Nepal province legalizes use of medical marijuana

On Monday, Nepal's Gandaki province enacted a bill permitting the cultivation and medical use of cannabis, with effects taking hold the following day. However, farmers are obligated to secure official approval from provincial authorities and will be subject to stringent oversight. Kathmandu Post reports that all members of the Gandaki assembly, comprising both ruling and opposition parties, endorsed the legislation unanimously.

Gandaki, one of Nepal's seven provinces, is renowned for its picturesque mountains, hiking paths, and the popular tourist destination, Pokhara. The province's new law sets a significant precedent in Nepal, as it stands in contrast to the national ban on the growth, possession, and use of marijuana. Personal possession can lead to a one-month prison term, while distribution and sale can result in up to 10 years imprisonment, depending on the quantity involved.

Yet, cannabis has been indigenous to Nepal, often utilized during festivals. Advocacy groups have been advocating for legislative changes to facilitate its cultivation and use. Cannabis was once integral to Nepal's culture and religious customs. Nevertheless, in the late 1970s, Nepal aligned with other countries in prohibiting marijuana and expelling the hippies who had flocked there.