After the government announced plans to legalize marijuana cultivation, policymakers and researchers have emphasized the importance of addressing existing obstacles first. At a meeting of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, cooperatives, and natural resources under the House of Representatives on Friday, various experts shared their views on the issue.
Dr. Dipak Kumar Kharal, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the necessity of amending the Narcotic Drug Control Act, 2033, to enable marijuana farming. “Legal hurdles need to be erased for it. A board can be formed, and fallow land utilized for marijuana farming,” he suggested. Dr. Pradip KC, Director General at the Ayurved and Alternative Medicine Department of the Health Ministry, discussed numerous studies conducted on marijuana within the ayurvedic field, underscoring the medicinal value of the plant.
Prof. Dr. Panna Thapa from Kathmandu University emphasized Nepal’s potential as a home to various types of marijuana. He advocated for government-sanctioned scientific research, noting that studies have shown marijuana’s potential to alleviate pain, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and cancer, among other conditions. He also mentioned the potential for producing garments and cosmetics from marijuana but stressed the importance of adhering to international standards and creating job opportunities for farmers. Dr. Ananta Adhikari from the Mental Hospital acknowledged marijuana’s medicinal value but also highlighted the need to be aware of its potential negative impacts.
In the recent budget announcement, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun indicated the government’s intention to facilitate the commercial farming of marijuana. The Finance Minister symbolically carried the budget document in a bag made from marijuana, signaling serious consideration of this move. During the meeting, Eknarayan Aryal, Secretary at the Home Ministry, mentioned that a study on the types of marijuana planted in different parts of the country is underway, with a report to be released soon.
Former minister Sher Bahadur Tamang stressed that commercial marijuana farming should be farmer-focused. “Farmers themselves should be encouraged to participate, not others or corporations,” he asserted, adding that this approach would contribute to the national economy. Overall, the discussions highlighted the need for legal reforms, scientific research, and a focus on farmer participation to harness the potential benefits of marijuana cultivation in Nepal.