The Hemp Cow is a voice that advocates for the legalization of hemp cultivation in India. Which is why we wish to shed some light on difference between the ruling party, and other opposition parties when it comes to their policies toward hemp. While the BJP Agricultural Policy is taking care of Indian farmers by legalizing hemp cultivation in various states,
the others have ignored farmers’ needs and made hemp illegal. This drastically affects areas that are economically and geographically dependent on Hemp Farming. The Hemp Cow believes that our stand should only be Pro-Farmer. Which is why it is important to be informed about what are BJP’s Farming Policies, why the need to legalize Hemp, the landscape of Hemp Farming and Cannabis Reform in India.
As we went through the journey of putting this article together, we would like to show our appreciation to the BJP government, for their efforts to uplift Hemp Farmers across various states of India. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, they’ve made great strides with initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. These programs have helped insure crops and bring irrigation infrastructure to some of India’s most drought-prone areas.
History of Cannabis Ban in India
The cannabis ban in India originated from the United State’s decision to outlaw the plant. America ran a campaign in the 1960s to ban cannabis under Article 28 of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961. This placed cannabis as a substance that needed to be heavily regulated by all signatory states at the United Nations.
Even though the ban was motivated by a desire to limit drug use and organized crime involvement in the production and distribution of narcotics, one of the major reasons behind it, is believed to be its industrial applications. Cannabis and its derivatives can thrive in difficult situations at a fast rate. Fabric, medicine, food, and other items may be produced from different portions of the plant. Because the plant is inexpensive to produce, some experts believe it was extremely tough to sell items manufactured with it at a higher price, thus making it less lucrative for businesses.
Entering Mr. Rajiv Gandhi Era
In 1985, Rajiv Gandhi’s administration pushed through the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act after facing tremendous pressure from the United States. The government outlawed hemp farming legalization and any combination such as charas, hashish, ganja, hemp and any other. Surprisingly, despite the fact that the government has allowed licensing persons to grow cannabis since 1985, the first license was granted in 2018.
And if we jog our memories, who was in power in 2018?
There have been some recent instances where Congress has not supported the legalization of hemp in India.
The Goa Forward Party, an ally of the BJP-led government in the state, had earlier said it was in favor of permitting hemp cultivation as it would help farmers. Later the government announced that it will not allow hemp cultivation in the state after the opposition Congress threatened to launch an agitation against the move. Congress MLA at that time said his party will not allow the cultivation of hemp in Sattari taluka of North Goa district.
The state government’s apathy towards the well-being of farmers is evident in its policies, while the BJP government is working to improve the lives of farmers. The Hemp Cow urges the New Indian National Congress (INC) Government Party to reconsider their stance on hemp cultivation and support the farmers of India.
Earlier, the perception of making decision to legalize hemp cultivation in the state was always thought of as “anti-farmer” and would lead to job losses.
The congress spokesperson at the time also went on to say that:
“The BJP government is only interested in cannabis and not in the welfare of farmers,”
“The BJP claims to be a farmers’ party, but they are only interested in promoting cannabis as a cash crop. They are not interested in the welfare of farmers,” D’Mello said.
Amarnath Panjikar said, that the government will not allow hemp cultivation as it is banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
“There is no question of legalizing cannabis/hemp cultivation in the state. The central government has not given permission for it. We will not allow it,” Panjikar said.
Just if someone sat them down and made them understand that Hemp is not a psychotropic substance. We at The Hemp Cow would like to invite the any political party member who thinks they can get high off of Hemp, to come and join us while we blaze one or put it on our edibles. And if they don’t want to join us they can at least put some research into it.
In contrast, this is what the BJP and its members have to say about the legalization of hemp.
“Hemp cultivation will help the farmers and generate employment in the state. It will also be a boost to the tourism industry,” BJP spokesperson Vishnu Wagh had said.
The party had also claimed that previous governments was against the legalization of cannabis as it would hit the “drug mafia” run by the respective parties.
The BJP has shown a commitment to hemp farming legalization and cultivation nationwide. This move would not only help improve farmer livelihoods but also provide much-needed relief to our environment. Unlike cotton production, which takes up massive amounts of water and pesticides, hemp requires few resources and can be grown organically without any harmful side effects. It is for these reasons that we believe that Modi’s led BJP is best suited to lead our country into an environmentally sustainable future.
We would request all Political Parties to consider the big picture and join us in supporting the efforts taken by the current ruling government to improve the country’s well-being. There are already a lot of issues surrounding Hemp Legalization in India, therefore Congress should not be one of them as they have done a lot for the farmer community too in previous times.
Our Appeal
Why are all the government parties in opposition against the legalization of Hemp as of today?
So Does Hemp Get You High? Hells no! And we’d request you to read an that article for clarity.
Perhaps they’re just against anything the BJP stands for. Or maybe they’re getting kickbacks from the illegal hemp trade. (we’re just guessing here). For any government to change old policies or roll out new ones, they really need us, the people, to have their back in a big way. So, it’s high time we all come together to push for making Hemp Cultivation legal. It’s like this – the more of us who show up and talk about it, the more likely it is that the big shots in power will listen and actually do something about it.
We’re appealing to the current ruling government party BJP, to add hemp legalization to their manifesto. And, let’s not leave out the other parties either. We’re nudging all the opposition parties to jump on the bandwagon and make this a big deal in their manifestos for the upcoming elections.
We all know deep down that getting Hemp Cultivation legal can be a total game-changer for India.
It’s not just talk – this could seriously put us on the map as the Number 1. Economy in the World.
Come Join us in this movement to legalize hemp and help the farmers of India!
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s make it happen!
Here are few articles where BJP showing their commitment for legalizing the Hemp cultivation:
- Times of India: Legal status to Hemp cultivation in Himachal Pradesh
- Hindustan Times: Uttarakhand CM bats for hemp farming to support livelihood of farmers
