Chhattisgarh High Court Turns Down Hemp PIL in 2025, Flags Public Interest Risks
Court dismisses plea for industrial hemp cultivation, citing drug abuse concerns despite industry push.
In July 2025, the Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed a PIL seeking approval for industrial hemp cultivation, citing public interest and drug abuse worries, despite hemp’s potential as a sustainable crop.
The Chhattisgarh High Court in July 2025 dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed to allow industrial hemp farming in the state.
Petitioners argued that hemp, legally defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, is non-intoxicating and could drive rural employment, eco-friendly textiles, and sustainable agriculture. They pointed to models in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh where licensed hemp farming is already underway.
The Court, however, cited rising concerns around drug misuse and regulatory enforcement challenges as reasons for rejecting the plea. While the verdict was seen as a setback for hemp advocates, industry leaders stressed that the decision underlined India’s uneven cannabis regulation — progressive in some states, restrictive in others.
Experts noted that without greater public awareness and clear national guidelines, hemp’s potential as an industrial crop in India will remain underutilized.
Reference
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chhattisgarh-high-court-pil-hemp-cultivation-10116538
