October 30: A multi-stakeholder consultation and discussion program was held recently on the subject of “Legalization of Marijuana Farming in Nepal: Opportunities and Challenges” in collaboration with the Nepal Government's Expert Group Policy Research Institute and the Nepal Health Research Council. In the program, the researchers of Nepal Health Research Foundation presented a paper based on the analysis of reference materials from the medical side of marijuana. Similarly, a working paper was presented from the perspective of the economic importance and social aspects of cannabis cultivation in Nepal on behalf of the Policy Research Institute.

During the program, it was shared that the debate on the controlled use of cannabis was raised around the world after the United Nations placed cannabis as a useful plant in 2020. In addition, the fact that 56 countries in the world legalized the cultivation and controlled use of marijuana was highlighted during the programme

Similarly, in the paper presented about the legal aspects of marijuana, it is mentioned that the cultivation of marijuana is not legally prohibited because the definition of marijuana in the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 2033 does not prohibit the production of hemp plants and bark (fibers).

Meanwhile, President of Narconon Nepal, Basanta Kunwar said that one should not even imagine legalizing marijuana arguing that the reason behind almost 90 percent of mental patients is due to marijuana consumption.

Achyut Adhikari, associate professor of Tribhuvan University said that the harmful substances of marijuana should be banned and useful substances should be used. Devi Prasad Bhandari of the Institute of Forestry opined that hemp oil can be sold in the world market.

Research Director of Nepal Health Research Foundation Dr Meghnath Dhimal said that if the regulations are made first, it will be easier to use marijuana for research.