You all must have heard the name of cannabis. On Holi, many people consume thandai mixed with cannabis, due to which the person keeps laughing or crying for a long time.
This cannabis is prepared from the juice extracted from the leaves of a particular plant. This plant is called Cannabis in English. Many diseases are also treated with this cannabis. The interesting thing is that most people may not have seen hemp being cultivated, yet hemp is sold indiscriminately in the country. After all, where does this hemp come from? Which state of the country is the king of hemp cultivation? Let us give you many interesting information on this issue today.
Which is the number-1 state in hemp cultivation?
According to recently revealed data, Odisha ranks first in terms of hemp cultivation. Illegal cultivation of cannabis is being done on a large scale in forested areas like Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal and Gajapati. Two years ago, the police had destroyed more than 27 thousand 700 acres of plants there. Whereas Malana of Himachal Pradesh is at second place.
Cannabis has been used in the country for centuries. On festivals like Holi and Shivratri, cannabis tablets are mixed in bhang lassi and thandai and consumed. This helps in happiness, appetite and digestion. Talking about Ayurveda, it is known as a medicine that relieves pain, stops vomiting and reduces stress. In modern times, eco-friendly medicines and materials are being made from it. Besides, treatment of diseases like epilepsy and cancer is also becoming possible.
Is hemp cultivation legal?
The answer to this is a bit complicated. In fact, the cultivation of hemp plant, flowers and resin (ganja-charas) has been banned in the country’s NDPS Act 1985. However, its leaves and seeds have been exempted, from which hemp is made. Hemp cultivation has now received formal approval in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Whereas in states like Odisha it is still banned.
No official data is recorded on how much hemp is produced annually in the country because most of the cultivation is illegal. Despite this, thousands of tonnes of hemp plants are planted every year across the country. The amount of cannabis seized by the police is considered as the annual production figure. According to this, Odisha’s contribution can be considered to be more than 25-30 percent, which makes it ‘Cannabis Capital’.
Why do people cultivate hemp?
The answer to this question is more earnings. In fact, it is possible to earn up to Rs 5 lakh in one crop cycle from hemp cultivation, whereas traditional crops barely make ends meet. This is the reason why people, despite their unwillingness, are drawn towards hemp cultivation to become rich in a short time. However, now legal permission has been given for its cultivation in Himachal and Uttarakhand. Despite this, it is banned in most states. Because of which the threat of arrest and health risks always looms over those who grow cannabis.