is legal in India, provided that it complies with the legal THC content limit. Hemp oil, extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, is known for its therapeutic properties and is commonly used in skincare and wellness products. As long as the THC content stays within the permissible range, it can be sold and used in the market.