Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane announced plans Friday to legalize marijuana for medicinal and industrial purposes within one month.
Lamichhane made the comments at a press conference held at Singh Darbar to review his ministry's work during its first 100 days in office.
"A policy should be made for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes and industrial purposes," Lamichhane stated. "A good legal provision will be made for that within a month."
In addition to changing laws around marijuana, the Deputy Prime Minister said research into certain aspects of medicinal and industrial marijuana use would also begin.
Lamichhane highlighted disaster preparedness as another priority for his ministry. He said work has started on establishing a national command center for disaster management.
The legal reform would allow regulated production, distribution and use of marijuana and marijuana-derived products for medicinal purposes, as well as hemp cultivation for industrial applications like textiles and construction materials.
While marijuana remains illegal for recreational use in Nepal, this policy shift could openup new economic opportunities around medicinal and industrial hemp. It would also provide regulated access for patients using medicinal marijuana to treat certain conditions.
