January 1: A government study has shown that when the policy-level decision of the government to ban marijuana only increases its illegal trade. The Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 2033 makes the dealing of marijuana or marijuana products illegal. However, as a result of the ban imposed by the law on marijuana trade, its illegal trade is increasing every year, according to a study conducted by the government.

A report prepared by the state-run Institute of Policy and Research based on the data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs shows that the number of people involved in illegal trade of marijuana has increased every year due to the ban. The report also suggests that the government should adopt a lenient policy on marijuana with certain conditions.

According to the report, there is a possibility of illegal market of marijuana flourishing with the legal changes if the government adopts a lenient policy towards marijuana. In Canada, which has legalized the recreational use of marijuana, it has been found that the illegal trade has outpaced the legal business. It is believed that customers might have been attracted more to the illegal market because marijuana available in the illegal market is cheaper and contains more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a substance that is primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state.

It is mentioned in the report that countries that have legalized cannabis cultivation and business have also experienced an increase in illegal transactions due to the limitations of the legal market and complicated administrative procedures.

In the course of the study, it was found that marijuana produced in Nepal or exported from Nepal is popular in the Netherlands. The report further mentions that Alibaba company is selling and distributing Nepali marijuana online under the name of 'Dhawalagiri Cake'.

Marijuana cultivation and business is illegal in Nepal, but due to the open border with India, Nepal is becoming a transit for marijuana business with third countries, according to the report of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"Not only one, but many routes and patterns are active for illegal trade and transportation," the report states, adding, "Clothes, shoes, yarn, artistic and decorative materials made from hemp fibers or mixed with hemp fibers are sold unabated in Thamel, the main tourist hub of Kathmandu.'

Since the production of marijuana is illegal, these marijuana products are usually sold under the name of hemp or natural fiber. There is high risk in operating business by changing the name, states the report prepared by Dr Manita Kusi, Dr Hari Sharma Neupane, Dr Mukunda Raj Kattel, Advocate Hari Prasad Mainali, Prof Rajendra Gyawali, Dr Prarak Regmi and Pushkar Basyal.

It is also mentioned in the study report that the traders of Thamel were confused when they inquired whether products sold by them had more than the quantity of marijuana prescribed by the Narcotic Drugs Act. "This confusion is the result of the ambiguity in our existing laws which can be misused for illegal transactions," the report states, adding, "Therefore, it is necessary to have a clear policy as well as legal and administrative framework. If that is not done, Nepal will remain at risk of illegal business in one form or another even after the legalization of marijuana.”