Himachal Pradesh Launches ‘Green to Gold’ Initiative to Regulate Industrial Hemp

The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has launched the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative, a landmark policy aimed at transforming the state into a global leader in the bio-economy by legalising and regulating the cultivation of industrial hemp. The move seeks to shift the narrative around hemp from illicit trade to a high-value industrial resource.

Strict THC Norms to Prevent Misuse
A key pillar of the initiative is a strict scientific mandate that all industrial hemp cultivated in the state must contain less than 0.3 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This threshold ensures the crop is non-intoxicating, eliminating its potential misuse as a narcotic while retaining its industrial utility.

Wide Industrial Applications
The state government has identified industrial hemp as a versatile raw material capable of producing a wide range of high-value products, including eco-friendly textiles, construction material, bioplastics, pharmaceuticals and wellness products. The policy aims to replace the plant’s “narcotic” image with a “resource” identity.

Economic Potential and Revenue Generation
According to projections, regulated hemp cultivation could generate ₹1,000 crore to over ₹2,000 crore annually once the initiative is fully scaled. The policy is expected to reduce dependence on imports and curb the black market, particularly in the fast-growing pharmaceutical and wellness sectors.

Boost for Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture
Beyond revenue, the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative promises a sustainable livelihood option for farmers. With a robust legal and scientific framework, the state aims to integrate farmers into a formal value chain, promoting rural prosperity and environmentally sustainable agriculture.