Himalayan Weed – Nepal introduces law to legalize cannabis

The availability and widespread use of marijuana in Nepal drew thousands of hippies to the country. And at that time, cannabis was not only accepted, but deeply anchored in the religion and culture of Nepal.

However, Nepal followed other nations to ban and criminalize marijuana in the late 1970s. That’s not all, the Nepalese government has also taken further action by chasing away hippies who came from the US and Europe.

Exactly 44 years later, the idea of ​​legalizing marijuana has become popular in Nepal. Activists and supporters are now trying to legalize the use, cultivation and export of cannabis again. Activists have submitted a bill to parliament to deal with the organization of cannabis. However, the debate has been delayed as arguments between political parties for power continue.

Why did Nepal ban cannabis in the 1970s?

Cannabis is an integral part of human civilization around the world. In countries like India and Nepal, cannabis has both cultural and religious significance (cannabis is a gift to Lord Shiva). According to James Fisher in his book title Cannabis and Culture, he wrote about the use of cannabis in various communities in Nepal. The elderly used cannabis for recreational and medicinal purposes as well as for cooking. Cannabis was used by Ayurvedic doctors along with other herbs to cure tetanus, insomnia, cholera, and diarrhea, among others.

In the late 60s and early 70s, the hippies (Western youths part of a counterculture movement) traveled to Nepal. In search of spiritual peace, the hippies came to Nepal from Europe. They used cannabis and hallucinogens, which were abundant in the Kathmandu Valley, to get high.

However, there has been continued pressure from the United Nations, the United States, and even local residents to ban cannabis because of the hippie’s activities. Eventually the Nepalese government gave in and banned cannabis on July 16, 1973. Under the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act of 2033, the cultivation, trade and use of cannabis is illegal in Nepal. In 2003, Nepal also signed the United Nations’ 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

A push for legalization legislation

According to the Associated Press (AP), activists continue to push for cannabis organizing legislation in the Nepalese parliament. Nepal would now like to join other nations who have revised their cannabis laws in recent years. However, there have been some delays due to cross-party disagreements over parliamentary power.

Rajiv Kafle, the campaign leader, claimed through the AP that the legalization of cannabis in Nepal is primarily for medical purposes. Especially for dying patients. Rajiv Kafle also speaks about the economic impact cannabis legalization would have on Nepal.

Kafle mentioned that the country’s competitive advantage and the low cost of production of cannabis provide a great advantage in the world market. With these advantages, the country will surely win in the world market, which will surely change the country forever.

Bird Khatiwada, the Minister of Health of Nepal, has pledged to testify for the law. He is also an influential member of the coalition government that advocates change. Bird Khatiwada mentioned that 9,000 Nepalese are currently in jail for cannabis crimes. He also said he was optimistic about the economic impact cannabis legalization would have on the country.

Khatiwada recognizes that most developed and most powerful countries are now allowing cannabis use and seeks to make this an issue in parliament. Khatiwada also believes the new law would ensure that the benefits don’t go to a small group or an industrialist. But it benefits everyone, including the poor farmers who would also use their land for cultivation.

Should Nepal Legalize Cannabis?

According to many researchers, Nepal has one of the best ecologies and diverse climates that are best for growing cannabis. As written by Fisher, cannabis grows in most parts of Nepal, except in the far north of the country.

Nepal has fertile land, the best ecology, and the best climate for growing cannabis, according to the American Journal of Agriculture Research. All of this makes Nepal a potential major cannabis producer in the world, but this resource remains untapped due to a lack of legalization.

A pro-cannabis activist, Ravi Pradhan, claimed via South Asia Check that the country should start growing hemp. He backed up his idea by saying the soil was fertile enough to support its growth. He also spoke about the various value-added and commercial products such as fabrics, ropes, paper and fuels.

Pressure on cannabis legalization legislation has been going on since the beginning of the year. And the cultivation was proposed for export to the international market. With such international sales, Nepal can make billions of dollars every year.

According to a report, the global legal marijuana market is set to grow to a $ 73.6 billion industry by 2027. Medical marijuana makes up 71%. In 2019, the unprocessed and unrefined marijuana market was valued at $ 9.1 billion, with 90% of sales restricted to North America. The global cannabis market is waiting for Nepal to take the lead and now is the time for legalization.

From the point of view of the opposition, however, the economist Bishwa Poudel questions the economic potential of cannabis in Nepal. Paul claims it was tested by the tourism industry back in the 1970s and failed miserably. Poudel claims that while cannabis is suitable for medicinal purposes, it is not suitable for recreation and tourism promotion.

Bottom line

Cannabis is widespread in Nepal and is low-cultivated across the country mainly due to cultural and religious tolerance. However, there is a need to legalize its use, taking into account its medical use and economic advantage. Kafle, an HIV patient who uses cannabis for medicinal purposes, faces 10 years in prison if convicted. This is due to the lack of legalization of cannabis, which must end. With more countries allowing medical and recreational marijuana use. It is only a matter of time before Nepal follows suit.

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