Despite Gandaki Province Legalizing Cannabis Cultivation, Challenges Persist

The Gandaki Province Chief officially certified the ‘Cannabis-Related Bill’ on Monday, sparking concerns across various levels about potential conflicts with existing laws. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Law have indicated ongoing studies regarding this matter.

Although Gandaki provincial officials emphasize that the legalization of cannabis cultivation has now opened a legal pathway, several legal experts argue that the bill may not align with federal and international laws, making implementation challenging. According to the Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Parshwar Dhungana, the ministry has been tasked with studying the harmonization of laws enacted by all three levels of government.

Yashoda Rimal, Minister of Industry and Tourism of Gandaki Province, stated that official information on this matter will be published in the Nepal Gazette within the next few days. “Once published in the Gazette, the act will come into effect and related regulations and directives will be formulated accordingly. Regardless, the bill’s certification can be regarded as a legal pathway for cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes,” she said. Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatt certified the newly passed cannabis legislation by the Provincial Assembly on Monday.

Some legal professionals have expressed doubts about the commencement of cannabis cultivation in Gandaki Province, noting that the Narcotic Drugs Act, 1976 (2033 BS) remains in effect and Nepal is a party to the United Nations drug conventions. However, Minister Rimal remains confident that other laws will not pose significant obstacles, especially given that the World Health Organization has recognized the medicinal properties of cannabis. “Our bill has been submitted according to Schedule No. 20 related to provincial jurisdiction,” she explained.