According to the Government Spokesperson Th. Radheshyam Singh, the Manipur Cabinet, on Friday, decided that any decision on legalising the cultivation of marijuana or cannabis for use of medical and industrial purpose would only be taken after getting and considering feedback from the public.

Manipur government considering legalising Marijuana for medical purposes

He also mentioned that the policies being adopted by other states that have legalised plantation of cannabis were discussed in the Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The move of feedback consideration comes after the Chief Minister’s statement from last week, in which had said that his government is planning to legalise cannabis cultivation for the use of medicinal and industrial purposes.

READ | Manipur govt declares 'No School Bag Day' on all working Saturdays

"It would help boost the economy"

Singh had, at a press conference held in Imphal on September 21, declared that the government of the state, which is one of the largest manufacturers of weed, was seriously considering legalising medical marijuana to help boost the state’s revenue. He said that the oil extracted from cannabis could help paralysis patients to recover as it is known to strengthen nerves. 

During the press conference, he also said that if the plan picks up momentum, start-ups would be considered as part of this plan. The government has urged the public, organizations and intellectuals to come forward and voice their opinions about the same. However, the regular use of recreational cannabis continues to be banned in the country. 

READ | Video of 9-yr-old Manipuri girl crying over felling of trees goes viral, gets appointed as ambassador for 'Green Manipur Mission'

On a related note, the Manipur government, in 2000, had imposed a ban on the cultivation of cannabis under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Other states that have legalised it for medicinal purposes include Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

READ | This Manipur florist is making pretty dolls using a surprise waste material; Here's Neli Chachea's story

READ | Assam Rifles rescues abducted Manipur man, recovers large cache of arms and ammunition during search operation