What is hemp fabric? Is it legal and available in India?

Hemp fabric is made from the fibres of the Cannabis sativa plant — a different variety from marijuana, bred for industrial fibre production with negligible THC content. Hemp fabric has a long history in India (the word "canvas" derives from cannabis).

Properties of hemp fabric:

• Very durable — hemp fibres are among the strongest natural fibres
• Gets softer with each wash — unlike cotton which weakens, hemp improves
• Naturally anti-bacterial and UV resistant
• Breathable and moisture-wicking
• Rough texture in low grades — fine grades are soft

Legal status in India: Industrial hemp (with THC below 0.3%) is legal to cultivate in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh under state government licenses. The Uttarakhand government has been actively promoting hemp textile production since 2017.

In Indian wholesale: Hemp fabric garments are a niche premium product — primarily sold through sustainable and artisan boutiques. Growing D2C brands like Bombay Hemp Company (BOHECO) work with hemp fabric. Wholesale hemp fabric ₹250–₹600 per meter.