Hemp Products are Legal in India or Not? NDPC Act 1985

Hemp products are gaining lots of attention these days, as we clearly know there are several hemp products, as hemp is used for multipurpose. You might have noticed that several start-ups are emerging these days with hemp products we also call them TBC products. Still users are confused that hemp products are legal in India or not, so we have come up with this blog to clear your doubts. We are supposed to cover every important portion of the topic, that remain frequently ask questions. Hemp is spreading on the internet due to its sustainability and versatile use in numerous industries.

First you all need to know that what is hemp and how it differs from cannabis plants, hemp plants do belong to cannabis family but they are far different from marijuana in context of chemical composition, specially THC content (tetrahydrocannabinol), it is responsible for the psychoactive effects. On the other hand, hemp has low level of THC content, it is around 0.3%, low THC content means it does not cause intoxicating effects.

Is Hemp Legal in India?

As per the NDPC Act and Hemp in India, all the hemp products or cannabis are regulated by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 in India, it classifies cannabis broadly as an illegal substance. As per the NDPC Act, there is a difference defined between Cannabis, Marijuana and Hemp. 

NDPC does not criminalize all kinds of cannabis, as per the law hemp plants which contain less than 0.3% THC that are classified as industrial hemp, this difference has been allowed in certain states so that cultivation of the hemp can be encouraged in industrial purpose. On the other side marijuana has higher THC content and other cannabis plants with higher THC remain illegal.

Are Hemp Products Legal in India?

At the end of the day, all of us have the same question in our minds, that hemp products are legal in India or not? Let’s find the clear answer. Hemp cultivation requires certain permissions from state authorities. If you are dealing with hemp products such as hemp seeds, oils and textiles then these products are legal in India to manufacture, buy and sell. Hemp products fall under NDPC Act, and legal status of them depends on the THC content within them, for example we can understand CBD oil: -

1.  Hemp seed oils & hemp seeds:  Hemp seeds contain no THC content, therefore it is considered to legal across India.

2.  CBD oil: CBD oil considered to have enough amount of THC, therefore often its legal status depends on the compliances with local authorities and licensing from health authorities.

Benefits of Hemp Based Products 

As we know, the wellness industry is growing rapidly in India and people are also adopting hemp products for its natural health benefits. As of 2025, hemp industry has introduced range of hemp products, which are helpful for the pain management, stress relief, skim care and dietary supplements. We have found that in the certain medical conditions, hemp products are so useful. At present we can see that several start-ups are emerging with the idea, because they know it has growth in the upcoming time.

1. Pain management: Hemp based oils or CBD oils are often used in medicine area for pain management, it is natural alternative for those who are dealing with chronic pain.

2. Skincare: Hemp seed is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that makes it popular in skincare products.

3. Nutrition: In terms of nutrition, hemp seeds provide essential fatty acids, protein and fiber that makes is a nutritious addition.

Hemp Products Future in India

You must realize that, the growth of hemp industry has the potential to support economic growth, because hemp is much affordable to cultivate as compared to other cultivation crops. As it requires few resources that makes it environmentally friendly, apart from this hemp industry can open number of opportunities for people such as employment and support India’s growth. 

Usage is increasing in course of time of medical cannabis in order to treat various health conditions. As more states are looking forward to adopting the cannabis program, now more people are realizing the important of hemp products, but these products need certain permission from local authorities and licences and must comply with all the required compliances if they wish to stay in business.

Conclusion

Now you must have come to know the answer of “Is hemp product legal in India” as it depends on a number of factors, such as the THC content of the plant, state regulation, compliances and licensing. On the other side, if we discuss the cultivation of the hemp for industrial purposes, then it has been legalized in some states, but all states have their own rules and regulations regarding hemp cultivation. Not only in India, but also in other countries, the hemp product industry is rapidly growing, so we can say at the end that hemp products are legal if you comply with all the rules and regulations. In case you have any queries about starting a hemp business or compliances, then contact CRSPL Business Consultants.